Resuscitate Ring!

"We will rejuvenate the Korean boxing!"

Choi Yo-sam, the "boxer of new generation" and Chang Jong-goo (40), one of the former Korean champs, got together. The purpose: to rejuvenate the Korean boxing community by grabbing the champion title of WBC Light Fly.

Each of them retained the title before. Chang is a legendary champ, who had successfully defended his title 15 times from 1983 to 1988. The WNC selected him as the Boxer of the 20th Century in 2000. On the other hand, Choi grabbed the title in 1999, and succeeded in defending it three times. In July, he unfortunately got T-KOed and lost the tile to a Mexican boxer in the 6th.

After the loss, he retired. Recently, however, he has resumed his career. And Chang has taken the role of Choi`s coach.

This is the first time Chang has ever taken the role of a coach. He has persistently refused all the offers for the job. This time, many people have begged him to take the role. To persuade him, they have pleaded that, in order to resuscitate the Korean boxing that has no champ of its own, his know-how is most needed. Finally, Chang accepted their offer.

"I am kind of tough and short-tempered. I can`t tolerate any boxers who cannot catch up. In addition, I thought I had boxed for a long time. So, I wanted to leave it behind. But I realized the Korean boxing has come to a fork: sink or swim. Therefore, I’ve changed my mind."

On Dec. 14th, Choi will take on Gonzalez, ranking 1st in Philippine. If he wins the match, he will be ranked 1st on the WBC list, enabling him to have a title match in around next March.

Chang himself, who has recently become the executive director of Yong Production, is managing all the schedules of Choi including the training one.

Chang comes to the gym every day, and watches Choi`s training with his trainer Lee Yong-hoon. Sometimes, he just watches, but other times, Chang demonstrates and trains himself. Choi said, "When I first started boxing, my hero was Mr. Chang. I will get the title back by all means. That is, I think, the only way I can show my appreciation."

Won-Hong Lee bluesky@donga.com