The boxer’s opponent, who died after suffering a brain injury that left him swinging at nothing, has admitted to having suicidal thoughts after being subjected to a barrage of abuse.
Simiso Buthelezi’s wellbeing was questioned on Sunday after video emerged of him throwing punches at an unidentified opponent during his fight for the WBF African lightweight title with Siphesihle Mntungwa.
Mntungwa was knocked down and sent through the ropes in the tenth round by Buthelezi.
But Mntungwa rose to his feet, and in a startling and terrifying turn of events, a dazed Buthelezi began swinging at no one.
Mntungwa went over to resume trading punches, but the referee immediately stopped the fight, and Buthelezi was taken to the hospital, where he remained in a coma until it was confirmed that he had tragically died on Tuesday at the age of 24.
Mntungwa had performed Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘SIUUUUU’ celebration after winning the title.
However, following his opponent’s death, he has revealed that he has received abuse on social media and has even been labeled a “killer.”
It’s taken its toll on the champion, who gave a concerning interview in which he discussed suicide.
“I came into heavy criticism and received insults on social media platforms when Simiso was hospitalised; it has taken another level now that he has passed away,” he told Sowetan Live, as per the Daily Mail.
“I just can’t take it anymore. One thing is left for me – I am going to kill myself. Even my neighbours have posted very ugly messages about me on social media. I am no longer safe.
“I did not kill Simiso; we may have been involved in a boxing fight but it was not a matter of life and death. All I wanted was to win the title, which maybe was going to help change my life and that of my family.
“I am the only one working at home, where I stay with my young brother, my aunt and her children. My mother died when I was four; my father is still alive but we don’t stay with him.
“So, winning that title was going to help me financially. But people have branded me a killer. It could have been me.
“Without doubt Simiso’s family is going through pain like any other family. Simiso has just graduated. Who knows his family may have even sold their cows to make sure he finished his studies. It is sad and very painful, but I did not go in that boxing with an intention to kill him.”
Mmeli Mkhize, who trains Mntungwa, has said no one from the team will attend the funeral out of fear.
Boxing South Africa, meanwhile, have confirmed they will conduct an independent medical review of the injury before making the results public.
