A boxer has died after being left in an induced coma following a brutal knockout during an event in Miami earlier this month.
Congolese heavyweight Ardi Ndembo was competing in a Team Combat League competition when he was knocked to the canvas by opponent Nestor Santana.
The father of two, who had a perfect 8-0 record, was placed into an induced coma in hospital after he was left unconscious in the ring for several minutes.
However on Thursday night, the promotion posted on X: ‘We at Viva Promotions mourn the loss of Ardi Ndembo, a talented Congolese boxer who tragically passed away after a knockout in a Team Combat League match on April 5.
‘He remained in an induced coma until his untimely death. RIP Ardi Ndembo!’
Boxer Ardi Ndembo has died after being left in a coma following a brutal knockout in Miami
The heavyweight was competing in a team competition when he was knocked to the canvas
Ndembo’s wife reportedly flew from Las Vegas into Florida to be by his side.
Team Combat League sees boxers compete as teams rather than individuals and Ndembo was representing Las Vegas Hustle.
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Floyd Mayweather’s uncle Jeff is part of the Las Vegas team and he paid tribute to his fighter after the sickening incident.
He told The Sun: ‘Boxing’s a sport where you grow up watching it and loving it, but there’s so much risk involved.
‘Anyone can lose their life from boxing. When something like this happens, it wakes up the whole entire world. I don’t think boxing’s a bad sport because you can die in any sport.
‘You drive a race car at 200mph, if it slides, you’re going to die too. You can die in an sport but boxing is a brutal sport.’
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman was among the first to pay tribute.
He posted on X: ‘May he rest in peace. Ardi Ndembo has passed away in Miami. Our condolences go to his family.’
A GoFundMe has been set up to raise ‘relief funds’ for Ndembo’s family. The total currently stands at $9,446.
It says: ‘On April 5, 2024, heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndembo sustained significant injuries while competing in Miami, Florida.
‘Team Combat League will match total third-party donations up to a maximum of $25,000 to assist the Ndembo children.
‘Originally from Brazzaville, Congo, Ardi Ndembo is a 27 year old father of two.
‘Please take a moment to send your strength, prayers and financial support to the Ndembo children at this challenging time.’
