Linda Ximba
Boxing South Africa (BSA) confirmed the death of Simiso Buthelezi due to brain bleeding on Wednesday afternoon.
Buthelezi was pitted against Siphesihle Mntungwa for the vacant WBF lightweight belt. But in a bizarre incident in the last round, Buthelezi turned around and started punching into thin air. The referee intervened and stopped the fight immediately.
Despite the efforts from a hospital in Durban, the boxer unfortunately passed away.
“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 on 7 June in hospital in Durban,” a BSA statement read.
The South African boxing governing body said the boxer suffered internal bleeding leading up to his death.
“Towards the end of his bout, Mr Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital and it was discovered that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding.
“At the hospital, Mr Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he succumbed to the injury,” the statement added.
Doctor Buyi Mabaso, the ringside doctor, told Scrolla.Africa the last time she had checked on Buthelezi at King Edward Hospital he had been placed in a coma following the fight.
Starline promoter Zandile Malinga who staged the fight said he is still struggling to cope following the incident.
“I haven’t even been able to eat after seeing the boy in that state in hospital. I appeal to everyone to pray for him,” said Malinga before the news of Buthelezi’s death.
Buthelezi’s trainer Skeleton Mngomezulu said before the fight the boxer had just received a degree in Botany and Zoology at Ongoye University.
“He was in a good place before the fight,” said Mngomezulu.
Image source: @NewYorkPost
