The South African boxer who threw punches at an invisible opponent is in a coma after the scary footage was captured.
Simiso Buthelezi appeared to be disoriented and not quite sure of the situation he was in during a WBF African lightweight title fight against Siphesihle Mntungwa last weekend.
His trainer, Bheki Mngomezulu confirmed the boxer is now in a coma in extremely upsetting news.
“There’s no change in his condition, he’s in a coma, he’s not talking, moving or doing anything right now,” Mngomezulu said, via South African reporter Thabiso Mosia.
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He continued: “The doctors say there could be a blood clot on the brain due to a blow to the head.
“But I didn't see him taking serious blows during the fight. My thinking is that there was something sinister, like the Zulu medicine, you know muthi. That's because I've never seen anything like this in my time in Boxing.”
“This is very tough to take, especially for his family. Simiso has just graduated two weeks ago at UniZulu in Zoology and Botany. The family can’t understand why this had to happen because Simiso has a bright future.”
People on social media were left puzzled and concerned the footage from the fight went viral.
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In the 10th round of his World Boxing Federation African lightweight title bout against Siphesihle Mntungwa on Sunday, Buthelezi unloaded on his opponent.
Mntungwa couldn't handle the onslaught and found himself crashing down to the floor below.
He quickly got back up to his feet and returned to the ring.
The referee restarted the action and seconds later, it was Buthelezi who seemed to be unaware of his surroundings when victory was in his grasp.
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He turned away from Mntungwa and instead looked at the corner the referee was in and started to approach.
Even when the referee moved out of the way, he still walked forward and decided to swing punches into thin air.
The referee intervened and stopped the fight, which gave Mntungwa the win and the title. His official presentation was delayed, however, given the circumstances.
Buthelezi rested his head in the corner as the official hugged him from behind, likely in an attempt to stop him from flailing his arms.
Featured Image Credit: SABC Sport Live.Topics: South Africa, Boxing
