Sivenathi Nontshinga Puts the Junior Flyweight Division On Notice
Reigning IBF junior flyweight champion Sivenathi “The Special One” Nontshinga (12-0, 9 KOs) is arguably the best fighter in his home country of South Africa. But the 24-year-old from Newlands, Eastern Cape, South Africa wants more for himself. He is on a quest to be the top dog at 108.
SOUNDING THE ALARM
Nontshinga was impressive in successfully defending the IBF junior flyweight title for the first time with a unanimous decision win over mandatory challenger Regie Suganob on July 2. Following the win, the defending champion said the following during the post-fight interview:
“The aim is to unify the division. The aim is to take over 108 pounds. So, they must know that there’s a new kid on the block.”
He captured the IBF title in September 2022 when he beat Hector Flores by a split decision in Mexico. Nontshinga is a talented offensive fighter. Only 24, he is blessed with hand and foot speed and has power in both hands. In his fight against Flores, The Special One showed his toughness as he had to dig deep in the late rounds to win.
FEELING READY TO FIGHT ANYONE
For Nontshinga to clean out the division, he must go through unified champion Kenshiro Teraji and WBO champion Jonathan Gonzalez. While Gonzalez has a title, he’s relatively unknown, even among hardcore heads. Teraji is more well-known with more visibility.
3kingsboxing’s Comeback Fighter of the Year in 2022, Teraji is viewed as the best fighter in the division by most followers of the lower-weight divisions. He’s coming off a ninth-round stoppage over Anthony Olascuaga in April 2023. Teraji also has aspirations of ruling the roost at 108.
There’s a scenario where you could see a showdown between Nontshinga and Teraji. The IBF champion signed a promotional deal with Matchroom in September 2022. Matchroom has the clout and resources to make such a battle. A lot of work has to be done for it to happen. But with both fighters having the same goal, if they keep winning, a unification showdown between them is a possibility at some point in 2024.
It’s something Nontshinga would love. Full of ambition and vigor, The Special One is putting anyone and everyone in the junior flyweight division on alert.
