Durban - The South African boxing fraternity is mourning the death of Empangeni boxer Simiso “Gandaganda” Buthelezi who died in hospital on Tuesday night.
Buthelezi, 24, was rushed to hospital after he collapsed during a bout in the Starline Boxing Promotions bill at Greyville Convention Centre in Durban on Sunday.
He fought in a 10-round World Boxing Federation All Africa lightweight fight against compatriot Siphesihle Mntungwa, but the contest was stopped by the referee when he appeared to shadow box an invisible opponent.
He was taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma after it was found he had bleeding on the brain. Trainer Bheki Mngomezulu said the fighter had been in perfect health in the lead-up to the bout.
A video of Buthelezi during Sunday’s bout went viral on social media and was picked up by international media outlets as it showed him punching the air in the final round.
KZN MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Hlengiwe Mavimbela, said yesterday the department mourned Buthelezi’s death.
Mavimbela, who attended the tournament on Sunday, said: “We are greatly saddened by the news of the passing on of Mr Buthelezi. On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire boxing fraternity for the loss. May his soul rest in peace,” said Mavimbela.
Buthelezi died weeks after he graduated with a BSc Botany and Zoology degree from the University of Zululand.
Boxing South Africa, along with the Buthelezi family, announced the news of his death in a statement yesterday.
“It was discovered at the hospital that he had brain injury that resulted in internal bleeding. At the hospital Buthelezi was given the best care possible, but succumbed to the injury,” said Boxing South Africa acting CEO, Erick Sithole.
Sithole said Boxing SA would do an independent medical review of the injury.
Professional boxer Kevin Lerena tweeted: “RIP Simiso Buthelezi. You walked into the ring on June 5 as a professional warrior of the fistic art. Sadly, you never made it back home to your family. If I ever see anybody discredit any fighter on social media I WILL CALL YOU OUT! Every fighter deserves respect.”
In a message on Facebook, Colin Nathan, a boxing trainer and manager, said: “I’ve often said in interviews that fighters walk into the ring, and they may not walk out the same fighter they were. In this case, Simiso Buthelezi walked in and was not able to walk out, leaving on a stretcher.
“Fighters put their lives on the line to feed and support their families while trying fulfil their dreams and responsibilities … when it cuts deep like this, we are all left speechless and heartbroken. RIP Simiso Buthelezi,” he said.