/ 30 June 2008

Boxer dies after collapsing during fight

Boxer Samorha Msophi has died in Mdantsane’s Cecilia Makiwane Hospital after he collapsed during a junior flyweight title clash in East London on the weekend.

Msophi died on Monday morning at the hospital, where he was rushed shortly after collapsing in the ring in the fourth round.

The 22-year-old, in a fight at the Orient Theatre against Mfundo Gwayana, was dropped in the first round. 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. Unable to see or speak, the fighter remained in a coma while doctors tried to stabilise him.

Boxing South Africa 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. This followed views that the fight should have been stopped earlier as Msophi was receiving 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 the news.

”I cannot even begin to express my feelings about this,” a tearful Handi said.

”This boy was like a son to me. He not only trained in my club, but our families were also close. We had high hopes for him.”

No funeral arrangements had been made as yet. — Sapa