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Featured Image Credit: TimBoxeo/Twitter
Topics: South Africa
Daniel Marland
South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi scared fans by punching an invisible opponent seconds after knocking his actual foe through the ropes. You can check out the video below.
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.
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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.
He turned away from Mntungwa and instead looked at at the corner the referee was in and started to approach.
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Even when the referee moved out 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 an attempt to stop him flailing his arms.
Footage of the incident has gone viral on social media and it's a terrifying reminder of what can happen in combat sport.
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One commented: "Absolutely terrifying. This is why I don’t denigrate any person who steps in the ring. I hope my bro is alright."
Another said: "I've never seen this happen before in a fight."
A third tweeted: "This is scary beyond belief. Prayers for Simiso."
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While someone put: "This is the most f**ked up thing I've ever seen in a boxing ring."
Buthelezi is in a stable condition and will be examined in the next few days.
Boxing expert Tim Boxeo stated: "Sources share that Simiso Buthelezi is currently in stable condition in South Africa and in the next few days more will be learned as to what could have potentially caused a very scary and odd response in the ring."