Sports

Philippine boxing have always been headlined by Manny Pacquiao for more than a decade now and boxers like Nonito Donaire have no other choice but to trail Pacman’s shadow. What’s next for Nonito Donaire? Last time I checked him out, he won his rematch against Vic Darchinyan and the overexposed “proud-daddy-on his- newborn baby” news about him.

Top Rank Promotions owner Bob Arum substantiated the rumors that Nonito Donaire ( 32-2-0 21-knockouts )has a possibility of being a unified world titlist again and that they are preparing him to have a shot at becoming a five-division world champion. Having this kind of feat will elevate Nonito near Manny Pacquiao’s, who has titles in eight weight divisions.

Donaire won his first title by a knockout upset win over Vic Darchinyan which gave him his unified IBF and IBO flyweight titles. He then steam rolled past Fernando Montiel for the WBC and WBO bantamweight crown. Then unified his belt with the IBF when he defeated Jeffrey Mathebula. His titles were stripped to him by Guillermo Rigondeaux in a 12-round unanimous decision lackluster loss. Then Donaire moved to the featherweight division for a rematch with Vic Darchinyan where he was able to knock the Armenian out again.

Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank Inc., confirmed the fight of Donaire against the WBA/IBO featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa (26-2-0, 26 KOs). Vetyeka rose to fame by beating the then reigning champion Chris John of Indonesia. He also made the Indonesian boxing star to retire. If you can still remember, it was Chris John who gave the future hall of famer Juan Manuel Manuel Marquez one of his losses. Vetyeka is a decent power puncher who has a fast hands as well. He is also taller than Donaire, so expect Donaire to be in an unfamiliar situation come fight night since he isn’t used to fighting opponents taller than him. The said boxing event is scheduled on May 31, 2014 at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort in Macau. This is the same location where Manny Pacquaio won against Brandon Rios in November 2013.

Nonito Donaire's two recent fights weren’t attention catcher at all so he really needs to grab this opportunity and become victorious for him to catch up with the Philippine Champ, Manny Pacquiao.