South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi dies after ending bout punching an 'invisible opponent'
South African lightweight prospect Simiso Buthelezi (4-1, 2KKO) has sadly died after suffering bleeding on the brain following a boxing bout at the weekend in Durban.
The 24-year-old faced compatriot Siphesihle Mntungwa (7-1-2, 4KO) for the WBF African lightweight title on Sunday, June 5, but the 10-round contest was stopped by the referee after Buthelezi appeared to start swinging at an invisible opponent.
Footage of the fight showed Mntungwa falling through the ropes and then, as the fight was restarted, Buthelezi shockingy began advancing towards an empty corner where he started to swing punches at thin air.
Mntungwa was declared the winner and Buthelezi subsequently collapsed and was rushed to hospital.
He was placed in an induced coma after it was discovered he had a bleed on the brain.
Boxing South Africa (BSA) confirmed Buthelezi had died on Tuesday evening in a statement jointly issued with the boxer's family.
They hailed Buthelezi as "a great boxer who was exemplary both outside and inside the ring", and BSA also said it will undertake an independent medical review of incident.
"At the hospital Mr Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he however succumbed to the injury," the statement sadly said.
"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 BSA acknowledges warm words of condolences of the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture."
Trainer Bheki Mngomezulu said Buthelezi had been in perfect health in the lead-up to the bout.
The World Boxing Council declared their sympathies on hearing of the tragedy, "WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán Saldívar, and the entire WBC Family mourn the passing of Simiso Buthelezi of South Africa, who died after suffering a brain hemorrhage following a fight at the weekend. The entire WBC family mourns this irreparable loss and we send our deepest condolences to the family of Simiso Buthelezi. Rest in peace."
BBN would also like to share their deepest sympathies at this tragedy.
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