Lightweight boxer Simiso Buthelezi has died after suffering bleeding on the brain following a bout at the weekend in Durban, Boxing South Africa (BSA) confirmed on Thursday.
Buthelezi fought in a 10-round World Boxing Federation All Africa lightweight fight against compatriot Siphesihle Mntungwa on Sunday, but the contest was stopped by the referee when he appeared to shadow box an invisible opponent.
He was rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma after it was discovered he had bleeding on the brain. He has since passed away.
"Simiso was dictating terms, he was actually controlling the fight from round one," ring announcer Sipho Mashego told ESPN. "He didn't take any punishment from his opponent.
"But this was the last round, with 14 seconds to go, and his opponent fell out of the ring. [Buthelezi] then started swinging wildly, and no-one understood what was going on. Luckily the ringside physicians were quick. It was bizarre."
Trainer Bheki Mngomezulu said Buthelezi had been in perfect health in the lead-up to the bout.
"I really can't explain what happened, to be honest," he told News24.
"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."
BSA have confirmed they will undertake an independent medical review of the incident.
Reuters/Newshub
