Wishing for Recovery of Unyielding Boxer Choi

Choi Yo-sam, 35, is in a critical condition after passing out during a match. And he underwent a brain surgery after the blackout. He was about to make his fourth bid for the world championship title after the match.

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) held a flyweight intercontinental championship match yesterday in Seoul.

Nearing the end of the 12th round, exactly 10 seconds prior to the end, Indonesian challenger Heri Amol landed a right hook on Choi’s face and knocked him down. Choi got right back to his feet. The Thai referee counted to eight and asked Choi whether he would continue.

Choi raised his hands, indicating his intent to continue the fight. Thus, the referee resumed the match and, at that very moment, the round ended. However, Choi fell down again right after the ending bell signal.

While Choi was on the gurney being rushed to a nearby E.R., the match was officially wrapped up. All three judges announced Choi’s victory.

The Thai referee explained, “Choi explicitly demonstrated his intent to continue fighting. And the game was resumed. Therefore, it does not matter whether Choi fell down thereafter. Our judgment was legitimate and complied with the protocol.”

Doctors diagnosed an internal hemorrhage in his brain and conducted immediate surgery.

Choi ran hundreds of miles to boost up his sagging stamina stemming from his age. One day, he told reporters, “I can’t sleep. I am too hungry and exhausted,” implying the toughness of his training.

The intercontinental championship, which Choi defended this time, is a run-up to the world championship from the Asian championship. He had planned to make his fourth world championship challenge after the match.

Choi first won the WBC light flyweight champion title in 1999, which he lost in his fourth defense match. Afterwards, his two additional challenges for the world title failed. However, he would not give up and continued his boxing career. Choi records a career 32-5 (19 KOs) record with this winning match, while Amol has won 22 (seven KOs) and lost eight with three ties.

bluesky@donga.com