The South African Boxing Association announced today, Wednesday, the death of light weight boxer Simisu Buthelezi, due to a brain haemorrhage during a weekend bout in Durban.
Buthelezi fought a 10-round fight against his compatriot Civicel Montungoa last Sunday, but the referee stopped the match when it appeared that Buthelezi was punching in the air and did not see his opponent.
Buthelezi was immediately taken to a hospital and put into a medically induced coma after a brain hemorrhage was discovered, but later died.
The South African Boxing Federation confirmed that it will conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
Coach Pique Mengomizulu said Buthelezi was in good health in the run-up to the match.
I was at the #boxing in KZN yesterday and this is one of the strangest and saddest things I've seen in the sport.
Thoughts and prayers with Simiso Buthelezi who is now in an induced coma in hospital 🙏🏿🙏🏿 @SABC_Sport #SizenzaZonke pic.twitter.com/1097yFtKmY
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) June 6, 2022
SAD NEWS:
South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi, has died after he was hospitalised during his bout when he began swinging at nothing, in particular, following a shot to his head
His death was confirmed in a statement by Boxing South Africa & the Buthelezi family
RIP Simiso 🥺 pic.twitter.com/Ip3KPD01j3
— The Bearded Mc🧔🏽 ♂️🎙🗯 (@Oscarnuwati) June 8, 2022