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Korean boxer Choi Yo-sam has lost his final fight. The World Boxing Organization Intercontinental flyweight champion was declared brain dead at Asan Medical Center in Seoul on Wednesday, eight days after he fell into a coma following a Christmas Day title bout.
Choi's family expressed their intention to donate his organs in accordance with his wishes, and the hospital asked the Korean Network for Organ Sharing (KONOS) to select candidates to receive the organs. The 35-year-old champion was pronounced legally dead at 00:01 on Thusday morning after the procedure to remove his organs was completed.
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Choi Yo-sam, left, swings at Indonesian challenger Heri Amol during the 6th round of a WBO Intercontinental flyweight title bout in Seoul on Dec. 25, 2007. Choi, who defended his title with a unanimous decision, lost consciousness after ending the final 12th round, in which he was knocked down by Amol. /AP
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Choi's mother Oh Soon-hee, 65, broke down in a sorrowful scene at the hospital. "Your life in this world was always hard," she wept. "I will pray that you may rest in peace in Heaven."
Choi successfully defended his WBO title against challenger Heri Amol of Indonesia with a unanimous decision in the Christmas Day bout in Seoul, but collapsed just after the bout ended.
In 1982 another Korean boxer, Kim Duk-koo, lost consciousness after he was knocked down during a World Boxing Association lightweight title match against American champion Ray Mancini. Kim underwent brain surgery but died four days after the surgery.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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