Nonito Donaire vs. Simpiwe Vetyeka: Tentatively set for May 10 in Macau

After a disappointing 2013 that saw him lose against Guillermo Rigondeaux and rally to stop Vic Darchinyan, Nonito Donaire will likely make his 2014 debut in Macau on May 10. His opponent will be Simpiwe Vetyeka, the man who dealt Chris John his first loss in December via sixth round stoppage when John didn't come out for the seventh. Initially, Vetyeka was going to have a contractually-obligated rematch with John, but John retired.

According to Boxing Scene's Ronnie Nathanielsz, Bob Arum will meet with executives of the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Macua next Wednesday to finalize the deal.

I will admit to not having seen a lot of Vetyeka. From what I have seen he is a tough, active fighter who can apply pressure and fight backing up when he has to. He also be lazy with his technique at times. Admittedly, John looked a bit slower in his fight with Vetyeka and didn't look like he was taking punches well, the sign of being over-the-hill. If Donaire is on his game, he looked flat and disinterested against Darchinyan, he should be able to handle Vetyeka.

This is also another event that Top Rank will be staging in Macau after holding the Manny Pacquiao - Brandon Rios card there in November. It looks like they are sincere in investing there, and Donaire is of Asian descent which probably had influence with taking this fight there as well.