Choi Yo-sam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Choi Yo-sam |
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|---|---|
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| Statistics | |
| Rated at | Light flyweight |
| Nationality |  South Korean |
| Born | October 16, 1973 Jeongeup, Jeollabukdo, South Korea |
| Died | January 3, 2008 (aged 34) Seoul, South Korea |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 37 |
| Wins | 32 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Choi Yo-sam | |
| Hangul |
최요삼
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|---|---|
| Revised Romanization | Choe Yo-sam |
| McCune–Reischauer | Ch'oe Yo-sam |
Choi Yo-sam (Hangul: 최요삼; October 16, 1973 – January 3, 2008) was a famous South Korean world boxing champion. He was born in Jeongeup, a city in Jeollabukdo, South Korea. Choi Yo-sam was known for his exciting fights and strong spirit in the boxing ring.
Contents
Choi's Boxing Journey
Choi Yo-sam started his professional boxing career in 1993. He quickly became a top boxer. In 1999, he won two important titles: the Lineal and WBC light flyweight championships. He won these titles by beating a boxer named Saman Sorjaturong.
Defending His Titles
After winning, Choi successfully defended his championships three times. This means he fought and won against challengers, keeping his titles. He was a strong champion!
Moving Up in Weight
Later, in 2002, he lost his titles to Jorge Arce. Choi continued to challenge for other titles. In 2003, he fought for the interim WBA light flyweight title but lost. In 2004, he moved to a heavier weight class, called flyweight, to fight Lorenzo Parra for the WBA flyweight title, but he did not win that match either.
A Champion's Final Fight
On December 25, 2007, Choi Yo-sam had his last professional fight. He was defending his WBO Intercontinental flyweight title against Heri Amol. Choi won the fight by a unanimous decision, meaning all the judges agreed he was the winner.
A Brave Moment
During the final round of this fight, Choi was knocked down with only five seconds left. But he showed incredible courage! He got back up before the referee counted to eight. The bell rang right after, ending the fight.
Choi's Legacy
After the fight, Choi collapsed in the ring. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency brain surgery. Sadly, he was pronounced brain dead on January 2, 2008, and passed away on January 3, 2008, after being taken off a machine that helped him breathe.
Choi Yo-sam's family made a very generous decision. They agreed to donate his organs to help others. Six different patients received his organs, which saved their lives. Because of this amazing act of kindness, the South Korean Government honored Choi with a special medal. His story reminds us of his bravery and his gift of life to others.
See also
- List of light flyweight boxing champions
- List of WBC world champions
