HOME / NEWS / SPORTS

Simiso Buthelezi: Boxer dies from brain injury after video of him punching 'invisible opponent' goes viral

According to replays, Buthelezi after the big blow to the chin was forced to drop face-first against the ropes

Simiso Buthelezi, a South African boxer, died in hospital after sustaining terrifying brain damage during a weekend battle in Durban. On Sunday, June 5, the 24-year-old faced Siphesihle Mntungwa and appeared to be in command until the tenth round. According to replays, Buthelezi had suffered a solid shot to the chin, forcing him to drop face-first against the ropes.

As the battle resumed, there were some strange sights, with Buthelezi moving away from his opponent and swinging blows into the air as if battling an invisible opponent. Buthelezi was rushed to the hospital and placed in an induced coma after the match was called off, with reports saying he had suffered a brain hemorrhage. However, in a devastating turn of events, South African boxing authorities have now verified his death.

RELATED ARTICLES 

Who killed Héctor 'Macho' Camacho? Boxer finally gets justice in decade-old murder

How did Jeanette Zacarias Zapata die? 18-year-old boxer passes away after bout

“It is with great sadness for Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family to announce the passing away of Mr Simiso Buthelezi who passed away last night the 7th June 2022 at a hospital in Durban. Boxing South Africa will conduct an independent medical review of the injury and will then make public the results of that medical review. The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa acknowledge warm words of condolences of the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.” said a joint statement by Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family.

According to The Sun, it further added, “The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa will in due course make an announcement on funeral arrangements. Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family wish to request members of the public and the media to give them space while mourning the passing away of this great boxer who was exemplary both outside and inside the ring.” According to South African reports, Buthelezi was a recent university graduate in botany and zoology. Before Sunday, he had won all four of his prior battles. 

Many fans on Twitter paid their homage to the late boxing star. One person wrote, “Tough to watch.  My condolences to the Buthelezi family.  As the expression goes: you don't play boxing.” “wow... terrible. I was hoping that they caught it in time to save his life... R.I.P,” another added. Someone wrote, “This is so upsetting and was terrible to watch. RIP." “Very sad news for all Boxing fans! RIP,” yet another person remarked. 

Disclaimer: This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.