IBF junior-flyweight world champion Sivenathi Nontshinga must not be misled by the tag that his chosen opponent – Adrian Curiel Dominguez – is rated No 12.

That rating does not define who the Mexican fighter is. They will meet at Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin, Monte Carlo, Monaco tomorrow.

Nontshinga defeated mandatory challenger Regie Suganob from the Philippines in July and has now chosen Dominguez for his voluntary defence.

Like Hector Flores, the Mexican who gave Nontshinga a torrid time when they fought for what was then vacant IBF belt in September last year, Curiel will pose serious questions on Nontshinga’s character.

That is who Mexicans fighter are. The culture there when growing up is knowing wrestling, soccer and boxing. 

It is almost the same with the Eastern Cape, whose main sport codes are rugby, cricket and boxing.

Nontshinga as the only world championin SA , must go in there knowing that the war continues for Africa to fight for recognition.

His manager Colin Nathan has laid foundation by striking a promotional deal with UK promoter Eddie Hearn, who will stage Nontshinga’s fight tomorrow.

He should also remember that winning the IBF was not easy The scores – 116-111 (Nontshinga); 115-112 (Flores) and 114-113 (Nontshinga)  –said it all and he won by a split points decision.

His stablemate Hekkei Budler said Nontshinga must just box and he will be home and dry.

“His boxing brain is just too good; I don't know how much power Adrian has but I know that Nontshinga has the qualities to defeat him and he should win convincingly,” said the former dual-weight world champion.

Nontshinga, 24, is undefeated after 12 fights while his 26-year-old foe has 23 wins in 28 bouts.

In the main event, IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina Wales defends against the mandatory challenger American Edwin Vazquez.

The tournament will be shown by DAZN Global in the UK, and DAZN in the US at 7pm.