According to multiple reports from Johannesburg, South African lightweight Simiso Buthelezi has died in hospital after suffering a brain injury in a fight over the weekend in Durban that caused him to throw punches in the air during the weekend fight, a video of which went viral.
On Sunday, Buthelezi fought ten rounds for the World Boxing Federation title against his compatriot Sifesichle Mntungwa. The fight was stopped in the tenth round when Buthelezi began to land punches on an invisible opponent. The video of the moment went viral on social media and was covered by media around the world.
After the fight ended, the boxer was rushed to the hospital and put into an artificial coma after it was discovered that he had a brain hemorrhage.
The Sanctioning Boxing Organization of South Africa (BSA) has confirmed that it will conduct an independent medical review of the incident and take action if any omission is found. Boxer's trainer Beki Mngomezulu told reporters that Buthelezi was completely healthy before the fight.
Before the fight, Buthelezi had a professional record of 4-0 with 2 knockout wins. He turned pro in 2019. Buthelesi won the fight on points, his opponent's track record was 6-1-2 with 3 knockouts, he enters the fight after two losses and one draw.
