Vetyeka vs. Donaire: Analyzing Tale of the Tape and Fighters' Styles

Simpiwe Vetyeka is looking to pull his second-straight stunning upset when he faces Nonito Donaire in Macao, China, on Saturday night.

Vetyeka dominated previously unbeaten Indonesian legend Chris John in his last fight. In the process, Vetyeka captured the WBA Super World Featherweight Championship.

Now he faces Donaire in what will be an interesting bout stylistically. Donaire knows this is a huge fight for him.

There are those who believe his time as a pound-for-pound great are over. According to Lem Satterfield of Ring Magazine, Knockout Nation's Andreas Hale said this of Donaire:

"

It's obvious that Nonito Donaire isn't the same fighter who was considered the heir to Manny Pacquiao's throne and had a stellar 2012 campaign.

"

With that concept as motivation, Donaire seems intent upon proving the doubters wrong.

Donaire spoke about the fight at Thursday's pre-fight press conference in Macao. Per Karl Freitag of FightNews.com, Donaire said:

"

2013 was a year I would say was covered in darkness, but that’s how life is…for me this is a new beginning with Vetyeka. He’s an amazing fighter and we understand what he’s capable of. For us this is a statement, regardless of whether I have it or not. And that’s something everyone will be excited to see. And we’ll find out Saturday.

"

Donaire looked good at the weigh-in, as you can see below. Now it's time to show and prove in the ring.

Here's a look at the Tale of the Tape and analysis of the matchup.

(Information per BoxRec.com. Donaire profile, Vetyeka profile.)

Donaire	Category	Vetyeka
32	Wins	26
2	Losses	2
0	Draws	0
21	KO	16
5'5.5"	Height	5'7"
126	Weight	125.5
68"	Reach	67.5"
Philippines	Country	South Africa

Experience

Aaron Favila/Associated Press

Donaire has more overall experience, and he also has more world championship rounds.

The Filipino Flash has 79 rounds fighting for or defending a world title. Vetyeka has just 18 if you count his 12-round battle with Daud Cino Yordan for the IBO crown.

Macao has proved to be a friendly spot for Filipino fighters of late. Manny Pacquiao bouts in Macao have seemed almost like fights in Manilla for him because of the largely pro-Pacquiao crowd.

Expect Donaire to have a similar following. That makes the environment all the more in his favor.

Length

Even though Vetyeka is an inch-and-a-half taller, Donaire's reach is a half-inch longer.

Thus there should be no real advantage for either man here. Jeffrey Mathebula gave Donaire some problems with his jab and length. But Mathebula is 5'11" with a reach of 72 inches.

Vetyeka clearly won't have that type of an advantage with his jab.

Power

Vetyeka isn't really a one-punch-knockout type of fighter, but he does have some pop. He batters opponents and can stop them with cumulative punishment. This is how he took apart John.

Can he find Donaire—a more elusive target—as frequently?

We'll find out on Saturday, but one thing is for sure, Vetyeka must beware of Donaire's nasty left hook in the process. 

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

Donaire proved he still has the thunder to stop an opponent with one shot.

That's what he did against Vic Darchinyan, and Vetyeka must be careful not to fall prey to Donaire's power.

Speed

Even if Donaire has lost a bit of the zip on his punches, he's still quicker than Vetyeka. The champion isn't a plodder, but his punches are clearly more methodical and take more time getting from point A to B.

Because of this dynamic, Vetyeka is better-suited closing the distance and making the fight more of a brawl.

Styles Make Fights

In recent bouts, Donaire has been looking to land the one big shot to end the night. In his prime, he was more of a boxer-puncher.

Having returned his father to his training camp, the two promise The Filipino Flash will get back to his original style.

Donaire Sr. told reporters at the pre-fight press conference, per Box Nation/East Side Boxing:

"

Nonito got away from what made him great – his speed and footwork in combination with his power. Last year he just came forward, didn’t move his head and relied too much on his power, and that’s exactly the wrong way to fight a pure boxer like Rigondeaux as we all saw.

"

If Donaire can return to his roots as a sticker and mover, Vetyeka won't have much of a chance.

Theron Kirkman/Associated Press

The champion needs his opponent in front of him to have success. Lateral movement will give Donaire the angles and accentuate the speed advantage.

All signs point to a Donaire win, but this is boxing and anything can happen.

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