Siphesihle Mmtungwa, the boxer that was in the ring with Simiso Buthelezi speaks out

It was an intense, long 10-round match between boxing lightweight Simiso “Gandaganda” Buthelezi and his opponent Siphesihle Mntungwa.

On the final round of the WBF All Africa Lightweight Title hosted by the Starline Boxing Promotions in Greyville, Simiso could no longer take the blows and collapsed. He was rushed to a Durban hospital where he was admitted and put into a coma.

Boxing South Africa (BSA) has since confirmed the death of Simiso which happened on Tuesday evening.

“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 a hospital in Durban,” the BSA statement reads.

“It was discovered that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding. In the hospital, he was given the best care possible, however, he succumbed to the injury last night as aforesaid.”

The boxing curators further explain that Simiso had participated in a Boxing Tournament hosted by Starline Boxing Promotions at Greyville, Durban, and towards the end, he collapsed and was taken to hospital.

“It was discovered at the hospital that he suffered a brain injury which resulted in internal bleeding. At the hospital, Mr. Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he, however, succumbed to the injury.”

Boxing South Africa has agreed to conduct an independent medical review of his injuries and will then make public the results.

“The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa acknowledge warm words of condolences of the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture.”

In due course, they will announce the funeral arrangements and they wish to request that members of the public and the media give them space while they mourn.

The boxing community has since shared their messages of condolences to his family and fans.

Spoke to the boxer that was in the ring with Simiso Buthelezi on @SNLWA @METROFMSA

“It was not my intention to Kill him, I hate that God chose my hands to take his life” -Siphesihle Mmtungwa

— Andile Ncube (@AndileNcube) June 8, 2022

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 pic.twitter.com/YhfCI623LB

— Tim Boxeo (@TimBoxeo) June 5, 2022

RIP to Simiso Buthelezi. It takes true warrior to get in the ring and entertain people through the fistic art. May God be with your soul and heal your family. #SimisoButhelezi

— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) June 8, 2022

Boxing is a crazy sport. Simiso Buthelezi has died.

— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) June 8, 2022

🔴 Rest In Peace Simiso Buthelezi.. 🔴

Tragic news of our Boxing sensation….

Hamba kahle Shenge.

🙏🏾💔🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/paH3trFMwn

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) June 8, 2022