Linda Ximba
There was a scare at the Ethekwini boxing gym when Siyabonga Mpangele collapsed after a rigorous sparring session and had to be rushed to hospital.
The South African was in the midst of his camp ahead of what would have been the biggest fight of his career thus far.
Mpangele was scheduled to challenge WBF All Africa bantamweight champion Gcina Makhoba in Pietermaritzburg next Sunday.
Mpangele is said to have collapsed after taking too many shots from his sparring partner.
“Everything was fine in the morning and he was in good spirits. We were amazed when he collapsed in the middle of the session. Luckily we rushed him to a nearby hospital where he later regained consciousness,” said a source in the camp.
Mpangele’s promoter Zwi Magudulela confirmed the incident, adding that they are relieved that the boxer has shown signs of recovery but revealed that he was still being treated in hospital.
Makhoba’s promoter Hlula Dladla sympathised with Mpangele and disclosed that they have moved swiftly to find a new opponent.
“Gcina will now defend against Msawenkosi Ndwandwe. There will be fireworks in this bout because it will be the third time the boxers will be colliding.
“Msawenkosi will be looking for revenge since the title was wrestled from him by the same Gcina two years ago in Dundee. Let the show begin!” said Dladla.
Mpangela’s brush with death has sent shivers down many boxers’ spines. The boxing fraternity is still reeling in shock after Simiso Buthelezi collapsed in the ring during the 10th and final round of a title bout and later died in hospital.
In what currently remains a bizarre incident, Buthelezi was stopped by the referee for punching thin air just moments after knocking his opponent through the ropes.
