South Africa’s Sivenathi Nontshinga travels to Mexico where he meets Adrian Curiel Dominguez for the IBF light flyweight title at the Guelaguetza Auditorium in Oaxaca on Friday night
.This is a rematch as Nontshinga (12-1; 9), who is now rated at No 5, lost his title in a major upset in Monaco in November last year, when Curiel knocked out the South African with a big right hand in the second round. This was Nontshinga’s first loss as a professional.
With a record of 24-4-1; 5 it was against the odds as Curiel is not a big puncher with only a 17 per cent knockout ratio.
Nontshinga won the vacant IBF title in Mexico in September 2022 on a split decision after scoring a knockdown in the last round against Hector Flores, so is no stranger to Mexico.
He made a successful defence in East London last July, outscoring Regie Suganob, before losing the title to Curiel.
It has been reported that the winner will meet IBF flyweight champion, Sunny Edwards next.
Speaking to Nontshinga’s trainer Colin Nathan, he said they were confident in regaining the title.
The other main organisation champions are Kenshiro Teraji (WBA/WBC) and Jonathan Gonzalez (WBO).
South African boxing needs another world champion as the only reigning world champions are Ricardo Malajika (IBO junior bantamweight) and Jackson Chauke (IBO flyweight). No South African fighter holds one of the major four organisation titles.