Sivenathi Nontshinga Eyes Undisputed After Yabuki Defense in Japan

“It doesn’t matter to me where I fight. I always feel comfortable,” Nontshinga said exclusively to FightsATW. “I love going abroad to fight and showcase my skills. I was comfortable because I won my title in Mexico. There was no pressure; I knew what I would have to do. I knew in the first fight [with Curiel] I made a big mistake. I don’t think he believed that I could fight fire with fire, stand in the trenches, and dig deep. That’s why I got the positive result.

“We had a great game plan. We wanted to make him feel comfortable at certain moments in the fight. I’m a hard puncher, and if I land correctly, I can take you out. I wasn’t worried about his power. In the first fight, I didn’t have my left hand up, so he was able to capitalize. We knew if we could lock his right hand, he’s not able to do much else.”

With his world title back around his waist, Nontshinga now heads to the “Land of the Rising Sun”, the epicenter for boxing in the lower weight classes. He takes on the 16-4 (15 KOs) Yabuki. The 32-year-old claimed the WBC title with a tenth-round knockout upset over Kenshiro Teraji three years ago. He would lose the title in a rematch but has since scored three straight stoppage victories.

“It’s a mandatory defense,” Nontshinga explained. “I was supposed to fight Cristian Araneta, but Yabuki is the number two. I just want to get in the square and defend my title. I’m not fazed; I am not under pressure. I respect him just like any other boxer. I’m not scared of going into his backyard. I have all the tools, the smartest team ever and I’ve been working hard in the camp for three months.

“I’m not going to tell you how I am going to beat him. I won’t give anybody my blueprint. It will be a surprise; everybody will see the “Special One” defending his title in Japan. I can assure you. I can guarantee you that I will get the “W” again! I’m expecting a good, clean fight. He will be in good shape. He’s the only man to have knocked out Teraji. I think he’s one of the best fighters in the division. He will have to show his skills because I’m bringing mine. I am as sharp as ever. I’ve had a lot of time to sharpen my weapons. I think he will fall short, just like the other 13 boxers.”

Nontshinga sits as the only current world champion at light flyweight, with the three other belts being vacant.

“It’s important for me to go to Japan to show the world that I deserve to be the undisputed champion,” Nontshinga added. “I’m not going anywhere until I get the opportunity to own all the belts. I’m not going to stop until I get there. I just won’t stop training until I reach my goal. Once I win this one, next year I want a unification. I’m telling you, it is going to happen.”