South African boxer Siphesihle Mntungwa claims to be on the brink of killing himself after his rival Simiso Buthelezi tragically passed away following their boxing match.
The pair were competing for the African lightweight title when Buthelezi began fighting an invisible opponent in the tenth round of their encounter. The referee stopped the fight and Buthelezi was rushed to the hospital.
Buthelezi would need a miracle to survive after suffering bleeding in the brain. Tragically, he would pass away.
Mntungwa has since revealed he is overcome with stress from the events that unfolded after being branded a “killer.”
“I came under heavy criticism and insults on social media platforms when Simiso was hospitalised,” Mntungwa said. “It has taken another level now that he has passed away.”
“I just can’t take it anymore. One thing is left for me — I am going to kill myself.”
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Mntungwa went on to say that he did not kill Simiso, nor was it his intention to end the fighter’s life.
“I did not kill Simiso,” he said. “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.”
Mntungwa’s trainer, Mmeli Mkhize, said he’s seeking professional help for Mntungwa following the fighter’s disturbing admission to the outlet. He added that the threats against Mntungwa have been so bad, they can’t even pay their respects to Simiso out of concern for what people might try to do them there.
“We will not even be able to attend the funeral because we are scared,” he said.
