PANIC AS SA BOXER DIES AFTER PUNCHES

MBABANE – Just when the country has introduced fights without head guards, a South African boxer has died from a flurry of punches.

 
South Africa middleweight boxer Phindile Mwelase, 31, slipped into a coma on October 10 and had to be transferred to Steve Biko Hospital, where she underwent surgery to stop the bleeding in the brain after a fight against Liz Butler, who defeated her by a knockout. She was buried over the past weekend.  

There have been mixed feelings in the country after the incident following the mandatory introduction of fights without head gear in July this year. This is a requirement of Rule 20.1 of the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Swaziland Boxing Association (SWABA) President Pearl Dlamini conceded that boxing was one of the sporting activities that were not 100 per cent safe but maintained that the introduction of fights without head guards was beyond her office’s control.

“We have precautions in place that include medical check-ups before a bout and having a ringside physician/doctor by the corner during the bout.
 “Referees and judges have also been trained on identifying bouts where ‘one boxer has an upper hand over the other’ and they are guided by the AIBA rules on how to stop the bout. The coaches at the corners are also trained on how to do similar observations and they have a right too to stop a bout,” she said.

While most boxers were mum on the developments, South Africa based pugilist, Sibonelo Ndzimandze, felt it was a risk worth taking.
“As a boxer, the minute you enter the ring you are ready for such things. For us who see boxing as a career, we’re not shaken at all.
“In fact, it is an eye-opener as we have to be extra careful in the ring.”

Headgear was banned in a bid to reduce head injuries. The theory is that opponents apply less force if the head is unprotected.

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