A boxer had to be rushed to the hospital after he became so disoriented during a match that he actually tried to box a person who was not in front of him.
The alarming scene took place Sunday during a WBF African lightweight title match at the Greville Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa. Simiso Buthelezi fought Siphesihle Mntungwa for the title and appeared to be winning as he punched him through the ropes in the 10th round.
After the ref got things back in order, it was clear Buthelezi was unfit to continue. Buthelezi swung his fists at thin air, seemingly trying to box the turnbuckle.
The referee immediately called an end to the contest.
The Mirror reported that Buthelezi was rushed to a hospital.
Tim Boxeo reported that Buthelezi would likely have won a 10-round decision had he fought until the final bell. Dr. David Abassi, a ringside doctor, called the situation “very scary” in a video sent to TMZ Sports.
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“The ringside referee immediately stops the fight, and I think that’s absolutely the right call,” said Abassi.
“As a ringside doctor at these fights, what we’re concerned about is the symptoms of concussion, but what we can never really rule out is something more severe, like a brain bleed.”
