EX-WORLD CHAMP YONG TKOS TINAMPAY IN 10TH ROUND

Allan Kim (2nd from left) raising the hand of newly-crowned WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council lightweight champion Yong Soo Choi. Behind them is WBC EPBC Executive Secretary Wom Kim. (Photo by BRICO SANTIG)

VETERAN Korean boxer Yong Soo Choi landed solid jabs to damage the left eye of Filipino fighter Nelson Tinampay en route to a 10^th round technical knockout victory in their interim WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council lightweight title fight held Sunday at the Hilton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea.

The 44-year old Yong, a former WBA World super featherweight champion, started damaging Tinampay’s left eye with his jabs in the 5^th round already.

“Lumaki na masyado yung bukol sa mata ni Nelson sa 10^th round kaya ito pinahinto ng referee upon the recommendation of the ring physician,” said Filipino international matchmaker Brico Santig in his text message.

Santig of Highland Promotions accompanied the 24-year old Tinampay and his trainer Victor Man-on in Seoul in behalf of manager Leonil Lazarito of Bukidnon.

Tinampay, a native of Bohol suffered only his third loss against 11 wins, 1 draw and 5 knockouts.

Yong (31-41-21 KOs) was in-active in boxing for 13 years after losing by a unanimous decision to Thailand’s Sirimongkhon Iamthuam in their battle for the WBC World super featherweight title held Jan. 13, 2003 in Tokyo, Japan.

Yong made a successful comeback last April 16 by stopping Japanese Kazuya Nakano via an 8^th round TKO at the Hoseo High School in Dangin, South Korea.

“Malakas pa rin sumuntok yung Koreano,” said Santig.

WBC EPBC Executive Secretary Wom Kim (extreme right) assisting his father Allan Kim in awarding the championship belt to Yong Soo Choi. (Photo by BRICO SANTIG)