Donaire out to bounce back from ‘dark’ 2013 as he battles Vetyeka

PHOTO from Top Rank Boxing Twitter account

MANILA, Philippines — Nonito Donaire Jr. is out to bounce back from a 2013 “covered in darkness,” starting by conquering Simpiwe Vetyeka on Saturday night.

Donaire said on Thursday during the final press conference for Donaire vs Vetyeka at the Venetian Hotel in Macao, China that this fight is a “new beginning” for him.

“2013 was a year that was covered in darkness. But that’s how life is. Like yin and yang. Life is much appreciated when there’s negative so you can appreciate the positivity of life. For me, this is my new beginning,” the “Filipino Flash” said at the dais.

Donaire ended 2013 with a ninth round stoppage of Vic Darchinyan in their 10-round non-title featherweight rematch although it still couldn’t erase the memory of his bitter defeat to Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux earlier that year.

But in his redemption bid, Donaire faces a tough Vetyeka, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion, as an underdog.

“With Vetyeka, he’s an amazing fighter and we understand what he’s capable of,” said Donaire. “For us, this is a statement regardless whether I have it or not. It’s something that everyone will be excited to see and will find out on Saturday.

Trainer Nonito Donaire Sr. is also confident that the younger Donaire has the firepower to engage the South African boxer.

“Nonito trained like a solider for this fight. He’ll bring a lot of bullets for this fight,” he said.

Donaire-Vetyeka headlines an explosive card at Cotai Arena which also includes the WBA world featherweight fight between Nicholas Walters and Darchinyan, the former Donaire rival.

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