Underdog boxer unexpectedly became world champion with stunning one-punch KO
Adrian Curiel pulled off a huge upset against Sivenathi Nontshinga with a stunning knockout win.
Nontshinga had been expected to defend his IBF light-flyweight title in a routine defence in Monte Carlo last November, but Curiel had other plans.
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In the second round of the fight, the Mexican launched an overhand right that caught Nontshinga right on the chin.
The champion immediately collapsed and fell through the ropes, lying on his back on the canvas unconscious.
This comes despite the fact that Nontshinga was a 1/8 favourite going into the contest.
And Curiel had four previous defeats on his record, while Nontshinga was unbeaten.
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But, that is no longer the case as Nontshinga had to relinquish his world title at the hands of fellow 24-year-old Curiel.
"It's an absolute dream for me this victory," Curiel said via translation after the fight.
"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.
"When I started at six years old, this was my dream, and I think someone is looking down on me from up there right now."
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Nontshinga joined great boxing upsets in Anthony Joshua losing his titles to Andy Ruiz in 2019 and Mike Tyson's shock defeat to 42/1 underdog Buster Douglas in 1990.
However, just like with AJ and Ruiz, this fight had a rematch clause.
Nontshinga enforced his contractual right to a second fight and travelled to Mexico three months later to regain his crown.
He did so successfully by knocking out Curiel in round ten.
Curiel returned from his loss last weekend and took on Sunny Edwards.
He was beaten again, losing by technical decision, and so has now suffered back-to-back defeats in the wake of becoming world champion.
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