Adrian Curiel and Sivenathi Nontshinga Serve up a Classic in Mexico

On Friday, February 16, Sivenathi Nontshinga (13-1, 10 KOs) gained revenge against Adrian Curiel (24-5-1, 5 KOs) with a tenth-round TKO victory at the Auditorium Guelaguetza in Oaxaca, Mexico. The card was streamed live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe. The rematch occurred after Curiel stunned the South African fighter with a second-round KO.

Sivenathi Nontshinga Defeats Adrian Curiel

Nontshinga Gains Revenge With Points Win Over Curiel

The fight began with both boxers working the body, but Nontshinga looked more accurate and purposeful. The next two rounds saw brilliant pressure from Curiel, throwing thudding body shots, with the South African looking to pivot off the ropes and land counter shots. The pressure from the Mexican was the highlight of round three.

Rounds four and five saw the pressure remain from the Mexican as he whipped in hooks and landed a series of uppercuts, with Nontshinga seemingly needing to change his tactics. The middle rounds saw the South African fighter land some eye-catching short, sharp shots on the inside, but the work rate of Curiel was still high and impressive, forcing his opponent back to the ropes.

Round eight saw the “Special One” create some distance and put together some nice combinations which backed his Mexican opponent up. He backed this work up with some eye-catching work on the inside. Nontshinga again had a strong round, where he rocked Curiel with two big left hands towards the end of round nine.

The “Special One” stalked his opponent in round ten before rocking him again, which saw the referee issue a count before Nontshinga smelt blood and unloaded a flurry of punches, which made the referee wave off the fight and award the South African the 10th round TKO win and the IBF junior flyweight title.

Post Fight Quotes

In the post fight interview, Nontshinga thanked Matchroom for the opportunity. 

He explained how tough it was to return after the loss to Curiel: “I have been working so hard since I lost the title.”

“I have fought with much better boxers than him.”

“My dream is to unify the division.”

Eddie Hearn was full of praise for the tactics of Nontshinga and said: Just an incredible fight.” He continued: “It’s an incredible performance.”

Curiel vs. Nontshinga Undercard

Mauricio Lara (26-3-2, 19 KOs) fought out an entertaining majority draw against underdog Daniel Lugo (27-2-1, 18 KOs).

Arturo Cardenas (13-0-1, 8 KOs) beat Ernesto Garcia (11-4, 10 KOs by unanimous decision to win the WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title.

Sergio Chirino Sanchez (22-1, 13 KOs) dominated Dennis Contreras (24-14-1, 22 KOs) with a third-round TKO victory.

Criztez Bazaldua (4-0, 1 KO) defeated Alejandro Castillo (1-1-1, 0 KOs) with the judges scorecards reading 60-53 x3.

Federico Pacheco Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) defeated Jose Mario Tamez (4-3, 1 KOs) by unanimous decision – in their heavyweight clash.