Choi Yo-sam
Yo-Sam Choi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Yo-Sam Choi March 1, 1972 |
| Died | January 3, 2008 (aged 35) |
| Nationality |  South Korean |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Light flyweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 37 |
| Wins | 32 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No contests | 0 |
Yo-Sam Choi (Korean: 최요삼; Hanja: 崔堯三 or 崔堯森; March 1, 1972 – January 3, 2008) was a Korean world boxing champion. He was born in Jeongeup, Jeollabukdo, South Korea.
Pro career
Choi turned pro in 1993 and won the WBC light flyweight title in 1999 with a decision win over Saman Sorjaturong. He successfully defended the title three times before losing it to Jorge Arce by a 6th round technical knockout in 2002. In 2003, he lost a decision to Beibis Mendoza for the interim WBA light flyweight title. In 2004, he moved up in weight to take on Lorenzo Parra for the WBA flyweight title and lost a decision.
Death
On December 25, 2007, he successfully defended the WBO Intercontinental flyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Heri Amol in a brutal 12 round fight. In the 12th round, Choi was dropped with five seconds remaining, but beat the count and went on to win the fight. He collapsed while still in the ring after the bout and was rushed to the Soonchunhyang University Hospital immediately after the fight in order to undergo emergency brain surgery. Choi was pronounced brain-dead on January 2, 2008, and died on January 3, 2008, when he was removed from a ventilator He donated his organs which saved 6 people's lives, and he was awarded a medal of honour from the Korean Government.
See also
References
External links
- Boxing record for Choi Yo-sam from BoxRec (registration required)
- Looking at Yo Sam Choi