In an electrifying showdown at the Auditorium Guelaguetza in Oaxaca, Mexico, Sivenathi Nontshinga (13-1, 10 KOs) reclaimed the IBF light flyweight title with a decisive tenth-round knockout over Adrian Curiel (24-5-1, 5 KOs) on Friday night. The intense bout was marked by Nontshinga’s relentless pressure and a dramatic turn of events that saw him avenge his previous defeat to Curiel.
From the opening bell, Nontshinga set a ferocious pace, overwhelming Curiel with his aggression and power. Despite a point deduction for a head-butt in the fifth round, Nontshinga’s determination remained unshaken. Curiel, showing the same power that secured him a victory in their first encounter in Monte Carlo last November, initially seemed on course for a repeat performance. However, Nontshinga’s improved resilience and strategy began to shift the momentum in his favor as the fight progressed.
The pivotal moment came late in the ninth round when Nontshinga landed a significant left to Curiel’s head, followed by a barrage of punches that nearly stopped the champion in his tracks as the round concluded. In the tenth, Nontshinga resumed his assault with a flurry of unrelenting attacks, prompting the referee to intervene with a standing eight count for Curiel before ultimately halting the bout. This victory not only secured Nontshinga’s redemption but also reinstated him as the IBF light flyweight champion, marking a triumphant return to the top of the division.
The co-main event featured a competitive clash between super featherweights Mauricio Lara (26-3-2, 19 KOs) and Daniel Lugo (27-2-1, 18 KOs), which concluded in a ten-round draw. The judges’ scores reflected the closely fought battle, with two scoring the bout 95-95 and one favoring Lugo 96-94. Both fighters exchanged heavy blows throughout the contest, showcasing their resilience and determination in an evenly matched-encounter.
Image Credit: DAZN