Fighter becomes groggy and attacks 'invisible opponent' in frightening boxing scene. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
Boxer Simiso Buthelezi, aged 24, passed away last Tuesday (7), two days after get confused and try to hit 'invisible opponent' in a frightening scene during a fight against Siphesihle Mntungwa for the South African lightweight belt WBFMore (World Boxing Federation).
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The information was published by the newspaper 'Boxing South Africa', which had reported Buthelezi's hospitalization. The fighter was still in a medically induced coma, but could not resist bleeding in the brain.
“It is with great sadness for the Buthelezi family to announce the death of Simiso Buthelezi, who passed away last night, on June 7th, in hospital in Durban (South Africa). At the end of his fight, Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital and it was discovered that he had suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding. At the hospital, Buthelezi received the best possible care, but succumbed to his injury,” said the newspaper, which published the official statement of Buthelezi’s death.
Asked about the athlete's health before the fight, coach Bheki Mngomezulu stated that Simiso was in perfect condition before and during the duel. He gave an interview to local media after the incident.
“There was nothing inconvenient about the fight or the training. He was winning the fight on points before the incident occurred. I can't explain what happened, to be honest. It was disconcerting, but in his training and preparation for the fight, there was nothing bad about his condition. He was fine before the fight”, explained the coach.
In the tenth round of the fight, Buthelezi had a good moment in his exchange, where he saw Mntungwa fall into the ropes after a sequence. He walked away and, when the referee was preparing to restart the fight, he was in mental confusion. The video of the moment went viral on social media and shocked combat sports fans.
With his back to his opponent, the fighter chased the judge – who walked away – and started throwing blows against an 'imaginary opponent' in one of the corners. Then, upon realizing what had happened, the referee declared an end to the fight and Simiso was immediately taken to the local hospital.
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 Boxing (@TimBoxeo) June 5, 2022
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