South African boxing is mourning following the death of KwaZulu-Natal boxer Simiso Buthelezi, who passed away at a Durban hospital on Tuesday evening.
Buthelezi was rushed to hospital after he collapsed during a vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Africa lightweight title contest against Siphesihle Mntungwa at the Greyville Convention Centre on Sunday.
Buthelezi was edging closer to victory when he sent Mntungwa to the ropes with a combination of puncher. Shockingly, Buthelezi moved away from his opponent and started throwing punches with no one in sight. It was then that the fight referee stop the proceedings.
“It is with great sadness for Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family to announce the passing away of Mr Simiso Buthelezi,” a joint BSA and Buthelezi family statement said.
“He collapsed towards the end of the round and was taken to hospital and it was discovered that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding.”
This is a very big blow to the Buthelezi family as Simiso graduated recently in Zoology and Botany from the University of Zululand.
Meanwhile, BSA also announced that it will conduct an independent medical review of Buthelezi’s injury and the results of the review will be made public.
