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In pursuit of another successful International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title defence, South African boxing sensation Sivenathi Nontshinga is poised to retain his crown against Mexican challenger Andrian Curiel Dominguez.
Nontshinga, affectionately known as the “Special One”, will make his second title defence against Dominguez at Salle Medecin in Monte Carlo, Monaco in France on Saturday.
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In his first outing abroad, Nontshinga dethroned Hector Flores last August in Mexico.
Nontshinga and Dominguez will battle it out at the same bill where Joe Cordina will defend his IBF Super Featherweight world title against highly-rated American rival Edward Vazquez.
Nontshinga told City Press:
The reigning Boxing South Africa fighter of the year also shared his experience of how it feels to compete abroad.
“Fighting in a foreign soil is an amazing experience I had mixed feelings the first time; I was overwhelmed and a bit nervous at the same time. However, I have managed to put out a victory against a local opponent [Flores in Mexico] because I know what I wanted to achieve, which was to be crowned a world champion."
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Nontshinga, who hails from Newlands in the Eastern Cape but he’s based in Johannesburg, said being the only credible world champion in Africa motivates him to work hard and achieve more.
It is not about me now, everything I do I do it for Africa. Turning 25th in December, I’m still young and can achieve any goal I put my sight on. I always set myself a big goal and to become a world champion was one of them. Now the focus is to conquer the world.”
After the South African champion outpointed Dominguez’ compatriot, Flores, last August to lift the vacant crown, Nontshinga went on to successfully defend the crown against Regie Suganob in July at Orient Theatre in East London.
Said his trainer-manager Colin “Nomakanjani” Nathan:
“Preparations have been going really well. Sive is looking sharp. We are expecting to produce a good, solid performance with him winning and retaining his world title impressively.
As for his thoughts on their challenger, Dominguez, the award-winning boxing mentor said: “He is a strong and an aggressive boxer who likes to switch hits, [but] he does not give us sleepless nights.
