Heartbreaking scenes emerged from the boxing world when Simiso Buthelezi, a 24-year-old boxer, tragically passed away after a bizarre and distressing incident during his final fight. Buthelezi went up against Siphesihle Mntungwa, battling for the WBF All Africa lightweight title, in a match that ended in unforeseen tragedy.
Despite being declared in fine health by his trainer before the fight, as reported by the BBC, and praised by Boxing South Africa (BSA) for being “a great boxer who was exemplary both outside and inside the ring,” the match took a catastrophic turn.
On the 5th of June, 2022, a shocking moment occurred when Buthelezi fell through the ropes. The referee immediately stopped the fight to check on him. After being allowed to continue, Buthelezi confusingly started throwing punches at an empty corner of the ring, as if fighting an invisible opponent.
BSA later reported that Buthelezi collapsed towards the end of the match and was urgently transported to a hospital in Durban, South Africa.
Upon arrival, doctors discovered that he had internal bleeding caused by a brain injury, surprisingly not from any noticeable heavy hits during the fight. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Buthelezi’s trainer, Bheki Mngomezulu, was mystified by the turn of events. “I really can’t explain what happened, to be honest,” he told News 24. “It was bewildering, but in his training and in the build-up to the fight, there was nothing untoward with regards to his condition. He was in good nick before the fight.”
In a joint statement, the BSA and Buthelezi’s bereaved family communicated the devastating outcome of the fight. “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,” the statement detailed. “At the hospital Mr Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he however succumbed to the injury,” they added, noting the condolences from the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
A 2000 report titled ‘Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Associated With Boxing’, by B D Jordan, highlighted the risks associated with the sport, stating that about 20 percent of professional boxers develop a chronic traumatic brain injury during their careers. Further alarming statistics from a 2021 study published in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons journal indicated that up to 40 percent of retired professional boxers show symptoms of chronic brain injury.