South African Fighter Simiso Buthelezi Dies of Brain Injury
It is with sadness that 3Kings Boxing reports South African lightweight prospect Simiso Buthelezi (4-1, 2 KO’s) has died as a result of a brain injury. In his last bout against Siphesihle Mntungwa, which transpired on June 6, Buthelezi suddenly began behaving erratically in the ring.
While pursuing Mntungwa against the ropes in the final round, Buthelezi is hit with a sneaky jab while landing his own behind an attempted flurry which seemed to knock his opponent off balance and between the ropes. Instead of ruling the fall a knockdown, the referee called a brief halt to the action.
Almost immediately, Buthelezi looked lethargic and abruptly went after the referee, mistaking him as his opponent. As the referee side-stepped the fighter, the South African fighter began throwing blows at nothing and no one in a corner.
Upon seeing him behave in this bizarre fashion, the referee quickly called the fight off. With the bout concluded, Buthelezi (24), was quickly rushed to the hospital. There it was ascertained he had a brain injury and was subsequently placed in a medically induced coma. Unfortunately, these precautions were not enough as Buthelezi passed away from his ailments two days later, as reported by ESPN. The bout was only the fifth of the young fighter’s career.
“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 on 7 June in hospital in Durban.
Towards the end of his bout, Mr Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital and it was discovered that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding. At the hospital, Mr Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he succumbed to the injury.”
Boxing South Africa
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By: Bakari Simpson
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