This content was originally published on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/09/08/roy-jones-jr-s-closure/
In September 1988 at the Seoul Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, the USA’s Roy Jones Jr. yes THE Roy Jones Jr. fought South Korea’s Park Si-Hun in the light middleweight final of the men’s boxing competition.
Jones landed more than twice the number of punches. Jones was the more superior boxer. Despite being outboxed and outclassed, Park Si-Hun was still awarded the gold medal by a panel of judges’ decision, 3-2.
The decision was met with criticism, ridicule, and outrage from commentators, boxing sports broadcasters, fans, boxing aficionados, and fight analysts.
The decision was so wrong even Park himself apologized to Jones afterwards acknowledging the travesty of a decision.
With the decision, corruption in boxing reared its ugly head. Two of the judges who voted against Jones were later banned for life.
It was believed that the decision was influenced by a desire to avoid embarrassing the host country (South Korea) by having one of its boxers lose in the final.
In 2023, a visit from a former foe put a closure in one of the legendary pugilist’s chapters in a storied, checkered and decorated career.
Unbeknownst to the many-time boxing world champion, Park Si-Hun paid a secret visit to Roy Jones Jr at his ranch in Florida. What happened next was Jones met Park in the ring thinking it was an interview. With the families of both former boxers present, as per Reuters, The Times, and NBC Sports, “In an emotional moment, Park said [translated through his son]: I had the gold medal, but I wanted to give it back to you. It belongs to you.”
The act of humility and sportsmanship moved Jones to tears which symbolized closure of a chapter in his career that remained open for a very long time.
Unfortunately, the IOC’s official records remain unchanged. To them, Park Si-Hun still won the gold medal.
Some thoughts from the former boxing world champion…
Jones’ response upon receiving the gold medal according to Talksport, RNZ, and Chron, “Wow, that is crazy.”
From Talksport, RNZ, and SuperSport, “In 1988, I was robbed of the gold medal in what became one of the biggest controversies in boxing history.
By the grace of God, a couple of years ago, the man who won that medal made the trip from South Korea to my home to return it to me, feeling it was rightfully mine.”
On the IOC making the correction to reflect Roy Jones Jr, 1988 Seoul Olympics Boxing Light Middleweight Gold Medalist.
As per The Times, “It would be up to the IOC to change it with the history books…. If Mr. Park was prepared to come forward and make the exchange, how could I not accept it? They should be happy to do something the two fighters feel should be fixed.”
The IOC should do right by Roy Jones Jr. and do justice to the injustice done to the boxing legend 37 years ago.
Vincent Juicio is a sports journalist covering basketball, mixed martial arts, boxing, American football-especially the San Francisco 49ers-and global sports issues. Known for his insightful analysis and a keen eye on both game strategy and broader sports trends, his work offers fans in-depth perspectives across multiple disciplines.