The 1988 Olympic final in Seoul became one of the greatest injustices in boxing history. Great attention was being paid to the match between South Korean boxer Park Hee-hoon and American Roy Jones. Although spectators and boxing experts believed in Jones's victory, the result was different. Park Si-hoon was awarded the gold medal for a 3-2 victory.
In the years following this match, many doubted Pak's victory, believing that Jones had indeed dominated the boxing ring. Fans and boxing experts who showed great interest in the game at the Olympic Games also acknowledged Jones' superiority on the boxing field. Therefore, Pak's awarding of the gold medal was seen by boxing fans as partly unfair.
Jones was then recognized as one of the youngest and most talented fighters in boxing history. She also won the Wel Barker Trophy for her conduct at the Olympic Games. However, since the medal awarded to him was considered dubious, the fighter still feels the truth that belongs to him regarding his Olympic medal today.
Years later, rumors spread about the shortcomings in refereeing by the judges and the Olympic Committee. In 1996, documents related to the East German special service "Shtazi" were found, in which it was stated that some referees were paid to assist South Korean boxers. Most importantly, this was done to surpass the number of medals won by the USA at the Olympic Games. However, when the International Olympic Committee conducted an investigation, no significant evidence of bribery was found. Nevertheless, Pak Si Xun's victory at that time was remembered in the international community as some kind of injustice.
Pack has repeatedly stated that he still feels guilty during these years. The Olympic medal is as much a part of her life as it is connected to her emotions, and she has always lived with negative emotional feelings. After he retired from boxing, he called his gold medal a "horror dream."
At the same time, Jones achieved great success in his boxing career. Although he was skeptical of his Olympic victory, he began his brilliant career, winning the title in four weight categories. His 47 knockouts and 66 wins are among the remarkable results in boxing history. Jones strived to achieve his new goal in the boxing ring. And, perhaps, thanks to the influence of his victory at the Olympic Games, he took his career to a new level.
However, Pak Si Xun felt very proud that historical injustice was being eradicated. After 40 years, Park decided to award Jones the Olympic gold medal. He went to Pensacola to see Jones's gym. On that day, Jones had come to the gym for her standard interview, but Park surprised her to return her gold medal. Through her son, Pack said: "I had a gold medal, but I want to return it to you, it belongs to you." Jones was shocked by this surprise and, with tears in his eyes, replied: "Oh, this is madness."
Pak's move attracted the attention of sports fans and the boxing team worldwide, demonstrating the true moral values of his victory. Reports of this incident appeared on Jones's YouTube page. All this positive news indicates the restoration of the true spiritual values of boxing and has a great influence on the preservation of its historical monument.
It's worth noting that this can actually become a source of lessons and inspiration. And, of course, it is never too late to wash away the guilt.
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