Sivenathi Nontshinga aiming for unification after voluntary IBF title defence

In his next fight, Nontshinga will be defending his IBF junior-flyweight world title against Mexican boxer Adrian Curiel Dominguez in Monte Carlo, Monaco on 4 November 2023. 

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The 24-year-old, who will be looking to successfully defend his crown for a second time, says this is the fight he had to take before thinking of a unification world title shot against Kenshiro Teraji.

"He's rated number 11 and I'm due a voluntary defence, so we watched his tapes and he's good as a Mexican, but I'm 'The Special One', you know," Nontshinga told SABC Sport.

"We didn't want to miss the opportunity to do a voluntary defence again, so I'll be ready for anything. As you know, Kenshiro and I were promoted by the same promotion [house] and it won't be a big deal to just do it, so that's the aim."

Nontshinga claimed his world title approximately a year ago when he beat another Mexican boxer Hector Flores on points – a fight that was declared ‘Fight of the Year’ by the International Boxing Federation. 

Fighting at least twice a year is something Nontshinga wants to make standard procedure for himself at this level.

"That's the aim, I want to fight twice a year, so this year has been so good to me – I've not cried so much, everything that I planned for happened," he added.

"So, I just feel so grateful and blessed, having a strong team and strong back-up, people who believe in me since day one, so it's time now to go and show the world who the real 'Special One' is."