In May 2023, history reversed. Park Si Hun, a man controversial awarded Olympic gold on Roy Jones Jr. In Seoul 1988, he appeared at the Pensacola ranch in Jones with a medal in his hand. Thirty -five years later he put it in, admitting what the whole world already knew: “I had a gold medal, but I wanted to give it to you. It belongs to you.”
The moment was surreal. Families gathered, rolling cameras and park – with nervous laughter – added: “This gold medal is your problem now.” For Jones, who has long buried the Olympic robbery under the layers of pride and legendary victories, it was counting. For the park that lived haunted, it was an edition.
The Night Olympic boxing sold his soul
Seul 1988 was one of the most arduous nights in amateur boxing. Roy Jones Jr. The humiliated park, ahead of 86 blows to 32, but three blind or bent judges handed South Korea. The result was 3-2, a divided verdict so broken that all over the world.
Jones left the Val Barker trophy for “the best stylistic game boxer”, but not a medal that should have been around his neck. Many years later, Olympic officials confessed to corruption with whispers of political contracts and national pressure. The IOC quietly renovates amateur points after the scandal – but they have never reversed the decision. They let the robbery stand.
Jones later said that he vowed that he never allows the judges to rob him again: “This day taught me one thing – pull out the judges from it. Throw them out, leave them without a doubt.” And he lived through it. From the juniors of the heavyweight master to the heavyweight master, he created a career who proved that his domination was not a fuchs.
Park’s weight – depression, shame and medal that he never wanted
The park did not escape intact. He apologized to Jones right after the fight, admitting that the decision was wrong. But in South Korea he was not a hero. He became a scapegoat, slandered his own country, fighting depression, suicide attempts and decades of guilt.
In a three -hour seat after the return of the medal, the park admitted: “I never wanted him. It destroyed me.” These are not the master’s words – they are the words of a man carrying someone else. His journey to Pensacoli was a way to relax from this weight.
Jones, surprised by the arrival of the park, admitted that the shock hit him firmly: “I thought I was coming to an interview. I didn’t know I was coming peace with the past.” Now, with a medal in his possession, Jones speaks of a document – not only about theft, but about heritage, immunity and how you live after injustice.
My opinion
Let’s call it what it is: Olympic boxing sold Roy Jones Jr. down the river in ’88. The judges were adaptable, officials were a merciless, and the IOC never had a spine to fix evil. They changed the scoring system, but left the greatest injustice to rot in books. This is corruption dressed up as a reform.
The park reflecting the medal is undoubtedly emotional. But let’s not pretend to remove immaculate slate. Damage was caused. Jones was robbed on the largest stage and the park was ruined as a consequence. Both men got lost in different ways.
And the IOC? They rode ice for free. No responsibility, without an apology, without official reversal. Only bureaucrats are hiding behind their principles, and two fighters had consequences. This is a real scandal.
If Jones creates this document, I hope he breaks into the Olympic suits that allow him to slide down. Because it was not just a bad decision – it was an Olympic box showing the world that it rotted to the core.
Amy Kaplan is a box of boxing since she was 10 years venerable, which means that she spent most of her life, explaining to people that yes, they really prefer nights of fighting at parties. Now, writing to Boxing News 24, it covers everything from the fight for the title of world champion to perspectives swinging as at the day of payment. It combines acute analysis with sarcasm, calling for boxing policy and crossing the spin with the release of the press to give fans stories that actually matter.
Top trainer Peter Fury has offered his expert analysis on the rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, believing it is still a 50/50 fight.
Others, meanwhile, will argue that Dubois should be made a considerable favourite, based on how he was able to dismantle Wardley in their first encounter.
In order to do so, the ‘Dynamite’ puncher was compelled to climb off the canvas in rounds one and three, having been put down by blows to the top of his head.
Proceedings then became a little one-sided as Dubois, utilising his fundamentals, managed to score an 11th-round finish with his thudding jab and superior footwork.
Wardley, however, wasted little time before activating the rematch clause in their contract and, in turn, securing the chance to reclaim his WBO title at London’s O2 Arena tomorrow evening.
Many will argue that such a swift turnaround could lead to his downfall while, due to his power and toughness, others would suggest that the 31-year-old is always dangerous, no matter the opponent standing across from him.
As such, coach Fury has told Boxing King Media that, while Dubois is rightfully brimming with confidence, it would be foolish to entirely dismiss Wardley’s attributes.
“I think it’s a great heavyweight fight – Dubois has got heavy hands and a good jab as well, so it’ll be interesting.
“You’ve got to say Wardley’s got it all to do, because the confidence of Dubois will be high. And if Dubois’ super confident, he’s a problem.
“But let’s see – Wardley was able to hurt Dubois early on. I still think that fight is a 50/50 fight.”
If he emerges victorious against Wardley, then Dubois will likely be targeting a unification match with Agit Kabayel or Filip Hrgovic in 2027.
Daniel Dubois will face Fabio Wardley in a rematch of a heavyweight slugfest from earlier this year, with Dubois defending the WBO heavyweight title he took from Wardley on that night.
Live coverage will kick off at 2 pm ET, and we’ll have results and updates during the four-fight, main card undercard, then live, round-by-round scoring and updates for the main event itself.
How to watch Dubois vs Wardley 2
Start time: 2:00 pm ET for main card, prelims begin at 11:00 am ET
Streaming: DAZN (Ultimate subscription or Pay-Per-View)
PPV Cost: As a standalone, one-off purchase Pay-Per-View, the price is $59.99 (or £24.99). With DAZN’s Ultimate tier, the show is included as part of your subscription.
Location: O2 Arena – London, England
Dubois vs Wardley 2 full undercard and running order
Fabio Wardley can turn his early success against Daniel Dubois into a rematch victory if he avoids exhausting himself chasing the finish. He proved he could hurt Dubois in their first fight. The harder task is keeping control when an opponent he has dropped continues coming forward.
Wardley scored two early knockdowns before Dubois recovered and stopped him. That leaves an opening for a different result, although better pacing alone may not be enough to prevent another punishing night.
Chris Mannix and Sergio Mora both back Wardley to win again on Saturday, with Mannix choosing him by stoppage. Mora believes Wardley’s eagerness to finish Dubois helped undo his promising start.
“If he just doesn’t punch himself out, he thinks about setting up that right hand, doesn’t get right hand happy,” Mora said to DAZN Boxing.
That is the adjustment Wardley needs to make under pressure. Once Dubois survived his biggest punches, Wardley needed something beyond another loaded right hand. Working behind his jab and putting punches together would give him more ways to attack without spending everything on a single finish.
Dubois deserves credit for surviving those knockdowns and returning to his jab. Mora believes his previous defeats helped him stay composed when Wardley hurt him. Wardley now has his own experience of a fight turning against him.
“I think he’ll be smarter after this fight. I think he’ll learn some lessons,” Mannix said. “I think Wardley wins by stoppage in this fight.”
Mannix’s biggest concern is what the first beating took out of Wardley. Learning the tactical lesson does not guarantee he will absorb Dubois’ punches the same way in the rematch.
Wardley’s power gives their picks a credible foundation. He has already put Dubois down twice. To complete the job, he needs to create another opening without allowing the pursuit of a knockout to leave him exhausted and exposed again.
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