Simiso Buthelezi, a South African boxer, has passed away at 24. He suffered a brain injury that saw him throw punches at thin atmosphere during his fight at the weekend.
Siphesihle Matungwa, a lightweight fighter, was defeated in Durban by the fighter on Sunday.
He lost the contest in 10th and last round after he turned his back to his opponent and started swinging at no one - only seconds after knocking Mntungwa out.
This clip became viral on social media.
The story now takes a tragic and heartbreaking turn as it is confirmed that he died after falling into a coma.
His family released a joint statement to Boxing South Africa: "It is with great sorrow that Boxing South Africa, and the Buthelezi Family, announce the passing of Mr. Simiso Buthelezi. He passed away last night (7 June 2022) at Durban hospital.
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Boxing South Africa will conduct an independent review of the injury, and then will make public the findings of that review.
"The Buthelezi Family and Boxing South Africa accept the warm condolences from the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
"The Buthelezi family will soon make an announcement about funeral arrangements. Boxing South Africa and Boxing South Africa will follow up.
"Boxing South Africa and The Buthelezi Family would like to ask members of the media and the public to allow them to mourn the loss of this outstanding boxer, who was both an outsider and an insider."
Buthelezi was leading the fight into the 10th round. He had boxed well, but before the horrifying scenes began.
Buthelezi was able to throw multiple punches through ropes, prompting ref to end the contest.
This was his first professional loss from five bouts, all of which were held in South Africa.
Buthelezi was treated by ringside doctors and then taken to the hospital where he was placed in a coma.
He was initially reported to be in "stable" condition, but he has since passed away.
