A South African boxer who was the subject of a disturbing viral video has died.
Simiso Buthelezi died Tuesday due to internal bleeding from a brain injury suffered during a WBF All Africa title bout Sunday at a Starline Boxing Promotions event in Greyville, Durban, South Africa. Regulatory body Boxing South Africa (BSA) announced the news Wednesday in a joint statement with the boxer’s family
Buthelezi was in a medically-induced coma prior to his death. He was 24 years old.
A video of Buthelezi’s final boxing bout caught a lot of attention when it went viral for its scary and unusual nature. After he knocked his opponent down and nearly through the ropes, a disoriented Buthelezi turned his attention toward a corner post as he swung wildly in the air. It was a shockingly confusing moment for everyone involved and the bout was waived off by the referee.
“Towards the end of his bout, Mr. Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital and it was discovered at the hospital that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding. Mr. Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he however succumbed to the injury last night as aforesaid.”
It is unclear when or how Buthelezi suffered the fatal injuries.
There wasn’t anything untoward in the fight and in training,” Buthelezi’s trainer Bheki Mngomezulu told News24 (h/t ESPN). “He was leading the fight on points before the unfortunate incident occurred. I really can’t explain what happened, to be honest. 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.”
BSA added an independent medical review of the injury will take place next, after which the public will be informed of the results.
