South African fighter Mzwanele Kompolo has passed away as a result of the hard punches he received during a fight.
South African fighter Mzwanele Kompolo has died after he was knocked out in the first round of a fight in Frere. Kompolo collapsed in the ring after being beaten by Siphenathi Qampi in the Eastern Cape and went into a coma.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said: “It is indeed sad to hear of this news involving the passing of this young upcoming athlete.” He further stated that the sports ministry is still investigating the death of female boxer Phindile Mwelase late last year. Mwelase died after being in a coma for two weeks following a fight in the capital, Pretoria.
Another boxer, Australian David Browne died on Tuesday after being knocked unconscious in a fight.
This brings to the fore concerns about the safety of the sport with boxers dying or battling with various illnesses later in life, and it is expected that a review of the boxing articles shouldn’t be far away.