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South Korean boxer dies

02/01/2008

South Korea's Choi Yo-sam has died after collapsing during his WBO intercontinental flyweight bout on Christmas Day.

The 33-year-old's life support system was turned off today when hospital staff said he was "brain dead" and had suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.

In the December 25th fight, Choi, who won the WBC light flyweight title nine years ago, was floored by Indonesian challenger Heri Amol at the end of round 12.

He managed to get back up again to be awarded a points victory, but left the ring in a stretcher and was taken to hospital.

Choi's mother, Oh Soon-hui, said her son had "lived a hard life".

"I hope he has gone to a peaceful place," she told South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

Ms Oh explained that the decision to turn her son's life support off today was a symbolic gesture towards his father, who also died on the date of January 2nd.

Choi's death has similarities with compatriot Kim Duk-koo, who died in a 1982 title fight with lightweight champion Ray Mancini in Las Vegas.