By Chris Williams: Nonito Donaire (32-2, 21 KO’s) will be back in the ring this Saturday night challenging WBA Super World featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka (26-2, 16 KO’s) for his title at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao, Macao S.A.R., China. Donaire’s promoter Bob Arum lined him up with a title shot in the weight class despite Donaire never having fought a legitimate featherweight before.
Donaire fought at featherweight in his last fight, but that was against super bantamweight Vic Darchinyan, who Donaire dragged up to the featherweight division for his so-called first fight at featherweight. It’s always nice to be able to fight smaller guys in a new weight class, I guess.
“You’ll see a different guy out there from what you saw when I fought (Guillermo) Rigondeaux and Vic (Darchinyan),” said Donaire said to Philboxing.com. “It’ll be an exciting fight. I don’t feel much pressure. You’ve got to love what you’re doing and I love fighting. You go and execute what you work hard for. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes.”
I don’t see how Donaire can be any different than he was in his last two fights. If he wasn’t different for his fight against 38-year-old Darchinyan last November, then I don’t see how Donaire will be any “different” 6 months later. If there was any improvement in Donaire’s game, he would have shown it after his loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux, wouldn’t you think?
“I know what Vetyeka can do. I can’t wait to get in the ring. If Vetyeka runs, I’ll go after him. If he comes in, I’m ready for that, too. If he wants to engage, I’ll engage,” Donaire said.
I think it’s safe to say that Donaire won’t have to chase after Vetyeka on Saturday night, because he’s not someone that’s going to be running. Vetykeka is a pretty aggressive fighter, and if anyone in this fight is going to be running, I think it’ll be Donaire. I think it might be wise for Donaire to get on his bike on Saturday night and stay on it because he’ll take much punishment if he stands and trades with this guy. Vetyeka is bigger than Donaire, and he’s a real featherweight and not someone that is moving up in weight. Vetyeka likes to throw a lot of punches, and he’s going to be testing Donaire’s chin.
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