Boxer dies after KO defeat
2008-06-30 16:32
East London - The boxing world is mourning the death of Mdantsane prospect Samorha Msophi after his fourth round knockout defeat by Mfundo Gwayana in their South African junior flyweight title clash at Orient Theatre in East London at the weekend.
Msophi died on Monday morning at Mdantsane's Cecilia Makiwane Hospital where he was rushed shortly after collapsing in the ring in the fourth round.
The 22-year-old fighter was handed a frightening beating by Gwayana, getting dropped in the first round and literally bludgeoned around the ring for the duration of the fight.
After receiving damaging blows in the fourth round he slumped to the canvas and slipped into a coma.
He was rushed to hospital where he was put on a ventilator to assist him to breath. Unable to see or speak, the fighter remained in a coma while doctors tried to stabilise him.
Boxing SA director of operations Loyiso Mtya described Msophi's death as a boxing tragedy.
"Our condolences go out to his family and the boxing fraternity at large," he said.
Mtya appealed to people not to blame anyone for the death of the fighter. This followed stories that the fight should have been stopped earlier as Msophi was on the receiving end of a merciless pounding.
"Everybody is a genius in hindsight but I think we should give time to his family to grieve the loss of their son and not add to the tragedy with baseless accusations."
Msophi's mentor Siphatho Handi who promoted the fight, could not contain his tears when he was given him the sad news.
"I cannot even begin to express my feelings about this," Handi said with tears streaming down his cheeks.
"This boy was like a son to me. He was not only training in my club but our families were also close. We had high hopes for him."
Msophi's loss to Gwayana was only his second defeat in 10 bouts.
No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
- SAPA