Viral
Boxer Dies After Beginning To Punch Thin Air Instead Of Opponent Amid Fight
An internal bleeding occured due to the brain injury.
Boxer Simiso Buthelezi’s death was confirmed on Tuesday, 7 June. The South African boxer was on his 10th round against Siphesihle Mntungwa when he started going around the ring and swung in a weird direction.
He was recorded turning his back to his opponent and swinging at thin air on 5 June.
The Buthelezi family released a statement with Boxing South Africa, “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, 7 June 2022, at a hospital in Durban.”
“On 5 June 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 acknowledge 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.”
“Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family wishes to request members of the public and the media to give them space while mourning the passing away of this great boxer who was exemplary both outside and inside the ring.”
Buthelezi was on his way to maintaining his 4-0 record of being an undefeated opponent. He won against Mntungwa, who received consecutive hits in the ring at Greyville Convention Centre. But after being clearly deemed unable to continue the fight, the WBF African lightweight title was given to Mntungwa, with the belt ceremony currently postponed.
