SIMPHIWE Vetyeka will become the first South African boxer in more than 10 years to win a mega-bout if he beats Filipino star Nonito Donaire in Macau on Saturday.
His WBA featherweight crown will be on the line against the US-based fighter, a former multiple champion.
Who was the last SA fighter to score a big victory?
Corrie Sanders, when he smashed Wladimir Klitschko inside two rounds for the WBO heavyweight crown in March 2003.
How good is Donaire?
Like his countryman, Manny Pacquiao, he started out as a flyweight, lifting the IBF crown in that division in 2007 before claiming more world titles at junior-bantamweight, bantamweight and junior-featherweight. He boasts victories over Vic Darchinyan, Jorge Arce, Omar Narvaez and Fernando Montiel. Last year, he suffered a shock defeat to Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux, who was a novice in the paid ranks.
How good is Vetyeka?
Some argue he is SA’s best pound-for-pound fighter at the moment. He annexed the belt from the previously unbeaten Chris John. It was a good win, but the 34-year-old Indonesian icon was past his best.
How many SA fighters have faced Donaire?
Two. Moruti Mthalane challenged him in 2008, but lost on cuts in the sixth round. Jeffrey Mathebula suffered a broken jaw in his points loss in their unification bout in 2012.
Does Vetyeka stand a chance?
The concern is that it was Donaire who chose to fight Vetyeka as opposed to the South African doing the picking. Donaire may be the challenger, but he is the big name and he had other options available to him. He opted to face Vetyeka, so he presumably fancies his chances.
Who will have the advantage?
Vetyeka is slightly taller, but he will have to find a way to cope with Donaire’s speed. Vetyeka takes a good crack, so expect him to go the distance. But I’d probably go for Donaire on points.
