SOUTH AFRICAN boxer Simiso Buthelezi has died aged 24 after suffering a brain injury which saw him throw punches at thin air during his fight at the weekend.
The lightweight fighter took on Siphesihle Mntungwa in Durban on Sunday.
And he lost the contest in the 10th and final round when the referee waved it off after he turned away from his opponent and began swinging at nobody – just seconds after knocking Mntungwa down.
The clip went viral on social media.
But the story has now taken a harrowing and heartbreaking turn after it was confirmed he has passed away after slipping into a coma.
A joint statement from his family and Boxing South Africa read: “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 hospital in Durban.
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“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 acknowledges warm words of condolences of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
“The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa will in due course make announcement on funeral arrangements.
“Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family wishes 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.”
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Buthelezi was winning the fight heading into the 10th round after boxing impressively, before the horrific scenes unfolded.
Buthelezi threw multiple punches through the ropes, prompting the ref to wave off the contest.
It was his first professional defeat from five bouts – all of which took place in South Africa.
After being tended to by ringside physicians, Buthelezi was taken to hospital and placed into a coma.
It was originally reported that he was in a "stable condition", but he has now sadly passed away.
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