South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi has died from brain injuries, kicking up a storm of mourning Mzansi. Who would have guessed that Simiso, who had floored his opponent, would go down soon after in tragic circumstances?
With just moments to go in the 10th and final round of the World Boxing Federation title against Siphesihle Mntungwa, Simiso became dazed and started punching thin air, which alarmed the audience as well as the umpire.
The man in the middle had to halt the match, and paramedics took the boxer away for an emergency check. He was soon rushed to the hospital and placed in a coma when medical personnel discovered he had bleeding in the brain.
He, unfortunately, didn’t make it out of the hospital alive.
His death reverberated across South Africa, igniting the old debate about boxing being a violent sport and the need to have it banned in South Africa.
The call for a ban on boxing is not limited to South Africa, however. Across the world, the call resonates. But will there ever be a ban?
By the way, Simiso’s family are yet to share details about his funeral. You may want to stay tuned for that if you please
