Mzansi boxer Simiso “Gandaganda” Buthelezi has died in hospital after sustaining a head injury during his final battle.
Buthelezi’s WBF African lightweight championship match against Siphesihle Mntungwa ended in unsettling circumstances with the referee suspending it after the former looked to be firing punches at thin air.
The event left supporters anxious and perplexed with Buthelezi transported to hospital, where he subsequently lost his fight.
This occurred in KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend.
Buthelezi was first placed into an induced coma, but on Wednesday it was confirmed that he had died.
Very terrifying in South Africa plz ???? for Simiso Buthelezi (4-1). (4-1). At 2:43 of the 10th & final round, Siphesihle Mntungwa (7-1-2) falls through the ropes but then Buthelezi seems to lose his knowledge of the current scenario. Mntungwa captures the WBF African lightweight championship photo. twitter.com/YhfCI623LB — Tim Boxeo (@TimBoxeo) June 5, 2022
“It is with great grief for Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family to announce the passing away of Mr. Simiso Buthelezi who died away yesterday night the 7th June 2022 in hospital in Durban,” said a joint statement from BSA and the Buthelezi family.
“Boxing South Africa will undertake an independent medical evaluation of the injury and will thereafter make public the findings of that medical study.
“The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa accepts the words of sympathy of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
“The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa will in due time make an announcement on funeral arrangements.
“Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family wants to beg members of the public and the media to allow them room while grieving the passing away of this great fighter who was exceptional both outside and inside the ring.”