Video: Alarming scene in African boxing bout as stunned boxer fights non-existent opponent

Uncomfortable scenes were captured in a recent boxing bout in Africa.

On Sunday afternoon, a video emerged of then-unbeaten boxer Simiso Buthelezi becoming puzzled and swinging in mid-air opposite to his opponent Siphesihle Mntungwa during their contest for the WBF African lightweight title. The bout took place at the Greyville Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa.

The incident occurred in the 10th round of the bout soon after Mntungwa fell through the ropes during an exchange with Buthelezi. Mntungwa quickly got back in the ring and the referee restarted the action. It was then that Buthelezi seemed to lose his senses. He turned away from his opponent, toward the referee, and then began swinging punches as he approached an empty corner of the ring.

The referee immediately stopped the fight and the win was awarded to Mntungwa. According to Tim Boxeo Twitter account, which posted the video, Buthelezi is currently in stable condition and will be overlooked over the next few days.

Below you can watch the frighting video:

In an update posted on the thread, it appears Buthelezi is in stable condition after the fight.

“Sources share that Simiso Buthelezi is currently in stable condition in South Africa and in the next few days more will be learned as to what could have potentially caused a very scary and odd response in the ring,” Tim Boxeo wrote on Twitter.

Ultimately, this was a scary scene that serves as a reminder that combat sports athletes really do put their heath and wellbeing on the line when they step in to compete.

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