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Sport minister Zizi Kodwa has applauded champion boxer Sivenathi “Special One” Nontshinga for regaining the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Light Flyweight title.
Nontshinga defeated Mexican Adrian Curiel in Mexico City to reclaim the title and become a two-time world champion.
The 25-year-old charismatic fighter, took his glory in the tenth round in front of 10 000 perplexed Mexicans in the early hours of Saturday morning, reports SowetanLIVE.
The trouble began when Nontshinga landed a well-aimed and superbly executed left hook to Curiel’s jaw, and wobbled the champion who was saved by the bell in the ninth round.
Curiel came out for the tenth round looking unsteady on his feet. Nontshinga came back with an avalanche of punches, trapping Curiel to the ropes, and the rest was history as referee Mark Calo-oy stopped the proceedings.
Minister Kodwa remarked, “Sivenathi ‘Special One’ Nontshinga has displayed true character to regain the IBF World Light Flyweight title against Adrian Curiel.
Special One is an excellent fighter and a model professional who exemplifies the best of South African boxing.”
Minister Kodwa added, “When I spoke to Special One before the fight, he was confident of regaining the title, saying ‘Ndizobuya nayo mkhuluwa, I am ready’.
I would like to congratulate Special One for regaining the world title. You continue to raise the country’s flag sky high and have made us all so proud.”
In a message to the South African boxing fraternity, Minister Kodwa said, “I would like to once again express my commitment to stabilise boxing in South Africa and to bring the sport back to its glory days. We will soon make announcements in this regard.”
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A statement from Boxing SA read; “It goes without saying that The Special One has restored the dignity of South African boxing once again.
“After losing the same title from the same boxer, Sive and his team were confident that the title will come back home, and they did exactly that.
“It gives us great joy for him to be crowned the two-time IBF World Champion as he predicted before the fight. His resilience, dedication, hard work, commitment and focus delivered the second world title for him.”
