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SEOUL - SOUTH Korean boxer Choi Yo Sam fell into a coma on Tuesday after successfully defending his World Boxing Organisation intercontinental flyweight title, a report said.
Choi, 33, fell unconscious after challenger Heri Amol of Indonesia threw a right to his jaw seconds before the fight ended, Yonhap news agency said.
He underwent brain surgery but was still in a coma on Tuesday, it said.
The Korean fighter collapsed five seconds before the end of the 12th round after Amal had landed a punishing series of right and left hooks to his face.
Choi managed to stand as he was declared the winner but fell into a coma immediately afterwards, the news agency said.
'We never expected this to happen. As soon as Choi Yo Sam recovers, the boxing committee will discuss safety measures,' said an official of the Korean Boxing Commission, quoted by Yonhap.
South Korean boxer Kim Duk Koo slipped into a coma and died from injuries sustained during a match against US champion Ray Mancini in Las Vegas in 1982. His death led to reforms in boxing, including the end of 15-round bouts and health checks before and after fights. -- AFP
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