Lightweight boxer Simiso Buthelezi is receiving medical treatment after worryingly punching thin air in the final round of his latest fight when seconds from victory.
The South African appeared close to clinching the WBF African lightweight title when his fifth bout took a worrying turn. Buthelezi is understood to have been comfortably beating Siphesihle Mntungwa late in the 10th and final round when his opponent fell back through the ropes.
Mntungwa returned to his feet and was ready to resume the fight when Buthelezi seemed to lose his bearings. The fighter's first instinct was to bear down as though the referee was his target, only to then move into the corner and start throwing fists as though shadow boxing.
Realising his opponent is no longer in full control of his faculties and with his back to the ring, Mntungwa opts not to advance. The official swiftly steps in to end the bout seconds later, waving off the result out of fear for the at-risk fighter's safety.
Boxing enthusiast Tim Boxeo wrote on Twitter that Buthelezi was "almost certainly" on track for a decision victory before the unexpected finish. He later clarified the fighter was in a "stable condition" and being monitored after receiving medical care in Durban.
Some spectators on social media wondered whether the episode was caused as a result of heat exhaustion. Doubts were raised over the possibility of that being the cause, however, considering it's currently winter in South Africa.
Buthelezi came to the Greyville Convention Centre with a 4-0 record but came away having suffered his maiden defeat. That may be considered a small price, however, considering the initial confusion caused by his air-punching panic.
Boxing has witnessed a number of deaths inside the ring so far in 2022. Teenage prospect Ali Tazeem—who was hailed as 'the next Amir Khan '— died after a car accident in April soon after signing his first pro contract.
That followed the death of Indonesian boxer Hero Tito, who died following a knockout loss against James Mokoginta. Former Ukrainian champion Oleg Prudky was killed just last month fighting against Russia's invasion of his homeland.
