Sivenathi Nontshinga

Sivenathi Nontshinga (born 3 December 1998) is a South African professional boxer and two-time IBF light-flyweight world champion. Known by the nickname “The Special One”, he is regarded as one of South Africa’s most talented fighters of his generation, combining technical boxing skill with knockout power. He previously held the IBF International and African light-flyweight titles, establishing himself as one of the top contenders in the division before capturing world honors.

Raised in Newlands, Eastern Cape, a small community near Mdantsane, Nontshinga began boxing under the guidance of his father and trainer, Thembani Gopheni. He turned professional in 2017 at just 18 years old, quickly making a name for himself with a string of knockout victories. By his fifth professional bout, he had already captured the African light-flyweight title, and two years later, he claimed the IBF International belt with a first-round knockout win.

In September 2022, Nontshinga achieved his breakthrough when he defeated Hector Flores in Mexico to win the vacant IBF light-flyweight world title, his first fight outside South Africa. The victory earned him international recognition, and the bout was later awarded IBF Fight of the Year. After a successful defense against Regie Suganob, he suffered his first career setback in November 2023, losing his belt to Adrian Curiel in a shock second-round knockout.

Determined to bounce back, Nontshinga secured an immediate rematch in February 2024, traveling to Mexico where he stopped Curiel in the 10th round to regain the title. The victory cemented his reputation as one of the world’s elite light-flyweights and highlighted his resilience as a champion. Despite later losing the belt again, Nontshinga remains one of the most exciting fighters in the lower weight divisions and a proud representative of South African boxing on the global stage.