In one of the most unusual acts of sports reconciliation, the Olympic champion in 1988. Park Si-Hun traveled from South Korea to Racha Jones Jr. In Pensacoli, to convey the gold medal of Seul, which has persecuted boxing for 35 years.

Emotional exchange, which took place in May 2023, improved one of the most essential controversy of this sport.

The park, in the company of his family, stunned by Jones, abandoning a medal during a private ceremony three and a half decade after their infamous fight.

Controversy from 1988

In 1988, Jones dominated the park in the Olympic final in Seoul, even taking the Val Barker trophy as an outstanding boxer of the Games. But to unbelief around the world, the judges awarded the park of 3-2 victory. The scandal forced the Olympic authorities to review their scoring system.

Jones had injustice in his Hall of Fame career, but refused to define her. Returning home to Pensacola, he swore that he had never left the results in the hands of the judges again.

This way of thinking led him to greatness, climbing the younger medium weight to become the first man for over a century who won the world -heavyweight world championship.

In the case of the park, the medal accepted difficult costs. He admitted Jones immediately after the decision that he did not deserve victory, but his life came down in depression, suicide attempts and slander in South Korea.

In the last three -hour interview, the park revealed a personal torment, which he endured when the man called the beneficiaries the darkest night of Olympic boxing.

Reversal

On May 30, 2023, a settlement finally appeared. Expecting a routine interview at his gym, the park sleeping Jones, entering the ring.

Before both families, the park handed him a medal: “I had a gold medal, but I wanted to give it to you. He belongs to you,” said the park by his son.

Then, with a laugh, he added: “This gold medal is your problem now.”

The gesture symbolized the closing of both men, an exchange that gave forgiveness, respect and joint understanding of the fees that the decision made.

For Jones, this also meant the beginning of a fresh chapter.

After a long time, he has maintained this topic at a distance, the legend of Pensacola is now considering a full document about his life, legacy and resistance, which required overcoming the largest boxing robbery.

About the author

Phil Jay is an experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How The editor -in -chief of World Boxing News since 2010Jay has An interview with dozens of world champions was conducted AND Ring reported On the largest boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] And find out more about his work in combat sports journalism.