The South African boxer who lost his bearings during a title fight in Durban has died.
Simiso Buthelezi had fallen into a coma after being taken to hospital following the fight against Siphesihle Mntungwa for the WBF African lightweight title on Sunday (AEST).
Boxing South Africa released a statement on Wednesday confirming Buthelezi’s passing.
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“Towards the end of his bout, Mr Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital and it was discovered at the hospital that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding. At the hospital Mr Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he however succumbed to the injury last night,” the statement read.
“Boxing South Africa will conduct an independent medical review of the injury and will then make public the results of that medical review.”
The incident happened during the 10th and final round of their fight, and Buthelezi looked on his way to winning a points victory over his opponent.
He pushed Mntungwa back onto the ropes, and the latter fell through them, causing the fight to pause momentarily.
When the referee restarted the fight moments later, Buthelezi seemed to lose sight of his opponent, and instead walk towards the referee.
As the referee moved out of the way, Buthelezi threw a couple of punches at the corner, as his opponent stood behind him looking concerned.
The referee, noticing the seriousness of the situation, instantly called an end to the bout and Buthelezi was taken into medical care and transferred to hospital.
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