Duncan Village boxer Simpiwe Vetyeka jets off to the United States for a five-weeks training camp as an opportunity to fight for another world title edges closer.
Vetyeka leaves with stablemate Mzuvukile Magwaca, head trainer Boy Boy Mpulampula and promoter Andile Sidinile, next Wednesday. The camp is being planned to keep Vetyeka in top condition as he is on the verge of challenging for another world title, following his elevation to number one in the WBA ratings.
Vetyeka rose up the rankings after beating Mexican Arturo Santos Reyes in East London in December, to win the WBA international featherweight crown.
And with the WBA having elevated Nicholas Walters to super champion status after beating Vetyeka’s conqueror, Nonito Donaire, the regular title has now been awarded to Argentinean Jesus Andres Cuellar, who previously owned the interim belt.
“The recent developments at the WBA regarding the featherweight division have boosted our chances of fighting for a world title,” Sidinile said. “Owing to our number ranking, we are on the verge of either challenging Walters or Cuellar depending on the WBA’s ruling.”
The Panama-based world body has been on the receiving end of fans’ fury for the proliferation of world titles in one division.
The WBA appeared to be cutting down on numerous titles in one division, insisting that there will be no regular champion anymore.
However by elevating Cuellar into a regular champion, the oldest sanctioning body appears to be continuing the trend.
For now, Vetyeka does not care whether the regular title is abolished, so long as it will afford the boxer an opportunity to stake his claim for the world championship.
“It is none of our business on how the WBA does its business. All we want is to fight for the world title,” said Vetyeka, who earned a slice of the fragmented WBA titles, when he dethroned long- time Indonesian, Chris John, of the super version of the title via a sixth round stoppage two years ago.
He then surrendered the crown to Donaire in controversial circumstances, when their clash was brought to an early end after four rounds, when Donaire sustained a nasty gash in the fight.
Since his unconvincing loss of his world title, Vetyeka has been itching to get a second bite, and after Walters knocked out Donaire in six rounds to take the title, the 33-year-old looked likely to challenge the Jamaican.
Sidinile confirmed that a clash against Walters was still possible depending on the WBA.
“ We really do not care who we fight but if we were to make a preference, Walters would be our choice.”
Although Walters poses more danger having been unbeaten with 25 fights and 21 knockouts to his name, he is a more illustrious opponent, which would translate into a better payday for Vetyeka. Sidinile said the US trip would also afford him an opportunity to clear some issues about Vetyeka’s future.
Vetyeka in line for shot at title
Vetyeka leaves with stablemate Mzuvukile Magwaca, head trainer Boy Boy Mpulampula and promoter Andile Sidinile, next Wednesday. The camp is being planned to keep Vetyeka in top condition as he is on the verge of challenging for another world title, following his elevation to number one in the WBA ratings.
Vetyeka rose up the rankings after beating Mexican Arturo Santos Reyes in East London in December, to win the WBA international featherweight crown.
And with the WBA having elevated Nicholas Walters to super champion status after beating Vetyeka’s conqueror, Nonito Donaire, the regular title has now been awarded to Argentinean Jesus Andres Cuellar, who previously owned the interim belt.
“The recent developments at the WBA regarding the featherweight division have boosted our chances of fighting for a world title,” Sidinile said. “Owing to our number ranking, we are on the verge of either challenging Walters or Cuellar depending on the WBA’s ruling.”
The Panama-based world body has been on the receiving end of fans’ fury for the proliferation of world titles in one division.
The WBA appeared to be cutting down on numerous titles in one division, insisting that there will be no regular champion anymore.
However by elevating Cuellar into a regular champion, the oldest sanctioning body appears to be continuing the trend.
For now, Vetyeka does not care whether the regular title is abolished, so long as it will afford the boxer an opportunity to stake his claim for the world championship.
“It is none of our business on how the WBA does its business. All we want is to fight for the world title,” said Vetyeka, who earned a slice of the fragmented WBA titles, when he dethroned long- time Indonesian, Chris John, of the super version of the title via a sixth round stoppage two years ago.
He then surrendered the crown to Donaire in controversial circumstances, when their clash was brought to an early end after four rounds, when Donaire sustained a nasty gash in the fight.
Since his unconvincing loss of his world title, Vetyeka has been itching to get a second bite, and after Walters knocked out Donaire in six rounds to take the title, the 33-year-old looked likely to challenge the Jamaican.
Sidinile confirmed that a clash against Walters was still possible depending on the WBA.
“ We really do not care who we fight but if we were to make a preference, Walters would be our choice.”
Although Walters poses more danger having been unbeaten with 25 fights and 21 knockouts to his name, he is a more illustrious opponent, which would translate into a better payday for Vetyeka. Sidinile said the US trip would also afford him an opportunity to clear some issues about Vetyeka’s future.
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