FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — It won’t be a walk in the park for Nonito Donaire Jr.
Word on the Internet said South African WBA super and IBO featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka (26-2-0, with 16 knockouts) is facing cash troubles which could be a powerful motivation when he fights Donaire on May 31 title fight in Macau.
Donaire (32-2-0, with 21 KOs) will gun for a fourth division title against Vetyeka, who earned a big break when he inflicted a first career defeat on Indonesian star Chris John last December.
Though experts believe Donaire is merely priming up for a mega fight with the more popular fighters in the division, Vetyeka’s reported problem makes him a very dangerous nemesis.
Donaire, who appeared to have lost his fire in the past two fights after reaching star status, posted a picture on Facebook and Twitter while working on the big bag at 11 p.m. in his home in Las Vegas.
But Vetyeka’s hunger for fame and fortune should put Donaire on his toes. The Filipino said he is in a much better shape than when he fought and lost to Cuban stylist Guillermo Rigondeaux before narrowly beating old foe Vic Darchinyan.
According to Citypress.com.sa, Vetyeka owes his two former trainers a considerable amount.
But Vetyeka denied the reports, saying his former trainers were just jealous of his recent success.
He said landing the big fight against the certified Filipino ring star would surely improve his lot.
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