NONITO Donaire Jr. and Simpiwe Vetyeka pose for photographers. MARC ANTHONY REYES
MACAU—Nonito Donaire Jr., didn’t make any prediction but stressed he will be firing “high velocity” punches when he challenges WBA champion Simpiwe Vetyeka for the South African’s featherweight title here Saturday.
“I am more focused, you can say that I’m in a much better shape, probably twice as fit as my last fight,” said Donaire Thursday during the event’s final press conference.
His father, back as his chief trainer after years of separation, said the 31-year-old Donaire “trained like a soldier, and rest assured that he’s coming in with lots of bullets.”
The rhetorics hardly fazed Vetyeka, who reportedly raised eyebrows because he was called in second to the last by the emcee and was placed in the far end of the photo line during Wednesday’s grand arrivals.
“I think they know what’s coming for him,” Vetyeka said, holding his belt as he worked the crowd up at the Milan Ballroom of Venetian Hotel and Casino.
The previous night, Donaire allowed Filipino mediamen into his late-night workout. He said he had no problem with his weight although somebody from his camp bared he’s still six pounds over the 126-lb limit.
“No I’m good, my weight is okay. In fact, I ate here. I had rice although in arroz caldo form,” said Donaire, who was in sweat-inducing sauna suits and leggings as he worked on his routine atop the ring.