Nonito Donaire's next fight is apparently a "chance to make a statement" with "The Filipino Flash" feeling confident about his chances when he faces Simpiwe Vetyeka with the latter's WBA featherweight title on the line. The fight will be held at Asia's boxing capital, the VenetianHotel in Macau, China.
"The Filipino Flash" spoke to the San Jose Mercury News via a phone interview and talked about the importance of the upcoming bout on Saturday night.
"It's my biggest fight to date," Donaire stated. "I have to make a statement that I'm still in the game."
Nonito Donaire's next fight aims to serve as further redemption for the 2012 Fighter of the Year. After an 11-year undefeated streak that brought him titles in three different weight divisions, "The Filipino Flash" lost to Cuban sensation Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux, in what was described by scribes and fans alike as a "boxing clinic" by "El Chacal."
He was not able to fully vindicate himself in the fight that followed, a rematch against old rival Vic Darchinyan. Although Nonito Donaire won via 9th round stoppage, Darchinyan was able to take control of the majority of the fight.
But what has given Nonito Donaire the self-assurance for his next fight is the learning experience he has gained in the past year.
"I'm starting to think again," Donaire declared. "Before I just would think of throwing a left hook. Now I'm trying to think of everything. My brain is starting to work all over again, which is good."
"My speed and power and the velocity of each punch is much greater. I feel good, I feel confident," he added.
Nonito Donaire also believes that his loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux has become a new turning point in his career.
"It made me realize I still have a lot in this game and I want to utilize all the time that I still have," Donaire added. "Now that I realize that, I'm going to reach for the highest star I can and go from there."
