Today in Boxing History: Ray Mancini vs. Deuk Koo Kim
Then the WBA’s No. 1 contender, Kim had been selected for Mancini’s second defense of the title. To make weight, Kim had to lose several pounds really fast and was dehydrated coming into the bout. He had still proven to be a very formidable opponent, giving Mancini serious trouble. Because both fighters were sluggers, the bout was a very brutal affair.
Mancini began to take control of the fight. In the 13th round, he threw 39 punches at Kim in the first 50 seconds alone. Then in the 14th round, Mancini dropped Kim with two vicious right hands.
Kim regained his feet but referee Richard Greene stopped the bout. Moments later, Kim collapsed into a coma. He was rushed to Desert Springs Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery on a broken blood vessel in his brain. Unfortunately, he had suffered terminal brain damage. Four days later, Kim died.
His death had harsh effects on all of those involved. Mancini was able to continue his career, but Kim’s death has always haunted him. Both Greene and Kim’s mother committed suicide within four months of the tragedy.
Soon after that bout, the WBC shortened all of its title bouts from 15 to 12 rounds. The WBA, WBO, and IBF followed suit years later.
I have always wondered does the shortening of fights from 15 rounds to 12 rounds really help lessen ring deaths? I’ve never heard anything conclusive, or any studies that were conducted. I hope so but I still hear of the deaths and I wonder.