For the first time in many years South Africa has a world champion from one of the main organisations. Sivenathi “The Special One” from the Eastern Cape won the vacant IBF light flyweight belt in a closely fought and gruelling encounter against Hector “Baby Bull” Flores of Mexico, on a 12-round split decision at the Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Mexico, on Saturday night.
The scores were 116-114 and 114-113 for Nontshinga and 115-112 for Flores.
This was an outstanding performance by Nontshinga, who had to go into Mexico against the homeboy and take the title.
Nontshinga, who was listed at No 1 by the IBF, scored a knockdown in the second round but the rugged No 3 rated Flores came back as he attacked to the head and body throughout.
Flores, 29, was cut on the forehead after a clash of heads but the South African, who was in fine condition, never stopped punching to take the belt after an entertaining encounter.
Nontshinga, 23, became the only current South African fighter to hold one of the main organisation titles and claimed a South African record of winning a main organisation title after only 11 fights.
Nontshinga improved his record to 11-0; 9 and Flores’s record dropped to 20-1-4; 10.