Disoriented boxer Buthelezi passes on

South African lightweight boxer Simiso Buthelezi has passed on following the incident that went viral on social media at the weekend.

This has been confirmed by Boxing South Africa, who released a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

Buthelezi was fighting in a 10-round WBF All Africa Lightweight title bout against Siphesihle Mntungwa and did not react well to an exchange of blows in the fight.

The visuals of the bout, which was broadcast live on SABC Sport, showed a disoriented Buthelezi punching in a different direction to Mntungwa, who was way behind him, at a non-existent opponent.

This led to referee Elroy Mashall stopping the fight immediately and declaring Mntungwa the winner, though the belt was not publicly handed over due to the sensitive nature of Buthelezi's condition.

"It is with great sadness for Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family to announce the passing away of Mr. Simiso Buthelezi who passed away last night the 7th June 2022 at hospital in Durban," read the statement.

"Boxing South Africa will conduct an independent medical review of the injury and will then make public the results of that medical review.

"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."