Why the latest world title success is more special to Sivenathi Nontshinga

Nontshinga was speaking to the media at the OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park today, after his arrival from Mexico, where he knocked out Adrian Curiel in the 10th round to reclaim his title. 

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Nontshinga, had lost to Curiel only in November last year, also via a knockout in the second round in Monaco. 

The East London born two-time world champion says losses don’t define anyone.

''You know the loss, I appreciate it way more - that's because I'm not the person I was a year ago. I have grown, so that's why I always emphasize that you have to take your losses on the chin, chip up and put your shoulder high and be proud of your losses. The losses make us the people that we are,'' said Nontshinga.

This was also echoed by Nontshinga’s father Themba Gopheni, who also happens to have been his first boxing trainer from the age of seven when he started boxing. Gopheni who was also in his son’s corner.

''This one is special, even better than the first one. We are coming from a loss, this gave us a lot of mixed feelings, with Sive we didn't know what will the outcome be.''

''But we pushed him hard in the gym, and made sure he understands how big this opportunity is. He is a warrior, a lion and one of the best boxers I have ever seen - he's grown in every fight,'' said Gopheni.

Nontshinga’s success also comes hot on the heels of Bafana Bafana returning from the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament with a bronze medal and the Springboks having retained their World Cup title last year. 

Nontshinga is proud to be associated with the success of these other big sporting codes in the country.

''I feel grateful and happy. Achievements make me humble, seeing that I have lost before, but I'm happy to raise the flag and carry it on my shoulders,'' concluded Nontshinga.

Nontshinga’s strategy going to this fight was to absorb pressure in the first half of the bout and come back later to topple Curiel, after they had noticed that he struggles to go the full distance. 

The 25-year old says preparing this fight plan with his trainer and manager Colin Nathan did not come easy.

Just a few weeks ago veteran South African boxer Jackson Chauke won the vacant IBO flyweight title at the age of 38, as he defeated British boxer Quaise Khademi on unanimous points decision. 

This past weekend, it was Nontshinga’s turn to also triumph in a hostile environment in Mexico, something he was achieving for the second time in that country. 

Acting Boxing South Africa (BSA) CEO Mandla Ntlanganiso says this is the bravery they want to see from South African boxers.