“I am going to kill myself”- boxer Siphesihle Mntungwa is having suicidal thoughts after his opponent Simiso Buthelezi died during their fight
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Siphesihle Mntungwa
Siphesihle Mntungwa fought Simiso Buthelezi in an unfortunate boxing match last weekend. Both fighters were competing in the biggest match of their life but the match, however, turned into the worst nightmare they could have possibly imagined. Both fighters are from South Africa and the fight was organized on 5 June in Durban. The fight was for the WBF All Africa lightweight title and went on for 10 rounds. The match was called off in the 10th round after Buthelezi started punching in thin air and was clearly disorientated.
Buthelezi was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed in the ring and it was discovered that he had a brain injury and was bleeding internally. Simiso was placed in an induced coma. However, he could not recover and succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. The event is very unfortunate for the boxing community, and fans across the globe along have shown their support to Simiso’s family to cope-up with their loss.
After Buthelezi’s unfortunate passing, his opponent, Mntungwa, has been going through a lot. He revealed he has been facing online abuse and even his neighbours are posting against him. Mntungwa also revealed that he is having suicidal thoughts due to the hate he is receiving online. In an interview with Sowetanlive, Mntungwa said: “I came under heavy criticism and insults on social media platforms when Simiso was hospitalised; it has taken another level now that he has passed away. I just can’t take it anymore. I am going to kill myself.”
“No intentions to kill him”- Siphesihle Mntungwa clarifies he didn’t want to kill Simiso Buthelezi
After facing online hate, Siphesihle has been in a terrible state. Siphesihle has been under tremendous pressure after Buthelezi’s death and that has even pushed him to think of suicide. However, Siphesihle has cleared that he did not have any intention of killing Simiso and only wanted to win the title to help his family.
Siphesihle lives with his younger brother, his aunt and her children and he wanted to win the title so he could support his family financially. Mntungwa revealed that his mother died when he was four and he is the sole earning person in the family.
He said: “Without doubt, Simiso’s family is going through pain like any other family. Simiso has just graduated [with a degree in botany and zoology]. 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 of killing him.”
After his claims of suicide, Mntungwa’s trainer Mmeli Mkhize promised to seek professional help for Mntungwa. His trainer also revealed due to constant threats, they might not even attend the funeral of Simiso Buthelezi.
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Sparsh Sharma
(196 Articles Published)