TRAINER Vuyani Bungu says his wife has given him her blessing to accompany Simpiwe Vetyeka to China to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Super featherweight title against Filipino Nonito Donaire on May 31.
Bungu?s wife Yoliswa was in a car crash in Mdantsane on Thursday. Bungu, who has trained Vetyeka in his preparations for the Donaire fight, skipped the session to be at her side. His assistant, Boyboy Mpulampula, took over.
Despite the accident, Bungu?s wife insisted he not abandon Vetyeka before his title defence.
“I took her to the doctor and she is fine,” said the softly-spoken Bungu. “She suffered mostly from shock, but to tell you the truth I don?t know how she survived, judging by the damage to the car.”
Bungu, Vetyeka, Mpulampula, camp co-ordinator Zukisa Dlulisa and manager Andile Sdinile leave for Hong Kong on Tuesday. They will spend a week there before proceeding to Macau on May 26.
Bungu, former 13 times International Boxing Federation junior featherweight champion, described Vetyeka as a mature person who knows what he wants. “He is very disciplined,” he said. ??You arrange a meeting with him and he will be there. You take him to a certain level of training and he does not complain. That motivates you as a trainer. It is actually a pleasure working with him.” Vetyeka gave up the International Boxing Organisation strap to focus on the WBA Super Diadem he won from Indonesian boxer Chris John in Australia in December.
Vetyeka is fortunate to have a trainer of Bungu?s quality, who knows what it takes to survive in the big fights. ??I don?t doubt Vetyeka even for a (minute). Yes, Donaire has been in big fights, but that does not mean that he is unbeatable. Look, Vetyeka is in his own league. I can simply say to you that our preparations have been going well. We have big plans that will be revealed on the night of the fight.”
Mpulampula said Vetyeka had sparred with a variety of opponents since training started in February.
Vetyeka, who goes by the moniker “V12”, predicted a clean knockout win against the former multiple world boxing champion from the Philippines. “I?ve been working on improving my advantage ? hand speed, size and boxing ability,” said the dexterous fighter.
HBO will televise the fight.
