It will be either repeat or revenge when Adrian Curiel defends his IBF light flyweight title against Sivenathi Nontshinga in Oaxaca, Mexico, on February 16. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will air on DAZN worldwide.
WATCH: Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2, live on DAZN
In November, Curiel (24-4-1, 5 KOs) scored a shuddering one-punch, second-round knockout over the previously unbeaten Nontshinga to win his world title against insurmountable odds. In a year replete with surprise results, the Mexican fighter’s triumph was named The Sporting News’ Upset of the Year.
“It’s great to be here and a huge opportunity to defend my title,” said Curiel at the final press conference. “We have trained as champions, but we will go into the fight with a challenger mentality. It’s great to defend my belt on home soil.
“It was not a lucky shot or KO. I’ve been watching interviews that he’s been giving, and he says that I’m not a big puncher and I’m an easy fighter. But he’ll see on Friday that, as we say here, people need to back up what they say.”
Nontshinga (12-1, 9 KOs) hails from South Africa and had established himself as an elite player at 108 pounds before the Curiel setback. A classy and hard-hitting stylist, the “Special One” had defeated Hector Flores to win the IBF crown and defended it in style with a convincing points win over top contender Regie Suganob.
“My title looks good on him,” said Nontshinga. “It feels great to be here, it’s been a long time coming. I’ve been working so hard, and I will grab this opportunity with both hands. There will be a great atmosphere. I’ve met so many kind people here and I am looking forward to Friday night.
“It’s not the first time I’ve prepared for a world title fight. I’ve been a champion before, and I promise everybody that I will prevail. I believe falling down is part of life, but getting back up is living, so once again, I will become a champion.”
Was Curiel’s stunning upset a fluke or will he rubberstamp his credentials with a win in this eagerly anticipated rematch?
The Sporting News will post results from the undercard and provide a full report on the main event.
What time is Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2 today?
The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET. The main event should begin around 11:15 pm. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2: TV channel, live stream
Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2 is live on DAZN in the U.S.
Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2 price: How much does the fight cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month in U.S. / $24.99 per month in Canada / £9.99 in the U.K. on a 12-month contract or £19.99 month-to-month / 13.99 AUD
- DAZN annual subscription: $224.99 in U.S., $199.99 in Canada, £99.99 in the U.K.
WATCH: Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2, live on DAZN
What time is Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2 in the U.K., Australia, Canada today?
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Friday, February 16 | 8 p.m. ET | 11:15 p.m. ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Friday, February 16 | 5 p.m. PT | 8:15 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Saturday, February 17 | 1 a.m. GMT | 4:15 a.m. GMT |
| Australia | Saturday, February 17 | 12 p.m. AEDT | 3:15 p.m. AEDT |
How to watch Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2 in the U.K., Australia, Canada
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| USA | DAZN | |
| Canada | DAZN | |
| UK and Ireland | DAZN 1 HD | DAZN |
| Australia | DAZN |
Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2 fight card
- Adrian Curiel (c) vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga 2 for the IBF light flyweight title
- Mauricio Lara majority draw Daniel Lugo (94-96, 95-95, 95-95); Super Featherweights
- Arturo Cardenas def. Ernesto Garcia via UD 10 (100-88, 98-91, 98-91); Super Bantamweights
- Sergio Chirino Sanchez def. Dennis Contreras via TKO 2 (1:44); Super Bantamweights
- Julio Porras Ruiz vs. Aaron Rocha Guerrero; Super Middleweights
- Criztec Bazaldua def. Alejandro Castillo via UD 6 (60-53, 60-53, 60-53); Super Lightweights
- Federico Pacheco Jr. def. Jose Mario Tamez via UD 4; Heavyweights
