The case and the care of Ludumo Lamati 

The British Board of Boxing Control and Queensberry Promotions have combined their expertise, experience and heartfelt efforts to help South African boxer Ludumo Lamati, who collapsed, following a World Boxing Council Silver featherweight title bout at the SSE Arena in Belfast, against champion Nick Ball, and underwent surgery to remove a blot clot from the brain.

Ludumo aged thirty-one  (21-1-1, 11 KO’s) went into the May 27^th bout undefeated against unbeaten Nick (18-0, 11 KO`s) aged twenty-six from Liverpool, who was defending his title for the third time. Ludumo fought a competitive fight. But was overwhelmed in the twelfth and final round, when his Corner threw in the towel. He walked back to the corner, but then collapsed.  British Board of Boxing Control Medical Staff and paramedics immediately administered treatment including oxygen and Ludumo was stretchered out of the ring and swiftly taken by ambulance to the Critical Care Unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital. All of this was done within the vital: “Golden Hour.” There he was underwent surgery to remove a blood clot, and was placed into a medically induced coma, to stem swelling.

Ludumo has made encouraging progress.  He has been brought out of the coma, is eating solids and is now in a general ward. He recognizes those around him, is chatting and is up and about. One of the visitors is former two division world champion Zolani Tete who also comes from Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape.

Ludumo’s team united to help his Mum Joyce and Fiancée Cay Chadday obtain visas. Frank Warren and Queensbury helped facilitate their trip over to be with Ludumo. A Go Fund Me Page has been established by Hugh O’Halloran of Belfast Boxers.

Robert Smith General Secretary of the British Board of Boxing Control, which has been helping and constantly monitoring throughout said: “I have spoken with our Chief Medical Officer Dr Martin Duffy, who works at the Hospital. When Ludumo had the bleed, they removed a bit of the scalp to relieve the pressure, and they’ve placed it in another part of the body to keep it fresh. They are now looking to replace that within the next couple of days, and hopefully he’ll be able to go home within a couple of weeks.  All the reports at the moment are very positive, and they are very pleased with his progress. Coincidently a lady who works at the hospital who comes from the same region as Ludumo was there when he first woke up and was able to communicate with him. He speaks English, but it’s not his first language.”

Robert also said there were four doctors at the show on the evening including an anaesthetist and very prompt action was taken, as time is always of essence, concerning emergency procedure, with an ambulance at hand, which without delay, took a pre-determined, pre-planned route.

Robert added: “We’re in contact with Ludumo’s Manager and promoter, who’ve been very helpful working towards the visas. Everyone has helped and worked as a team to do the right thing. The costs involved are being currently discussed.

“These things aren’t very nice to deal with. I’ve dealt with them before and there is a procedure in place which we have to stick to. It has worked very well. In the future we can sit down after any injury to consider and to further improve upon this.”