A worrying moment happened during a South African boxing event recently. Boxer Simiso Buthelezi lost his senses mid fight and started punching into thin air.
Simiso Buthelezi took on Siphesihle Mntungwa for the WBF African lightweight title last weekend. Buthelezi entered the ring undefeated with 4 wins prior to the match. Unfortunately, he had to suffer his first loss in an unusual way.
The incident happened at the end of the 10th round. Buthelezi was dominating his opponent and was heading for the decision win.
In a video that went viral, Simiso Buthelezi can be seen throwing a combination of punches. Mntungwa evaded the attack but fell back through the ropes in the process. After Mntungwa got back on his feet, Buthelezi lost his understanding of the present situation and started punching thin air as he walked towards another corner.
Seeing his opponents like that, Mntungwa decided to not attack. The referee also halted the match immediately and announced Mntungwa as the winner. Meanwhile Buthelezi was taken to hospital immediately.
Twitter account Team Boxeo shared the clip and provided some information regarding the incident.
“Very scary in South Africa please for Simiso Buthelezi (4-1). At 2:43 of the 10th & final round, Siphesihle Mntungwa (7-1-2) falls through the ropes but then Buthelezi appears to lose his understanding of the present situation. Mntungwa takes the WBF African lightweight title.”
Later on, they provided an update on Buthelezi’s condition. They said Buthelezi is currently in a stable condition with no critical injury. The WBF decided to postpone the belt ceremony for Mntungwa before they receive a confirmation of Buthelezi’s condition.
“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.” Team Boxeo wrote on Twitter.
UPDATE: 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.
— Tim Boxeo (@TimBoxeo) June 5, 2022