Johannesburg – South African IBO featherweight title challenger Simpiwe Vetyeka probably never dreamt he would be fighting before a crowd of more than 80,000 spectators during any stage of his career.
But that is the size of the crowd that is expected at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Sunday night.
The 27 year-old Vetyeka takes on IBO champion Daud Cino Yourdan in what will be his second attempt to annex a major international title.
“Okay, it's not the Yourdan-Vetyeka fight that has the whole of Jakarta in a fever pitch of excitement,” said the South African challenger's trainer, Nick Durandt.
“But the appearance in the other title bout on the programme of WBA super featherweight champion, Chris John, who is nothing short of a national hero in Indonesia.
“John has been the WBA champion for more than 10 years,” added Durandt.
“He is worshipped in boxing-mad Indonesia and the stadiums are invariably packed to capacity every time he fights.”
Durandt said the massive crowd, would be behind Yourdan as well and would make Vetyeka's task infinitely more difficult – and would test his temperament and determination to the full.
“But I never take on a fight for any of my boxers that I don't expect to win,” said Durandt.
“This one is no different from any of the other fights.”
Vetyeka had been “the victim of a dicey decision” when he previously fought for the WBC title and he had waited more than three years for the chance of another title shot.
With a career record of 24 wins and only two defeats, Vetyeka is well-equipped to upset the speedy, deceptive 25 year-old Yourdan, who has been beaten only twice in his 32 fights. – Sapa