South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi died of a brain injury on Wednesday in Durban after facing WBF African lightweight champion Siphesihle Mntungwa in dramatic circumstances.
In the tenth and final round, Simiso Buthelezi had yet taken over his opponent sent into the ropes and unable to react to the chain of his rival.
The referee also intervened very quickly to count Mntungwa who got up immediately.
As the clash resumed, Buthelezi, visibly disoriented and looking lost, suddenly turned away from his opponent who was facing him to follow the referee with his eyes and to the side.
For no apparent reason, the fighter then punched a phantom opponent, kicking into the void as he rammed into the corner of the ring.
A very suspicious attitude that prompted the referee to immediately interrupt the fight.
Completely stunned, no longer reacting, Buthelezi was accompanied by the referee to his staff at the edge of the ring.
“
At the end of the fight, Simiso Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital.
He was found to have suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding,
” Boxing South Africa said in a statement revealing the death at Durban Hospital.
An investigation into the precise circumstances and causes of the death of the 24-year-old boxer has been opened.
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