By Monwabisi Jimlongo
That two-time world champion Sivenathi ‘Special One’ Nontshinga has signed a multi-fight contract with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom is more like sweet music to Rumble Africa Promotions (RAP) bosses.
Fresh from regaining his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-flyweight title following a 10th round stoppage victory over Mexican boxer Adrian Curiel Dominguez in the 10th round on Saturday morning (South African time), Nontshinga is now guaranteed to make more money if he continues to win inside the ring.
Saturday’s win was sweet revenge for the Eastern Cape boxer after he surrendered his crown to Dominguez in Monaco last November.
“We at Rumble Africa are happy with the deal. We were never going to offer Sive what he has been offered by Matchroom. We are grateful to Matchroom because Sive is fighting in the international stage now, that’s what we always wanted,” RAP chief executive officer Nomfesane Nyatela said.
“We developed Sive and the focus now is on developing other Sives. In fact, Sive will always be a Rumble Africa boxer. That’s why you will see Rumble Africa whenever he’s fighting. With boxing in South Africa not getting any sponsorships, there’s nothing we could have done. Sive must pave the way and create a way for other boxers to fight in that stage.”
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Nontshinga together with his father Thembani Gopheni and cutman Bernie Pailman are due to land at the OR International Airport in Kempton Park at 10h55 on Tuesday.
Nontshinga will then fly to East London on Wednesday morning and has been invited to Thursday’s State of the Province address by Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane in Bhisho.
