Wilfredo Vazquez not awed by Nonito Donaire’s status

MANILA, Philippines – Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., acknowledged what a “great athlete” Nonito Donaire Jr. is, but the Puerto Rican former WBO super bantamweight champion said the Filipino-American is not “a superhero.”

The 27-year-old from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, trying to move out of the shadow of his three-division world champion father, told Boxingscene.com upon arrival in San Antonio, Texas, Tuesday that he feels confident of regaining the 122-lb WBO crown.

Donaire, who is ranked highly in most pound-for-pound lists, arrived in San Antonio ahead of Vasquez in preparation for their Feb. 4 title bout at the Alamodome.

“It’s a challenge, no question,” Vazquez, who lost the title to Mexican Jorge Arce last year, was quoted as saying. “But it’s also a chance to demonstrate what I’m capable of. Most important is that I get the chance to fight for my title, which belongs to me.

“He (Donaire) is a great athlete, but not a superhero like they want him to be. But he’s humble and demonstrated good vibes when we met. He’s earned what he has but anyone can be beat.”

Vazquez also downplayed reports that he initially didn’t meet the weight during a pre-weigh-in last week, and told the website that he’s now at 129 lb five days before the fight.