After being declared the new world featherweight champion through a victory via technical decision, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is still hungry for another win against Simpiwe Vetyeka.
Donaire took home the title after all three judges scored the bout 49-46 in his favor. However, after taking a headbutt in the first round, he suffered a bad cut above his left eye.
The new champion said that the attack had left him “out of it” in the rounds that followed. He even registered a knockdown in the fourth round, but before the fifth round started, Donaire told the referee that he could no longer see.
This ended the fight, with Donaire still being granted the victory, despite his injuries.
Not satisfied with the way the match played out, “The Filipino Flash” wants to grant an immediate rematch with Vetyeka.
“Me and Vetyeka need to do this all over again, because he is an amazing fighter, and I want to congratulate him for being an amazing fighter,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get an amazing fight for you guys all over again.”
Vetyeka welcomed Donaire’s invitation and Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum, who promoted the fight, said they will do the rematch “as soon as possible”.
After having returned to the Philippines, Donaire expressed his thanks to all his supporters. He assured them that, despite awaiting a rematch, he went all out, saying, “I’m happy to know that I gave it all that I got.”
When asked about how he will be taking on what’s ahead of him, Donaire promised his fans that they’d see a faster and stronger version of himself. “That’s the game plan—to get better and better and better for each fight.”
Arum suggested in an interview with ABS-CBN News that the Donaire-Vetyeka rematch may be held in November, also in Macau–possibly as part of the fight card for the next fight date of Manny Pacquiao.