Simiso Buthelezi, a South African boxer, died in a Durban hospital on Sunday after sustaining a brain injury during his defeat.

 

Buthelezi had to be stopped by the referee for throwing punches at thin air and appearing to fight an unseen opponent in the lightweight battle.

An apparently harmless incident between Buthelezi and his opponent sent his opponent through the ropes in the 10th round.

In the beginning, he was put into an induced coma, but he died on Wednesday.

 

Mr. Simiso Buthelezi, who passed away at a Durban hospital on June 7, 2022, was a beloved member of the Buthelezi family, Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family announced together in a joint statement.

 

“Boxing South Africa will perform an independent medical review of the injury, and the results of that medical review will be made public.

 

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture’s messages of condolence have been warmly received by the Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa.”

 

“Funeral arrangements will be announced in due time by the Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa.

 

Members of the public, as well as the media, are urged to respect Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family as they grieve the departure of this great boxer who was exceptional both in and out of the ring.”

 

It appeared that Buthelezi absorbed a hard chin jab from his opponent before falling and briefly slumping onto the ropes, as shown by the video replays. At this point, Buthelezi appeared to have lost his bearings as the action continued.

 

 

Rather than advancing toward his opponent, he focused his concentration on the referee and appeared unaware when the official stepped out of his path. He was left to his own devices, striking blows at nothing but the void of the ring.

 

The battle was promptly halted and Buthelezi was transported to the hospital as a result.

Simiso Buthelezi Career Records & Stats

Pro Boxing Career

5 bouts