Simiso Buthelezi has tragically passed away after being placed in a coma following his fight against Siphesihle Mntungwa on Sunday.
During the 10th round of their WBF All Africa title fight on June 5, South African boxer Buthelezi became visibly disorientated, as he started to swing and punch thin air.
As reported by ESPN at the time, Buthelezi was placed in a medically induced coma following the bout for the WBA Africa lightweight title.
Dr. Buyi Mabaso-Dlamini later revealed that doctors had found a bleed on the sportsman's brain.
Sadly, however, in a joint statement issued by Boxing South Africa and Buthelezi's family read, it has been revealed that the boxer passed away on the evening of June 7 (Tuesday).
The statement read: "At the hospital Mr. Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he however succumbed to the injury last night as aforesaid."
"Boxing South Africa will conduct an independent medical review of the injury and will then make public the results of that medical review," the statement continued. "The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa acknowledges warm words of condolences of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
"The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa will in due course make announcement on funeral arrangements.
"Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family wishes to request members of the public and the media to give them space while mourning the passing away of this great boxer who was exemplary both outside and inside the ring."
Following the fight - footage of which went viral on social media after the bell had sounded - trainer Bheki Mngomezulu said, per News24: "There wasn't anything untoward in the fight and in training. 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."
Our thoughts are with Buthelezi's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
