Curiel vs Nontshinga 2 Preview: Proving All the Critics Wrong
Both Boxers Have Plenty of Questions to Answer
Boxing Odds Now Favor Curiel in the Rematch
We have a rematch for the IBF Light Flyweight Title as Adrian Curiel defends against the man he knocked out to win it: Sivenathi Nontshinga. It was low-key the biggest upset in 2023 as Curiel, a +550 underdog, KO’d then-undefeated Nontshinga in just two rounds. Now, the lines have flipped with Curiel favored at -175. We still have plenty of questions in this Curiel vs Nontshinga 2 preview.
Curiel vs Nontshinga Information
Record: Adrian Curiel (23-4-1, 5 KOs) vs Sivenathi Nontshinga (12-1-0, 9 KOs)
Title: IBF Light Flyweight Title (108 lbs.)
Day/Time:
Location Auditorium Guelaguetza, Oaxaca, Mexico
Streaming: DAZN
Curiel is Not a Fluke Per Betting Odds
Some may have dismissed Curiel’s KO win over Nontshing as a “fluke”. But the latest boxing betting odds say otherwise. The new light flyweight champion opened at -130 and has now been bet down to -175. And fighting in his home country of Mexico, Curiel’s chances of repeating his success increase.
“It’s an absolute dream for me this victory,” Curiel said after his shocking victory. “It’s super important for me and my family, it’s a victory for Mexico… I spoke to my mother and I said to her, no one’s going to beat me tonight.”
Curiel will now have the home crowd backing him up, which can give him the edge in the event of a close fight. The odds now are much tighter than they were in the first match where Curiel was +550 and Nontshinga was as short as -1000.
If Curiel can secure another decisive victory here, then he legitimized himself as one of the best 108-pound boxers on the planet. It’s also a wide-open division outside of Kenshiro Teraji holding the WBC and WBA belts. Curiel may have just spiced things up thanks to his upset.
The little-known boxer was considered a journeyman as he had a 16-4-1 record fighting local opposition at some point. But he rattled off eight straight victories to earn a title shot. The rest was history as they say.
He proved he has power despite his 20% knockout-to-win ratio. And now he can prove he can win a match over 12 rounds as the sportsbook favors this one to go past 10.5 rounds at -200.
Is Nontshinga Now Shot?
As for the former champion, Nontshinga may now be seen as a “shot” boxer following his KO loss. Dubbed “The Special One”, the South African was supposed to be a rising star in the division. Curiel was allegedly just a stepping stone for him as he would go on to challenge the other champions. Alas.
The worlds of boxing and sports betting can be cruel. Nontshinga went from chalk to a “fade” on the betting lines. That’s why it’s arguable that he has more to prove in this Curiel vs Nontshinga preview. Most boxers who lose the first high-profile fight also go on to lose the next even in upsets. But there are notable exceptions.
Anthony Joshua recaptured his titles after suffering a stunning defeat to Andy Ruiz in 2019. Julio Cesar Chavez avenged his loss against Frankie Randall in 1994. And the late great Muhammad Ali exacted revenge against Leon Spinks back in 1978. Can Nontshinga follow these examples?
It depends on his confidence. Boxers who suffer their first defeat, especially via a knockout, can be severely impacted. Nontshinga can become more hesitant to engage with Curiel. And since his “chin was cracked”, it’s hard to bet on the ex-champ even at +145.
Still, if Nontshinga is the blue-chip prospect he’s been made to be, he should find a way to edge Curiel here. He has the height and reach advantage and has fought stronger competition, on paper. In enemy territory, he will have to take the fight to the champion. If he can, this Curiel vs Nontshinga preview expects a blockbuster.
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