Boxer Simiso Buthelezi who fell into coma after punching invisible opponent dies aged 24
South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi, who collapsed and began striking the air during a battle over the weekend, has died.
The sad news was confirmed by Boxing South Africa on Wednesday morning, stating that Buthelezi died in a Durban hospital on Tuesday night.
He was only 24 years old.
Buthelezi had been taken to the hospital after a scary thing happened at a boxing tournament in Greyville, Durban, on Sunday.
In the 10th round of their fight, Buthelezi advanced to the corner of the ring during a brief pause in the action and launched punches at the air… as if he were fighting a phantom opponent. This was captured on video from the fight.
He later fell unconscious in the ring and was transported to the hospital, where it was discovered that he had had a brain injury and was internally bleeding, according to Boxing South Africa.
An official statement from Boxing South Africa said: ‘Despite receiving the best care available, Mr. Buthelezi unfortunately succumbed to the injuries yesterday night.’
Buthelezi’s injury is still a mystery, given he was apparently in charge of the fight from the opening bell on.
An investigation into the fight and the fatality is currently underway, according to a statement from Boxing South Africa.
According to statements made by officials, “The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa welcomes sincere words of sorrow” from South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
Sunday’s fight marked Buthelezi’s first loss in the ring.
