South African boxers Siphesihle Mntungwa and Simiso Buthelezi faced each other on 5th June for the WBF African lightweight title, but a tragedy overshadowed their bout as Buthelezi passed away following the fight.
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The fight was stopped in the 10th round after Buthelezi started to move towards the corner and threw punches in the air, following a knockdown. He was then taken to a hospital in Durban and was put in a coma. Tragically, it was then announced by Boxing South Africa that Buthelezi has passed away due to brain injuries. He had a professional record of 4-0 and seemed to be on the verge of victory before the incident happened.
Siphesihle Mntungwa receives threats
Following this tragedy, his opponent Siphesihle Mntungwa has been receiving a lot of threats and abuse from fans on social media. It is reported that the boxer might be on the verge of suicide after facing this mass abuse.
South African boxer Siphesihle Mntungwa has said he’s received mass abuse after Simiso Buthelezi died following their fight: “I just can’t take it anymore. One thing is left for me – I am going to kill myself… I did not kill Simiso. All I wanted was to win.” [@SowetanLIVE]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 10, 2022
The boxer felt frustrated as many people are holding him responsible for the death of his opponents and had this to say to SowetanLive, “I came under heavy criticism and insults on social media platforms when Simiso was hospitalized; it has taken another level now that he has passed away, I just can’t take it anymore. One thing is left for me – I am going to kill myself.”
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Moreover, he adds that even his own neighbors have sent him threatening messages saying, “Even my neighbors have posted very ugly messages about me on social media”
Fans react to the tragic loss
following this event many people have come out on social media to show their condolences
Spoke to the boxer that was in the ring with Simiso Buthelezi on @SNLWA @METROFMSA
“It was not my intention to Kill him, I hate that God chose my hands to take his life” -Siphesihle Mmtungwa
— Andile Ncube (@AndileNcube) June 8, 2022
RIP to Simiso Buthelezi. It takes true warrior to get in the ring and entertain people through the fistic art. May God be with your soul and heal your family. #SimisoButhelezi
— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) June 8, 2022
Boxing is a crazy sport. Simiso Buthelezi has died.
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) June 8, 2022
The loss of Simiso Buthelezi was a tragic event that will be remembered in the boxing world for a long time. Hopefully, better safety regulations are made to avoid such incidents in the future. But Unfortunately, this just goes to show that boxing is still a dangerous sport and fighters and people all over the world need to keep that in mind before jumping into a ring. Especially against a pro boxer.
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What are your thought on the incident and the outrage from fans that has followed?
Written by
Edited by
Ajinkya Aswale