Simiso Buthelezi died this week at 24 years old. Angela Peterson/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Boxer dies at 24 following fight that went viral

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Jun 8, 2022 5:16 PM ET

South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi died this week after suffering a brain injury during a fight over the weekend. He was 24 years old.

Buthelezi was rushed to the hospital following his fight Sunday against Siphesihle Mntungwa. After forcing Mntungwa into the ropes, Buthelezi began erratically punching at no one. A video of the fight went viral, showing the referee quickly stopping the fight and naming Mntungwa the winner before Buthelezi was rushed to the hospital.

Boxer Simiso Buthelezi is dead after suffering a brain injury that caused him to start throwing punches at nothing. Watch the video to the end if you can handle it. Unbelievably sad. https://t.co/qwpW03XIIM
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) June 8, 2022

It was determined Buthelezi had a brain bleed, and he was placed in a medically induced coma.

Boxing South Africa released a statement on Wednesday confirming Buthelezi had died.

"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 on June 7 in hospital in Durban," the statement read. "Towards the end of his bout, Mr. Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital and it was discovered that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding. At the hospital, Mr. Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he succumbed to the injury."

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