Adrian Curiel (24-4-1, 5 KO’s) is the new IBF light flyweight champion, taking the belt from South Africa’s Sivenathi Nontshinga (12-1, 9 KO’s) with a stunning second round knockout in Monte Carlo.
The fight looked like being an exciting clash of styles from the moment it was announced and neither fighter wasted time in getting down to business. Nontshinga calmly giving ground to the front foot pressure of Curiel and looking to walk the Mexican onto his hard power shots. Curiel was quick to close the distance and although Nontshinga looked to dig to the body whenever the pair found themselves at close quarters, Curiel will have been happy to have got so close, so quickly.
The fight was on but there was no sign of the drama that was to come. As Nontshinga circled to his left he flicked out a jab. Curiel saw it coming and threw the right hand of a lifetime. Nontshinga was out as soon s the punch landed and referee, Sparkle Lee, quickly waved the fight off. The official time was 1.09 of round number two.
When the awards are handed out for upset and knockout of the year, Adrian Curiel will be prominent in every discussion. After scoring just four inside the distance victories in 28 fights, Curiel scored a highlight reel knockout.
Nontshinga loses for the first time and his dreams of unifying the division were shattered.