Yo-Sam Choi

Yo-Sam Choi was a South Korean professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2007. He was born in Jeongeup, Jeollabukdo, South Korea on October 16, 1973. He started boxing at the age of 15 and turned pro in 1993. He won the Lineal and WBC light flyweight titles in 1999 by defeating Saman Sorjaturong by unanimous decision. He defended his titles three times before losing them to Jorge Arce by technical knockout in 2002. He then moved up in weight and challenged for the WBA flyweight title twice, but lost to Beibis Mendoza and Lorenzo Parra by decision. He also fought for the WBO intercontinental flyweight title and won it in 2007 by beating Terdkiat Jandaeng. He successfully defended his title against Heri Amol on December 25, 2007, but collapsed in the ring after the fight and was rushed to the hospital. He suffered a brain hemorrhage and underwent emergency surgery, but never regained consciousness. He was declared brain dead on January 2, 2008 and died the next day when he was taken off life support. His organs were donated to six patients with his family’s consent. He was awarded a medal by the South Korean government for his organ donation. He was also honored by Leessang, a hip hop duo, who dedicated a song to him in their fifth album called CHAMPION. He is regarded as one of the best South Korean boxers of all time and a national hero.