A boxer's death just days after their fight is causing his opponent stress: 'I just can't take it anymore'

• Boxer Siphesihle Mntungwa says he's facing a great amount of stress right now.
• Mntungwa fought Simiso Buthelezi one week ago. Days later, Buthelezi died.

Novice boxer Simiso Buthelezi's death just days after their fight last week is causing his opponent Siphesihle Mntungwa great stress: "I just can't take it anymore," he said, according to Sowetan Live.

The 24-year-old died Tuesday after being pulled from a boxing match in which he showed signs of disorientation and even tried to punch an imaginary opponent in the ring.

He was taken to King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban, South Africa, after the alarming scenes that took place Sunday during a WBF African lightweight title match at the nearby Greville Convention Centre.

Buthelezi fought Mntungwa for the title, and had given a good account of himself in the fight. He appeared to have the upper hand in the bout when he punched Mntungwa through the ropes in the 10th round.

Video footage shows that Mntungwa actually connected with a shot of his own as he was falling backward, and he rose to his feet with little to no problem.

However, shortly after the referee called for action to resume, Buthelezi was in no fit state to continue because he appeared confused. He swung his fists at thin air and seemingly tried to box the turnbuckle.

At the hospital, he was placed in a medically induced coma. He died not long after.

"I came under heavy criticism and insults on social media platforms when Simiso was hospitalized; it has taken another level now that he has passed away," Mntungwa told Sowetan Live.

"I just can't take it anymore. One thing is left for me – I am going to kill myself," the 27-year-old added.

"Even my neighbors have posted very ugly messages about me on social media. I am no longer safe. I did not kill Simiso; we may have been involved in a boxing fight but it was not a matter of life and death."

Mmeli Mkhize, Mntungwa's boxing coach, said his fighter is "under pressure from social media messages."

He said: "We will not even be able to attend the funeral because we are scared."

Mntungwa said: "All I wanted was to win the title, which maybe was going to help change my life and that of my family … winning that title was going to help me financially.

"But people have branded me a killer. It could have been me."