By Linda Ximba
South African boxer Sivenathi Nontshinga has received a boost ahead of his IBF junior flyweight title defence against Reggie Suganob.
The Eastern Cape boxer scooped one of the top IBF awards for 2022 after his split decision victory for the body’s junior-flyweight world title was named Fight of the Year.
Nontshinga first dropped Hector Flores in the second round before going all the way to shock the audience in Mexico to become the country’s only holder of a mainstream belt.
His manager Colin Nathan said the IBF will fly the boxer to its annual convention in Chicago in May.
The last South African boxer to win an IBF award for Fight of the Year was Zolani Tete for his 2013 title eliminator against Juan Carlos Sanchez, also in Mexico.
Nontshinga’s father Thembani said they were over the moon about receiving the IBF accolade.
“He is excited and vindicated. We knew at some stage in his career he would get recognition. This win has indeed boosted his confidence ahead of the IBF crown defence. Hopefully we will defend it here at home in the Eastern Cape,” said Thembani.
The champion is undefeated in 11 bouts and is based in Gauteng under the tutelage of the wily Nathan. Suganob from the Philippines is unbeaten in 13 fights.
Pictured above: Sivenathi Nontshinga
