Tete calls Mayweather Sr. his x-factor for Donaire fight

Tete will take on Nonito Donaire in the WBSS seminfinals this weekend.

As bantamweight fighter Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) gets ready to take on Nonito Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs) in the World Boxing Super Series’ semifinal round this weekend, the South African fighter has been spending time training out of Las Vegas, getting pointers from Floyd Mayweather Sr.

“I’ve been out in Las Vegas and it’s been very enjoyable. Mayweather Sr. has been the x-factor which has psychologically uplift us to another level, he’s the last piece of the puzzle we needed for this fight.”

Tete will square off with Donaire in Lafayette, Louisiana with Tete coming in on a 12-fight win streak. Tete, 31, most recently took a decision over Mikhail Aloyan last October and says he expects Donaire to put up a tough fight.

“I’m expecting a very good challenge from Nonito Donaire,” said Tete. “He may be coming to the end of his career but he is still a dangerous fighter operating at a high level, but it will be me who will come out on top in the fight. I’m in a really good place right now, feeling fit, feeling powerful and I can’t wait for the fight.”

Donaire, 36, has certainly seen his best days pass him by but has recently moved back down to the bantamweight division where he had his most success. Donaire appears to be trying to recapture something that may no longer be there, but he’s still a capable fighter with plenty of experience. Donaire most recently stopped Ryan Burnett in Glasgow last November and looks to keep the ball rolling in this outing.