by Ronnie Nathanielsz
Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire promised an "explosion" when he seeks a world title in a fifth weight division against WBA super champion Simpiwe "V12" Vetyeka of South Africa at the maginificent Cotai Arena of the classy Venetian Resort Hotel
and Casino on Saturday.
A supremely confident Vetyeka said he didn't mind being sidelined during the grand welcome for the fighters on Wednesday. Donaire told krikya360.com/Manila Standard "they were mad because I was the center of attraction although he is the champion.
Donaire said he believes Vetyeka was upset and would try to take it out on him in the ring which Nonito said would work to his own advantage.
After a public workout before the official press conference today. Vetyeka told this reporter and Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN "I know he is the big name and I don't mind that he got the attention. I will prove that although I am the underdog I am better than him."
The South African who won the title with a stunning stoppage of longtime champion Chris John of Indonesia who had 17 straight successful title defenses late last year in Western Australia said he had "trained hard for three months. I know Nonito (after watching him beat Moruti Mthalane in a flyweight title defense) and I like his style. He is a nice boxer. I chose him when I didn't have to but he is a big name and I want to beat him and become a bigger name."
He revealed that Donaire's camp and many in the media think that his potent weapon is the right hand but he said "I will surprise them with my left to the body because I have power in both hands."
While he knows that Donaire's left hook is deadly he also knows "he will throw his left hook over my right but I am ready and will beat him to the punch because I am fast."
Donaire's former trainer Robert Garcia who is here as trainer of IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich met with Nonito, his wife Rachel and his father/trainer "Dodong" Donaire Sr last night and praised "Dodong stating, "he has done a good job and I am supporting Nonito's career."
Garcia diclosed "I will be in his corner. If he needs me to do anything to help, I will be more than happy."
The 2012 "Trainer of the Year" warned that Vetyeka "is a very awkward fighter. He's got experience and if Nonito doesn't fight smart, he could be in trouble."
However, Garcia pointed out that Donaire "is a very smart fighter" and against the awkward Vetyeka "he could feint and make his opponent throw punches and then counter. If he does that, moves in and out and stays on his toes, he should be able to stop this guy (Vetyeka), maybe hurt him and take him out."
Garcia advised Donaire "to stay in front of Vetyeka but not too close. Go in and out and wait for Vetyeka to throw punches and then counter. Nonito has tremendous power and one punch could end the fight. "
Although he was five pounds over the 126 limit when working out last night, Garcia agreed with Donaire and his dad that making weight "should not be a problem", He added "when I saw Nonito he looked very healthy. He looks good."
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