By Ronnie Nathanielsz

WORLD Boxing Association featherweight super champion Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa predicts his title defense against 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito Donaire is going to be a tough fight.

“With Donaire, the former RING and multi-division world champion, it is always going to be tough. But I am ready to defend my titles (WBA and International Boxing Organization) and be recognized as the best in the world. I cannot wait for May 31 to come and showcase my talent and abilities against one of the best fighters in the world. It is going to be an interesting fight,” said Vetyeka in an interview with Anson Wainright of RING Magazine.

The champ believes he could overcome the Filipino’s strengths and capitalize on his weaknesses.

“I am not going to divulge these (game-plan) as they are my secret weapon going into the fight. But I can only say Donaire is known for his speed, power and explosiveness - these can be neutralized by any means,” he said.

Referring to Donaire’s patented left hook that helped him come back from being down on the scorecards of all three judges in his first fight as a featherweight against Vic Darchinyan, Veyteka said: “He is known to have a big left hook and being a great counter puncher, that too can be worked on. The fight will be won by anyone who takes his chances and makes less mistakes.”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum was in Hong Kong Tuesday morning and was expected to take the  ferry for Macau and be at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino within an hour or two.

“The Donaire-Vetyeka fight will be a great fight on a great show. All the three featherweight fights will be tremendous,” Arum told the Manila Standard, indicating that he would match the winners against each other in the future.