It wasn’t too long ago that boxers like South African IBF light flyweight champion, Sivenathi Nontshinga, would operate in the shadows. Battling away in relative anonymity, delighting their local support and hardcore fans but struggling to attract the spotlight away from the heavier weight divisions.
Boxing fans have begun to realize that bigger isn’t always better and things have changed.
Roman Gonzalez kicked down the door for smaller fighters and the likes of Juan Francisco Estrada and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai followed him through. Naoya Inoue’s destructive rise began at light flyweight and, next month, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards meet at flyweight in one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the year. The heavier weight divisions will always rake in the lions share of attention and money but there is now a definite place for exciting fighters like Nontshinga (12-0, 9 KO’s).
“I want to be the greatest. I want to be in the Hall of Fame and show the world that there are kids from Africa who can do it. Who can fight, who can box and who can be smart boxers,” said 24 year old Nontshinga, who defends his belt against Adrian Curiel (23-4-1, 4 KO’s) in Monte Carlo this weekend.
“There are such talents all around the world but a lot of the time there are no connections around the globe where you can go and expose yourself to the world. That’s what I want to do.
“I respect the likes of ‘Chocolatito’ because I grew up watching them. I always wanted to be a world champion in the light fly division because I was tiny growing up. I’ve watched a lot of boxers. Kenshiro [Teraji], Gonzalez, I grew up watching them and they were already world champions back then. I always told myself, ‘One day I will get there. I would love to fight them.’ That’s what happened to me and now I’m here.”
Michael Carbajal’s ability to end a fight in the blink of an eye earned the light flyweight champion a million dollar payday back in the 1990’s and Inoue’s power has catapulted him to boxing stardom. Nontshinga has stopped nine of his 12 opponents and feels like his right hand is the X-Factor that not only separates him from his rivals but gives him the chance to be the next breakthrough star from the lower weight divisions.
“I believe so, he told BoxingScene.com. “I always sharpen that right hand and sharpen my jab each and every day because I believe it’s a gift. Maybe it’s a gift in disguise. Now that you’ve managed to see that I’ve got something special, yes, that’s why I’m ‘The Special One.’
“I’ve always brought something different to the other young kids even when I was growing up so, yes, I feel like I am a little bit different and unique because I have this ability to just throw the right hand and make sure that he’s down on the canvas.
“I was 17 when I made my professional debut. I remember my first nine fights were KO’s up until I fought the [IBF] eliminator and that’s when they told me that I need to be more vigilant. This is boxing and you’re going to get hit and you’re going to get hurt. You must be aware each and every time and I’ve improved my game ever since then.”
Nontshinga wants more than a highlight reel of spectacular moments, he wants to solidify his reputation by unifying the light flyweight division. One of the fighters Nontshinga grew up admiring – the aforementioned Kenshiro – has become a rival. The WBA and WBC champion is seen as the man to beat at 108lbs and Nontshinga has set his sights on the Japanese star.
“To be honest, my dream passes through him because I want to become an undisputed champion, just like any other boxer,” Nontshinga said. “I want to make a mark. I want to be there for my family and I want to provide. I’m young but I am a man and I have my own dreams. I want to achieve greatness in the sport of boxing. So, yes, obviously given an opportunity I will go for it. I will grab it with both of my hands.”
Firstly, Nontshinga has business to handle this weekend. The fight with Mexico’s Curiel will be his second title defense and his first appearance in Europe. It appears to have arrived at the perfect moment in his career.
Many on top fighters come apart at the first sign of resistance but Nontshinga picked himself up off the floor to beat Christian Araneta in their IBF title eliminator and then traveled to Mexico to fight Hector Flores Calixto for the vacant belt. Everything came together that night in Hermisillo. That heavy right hand floored Flores in the second round and Nontshinga displayed toughness and guile to outlast the relentless Mexican and eke out a split decision victory.
Nontshinga is used to fighting in front of loud, excitable crowds at home in South Africa and he thrived in a partisan atmosphere in Mexico. The Casino de Monte Carlo tends to attract a different type of clientele but Nontshinga isn’t fazed, he is looking forward to winning over another new audience.
“I enjoyed it [in Mexico]. I knew that if I wanted to become a true world champion I have to go there. I had to go to Flores’ backyard and grab the title. That’s what happened,” he said.
“It’s crazy. When I grew up I wanted to become this guy who has means to just travel around the world. Monte Carlo was one of the places that was on my bucket list. I’ve always wanted to be there. I know the atmosphere is different. I’ve been fighting here at home then I went to Mexico and that was different. I don’t have stage fright at all. I like challenges. I’m a go getter. I’m a world champion and I can stand wherever, around the globe.
“I’m happy to have such big opportunities. Let’s give credit to Matchroom for making this happen. Life has been good so far and I’ve been enjoying being a world champion. I’ve been training so hard and I’m glad I’m back in the square on November 4th. I’m happy, I’m healthy and fit.”