South African boxer, Simiso Buthelezi, has passed away two days after he became completely disoriented and started boxing the air during a fight on Sunday, June 5.
The deceased was on the verge of winning the fight against his opponent, Siphesihle Mntungwa, when he suddenly loosed focused in the final seconds of the last round.
A video shared online shows him swinging into thin air like he had lost understanding of his environment, and the referee had to end the fight after noticing that something was wrong.
Buthelezi was reportedly rushed to a hospital in Durban for quick medical intervention but sadly passed away on Tuesday night, June 7.
It was gathered that he was in coma and couldn’t talk, move or do anything, and it was believed that there was a blood clot in his brain due to a blow he received on the head.
A statement released by Boxing South Africa reads,
“It is with great sadness for Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family to announce the passing away of Mr. Simiso Buthelezi who passed away last night, June 7, 2022 at hospital in Durban.
On June 5, 2022, Mr Buthelezi participated in a boxing tournament hosted by Starline Boxing Promotions at Greyville, Durban.
Towards the end of his bout, Mr Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital and it was discovered at the hospital that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding.
At the hospital Mr. Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he however succumbed to the injury last night as aforesaid. Boxing South Africa will conduct an independent medical review of the injury and will then make public the results of that medical review.
The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa acknowledges warm words of condolences of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa will in due course make announcement on funeral arrangements.”
Watch the video below,
Very scary in South Africa please 🙏🏼 for Simiso Buthelezi (4-1). At 2:43 of the 10th & final round, Siphesihle Mntungwa (7-1-2) falls through the ropes but then Buthelezi appears to lose his understanding of the present situation. Mntungwa takes the WBF African lightweight title pic.twitter.com/YhfCI623LB
— Tim Boxeo (@TimBoxeo) June 5, 2022
