South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi has sadly passed away in hospital following a brain injury he suffered in the ring on Sunday night.Clips of the fight went viral on Sunday given the bizarre nature of his defeat. He was stopped by the referee after we walked to the corner of the ring and started fighting thin air.It happened in the 10th round of the lightweight clash, with Buthelezi dominating the fight, knocking his opponent down and into the ropes.Just before the knockdown, he took a jab on the chin, losing his bearings shortly after as the fight resumed when his opponent got up from the ropes.After the referee stopped the fight, Buthelezi was taken to hospital for checks. There he was put into an induced coma, but sadly would not return from it.He passed away in the evening of the 7th June, with his family and Boxing South Africa releasing a joint statement on Wednesday to announce his untimely passing.

The statement read: “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 of June 2022 at hospital in Durban.

“On the 5th of June 2022 Mr Buthelezi participated in a boxing tournament hosted by Starline Boxing Promotions at Greybile, Durban.

“Towards the end of his bout, Mt Buthelezi collapsed and was taken to hospital and 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 last night aforesaid.

“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.”

Incredibly sad news for the talented boxer who looked to have a bright future ahead, out thoughts are with his family and friends.

RIP Simiso Buthelezi.