Sivenathi Nontshinga is driven by ambition to become a two-time world champion in Mexico

Sivenathi Nontshinga is driven by ambition to become a two-time world champion in Mexico

As former IBF junior-flyweight world champion Sivenathi “Special One” Nontshinga attempts to regain his world title this evening (tomorrow morning SA Time) in Mexico, he’s banking on the experience of having fought and achieved his dream in the same ring.

Nontshinga is challenging Mexican Adrian Curiel Dominguez, who stopped him in the second round in Monaco in November last year, in a fight that is set to take place at the Guelaguetza Auditorium, in the city of Oaxaca. Only aged 25, the prospect of becoming a two-time world champion is another inspiration behind Nontshinga going to this fight.

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 ''I'm only 25 years of age, being a two-time world champion is such a great achievement. I'm looking forward to this one and I don't feel the pressure at all, said Nontshinga.

This is Nontshinga’s second visit to Mexico, he won this title in September 2022, as he handed another Mexican boxer Hector Flores his first career defeat.

Armed with the experience of having done it away from home and in a hostile environment, Nontshinga is confident that he can do it again.

''I have learnt a lot of stuff about me, about the sport and about life in general. I know that I can fall down just like anybody, and I believe that falling down is a part of life.''

''I'm back, and I will become a world champion once again,'' added Nontshinga.

 Nontshinga comes from the best boxing stable in the country, the Hotbox gym under South Africa’s leading boxing trainer and manager Colin Nathan. Having worked with the best sparring partners and well-decorated former credible world champions like Hekkie Budler, Moruthi Mthalane, and DeeJay Kriel, he’s comfortable that he has had a very good champ for the special fight against Curiel.

''I love challenges, and love to swim with the big fishes. I always want to test myself and know that not even the sky is the limit, he concluded.

The Mdantsane-born boxer has been in camp for the past three months since he lost his title in Monte Carlo, spotting ginger hair this time around, Nontshinga is promising an exciting yet disciplined approach fighting style in Mexico.