SEOUL, Dec 25: South Korean boxer Choi Yo-Sam fell into a coma on Tuesday after successfully defending his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) intercontinental flyweight title, a report said.

Choi, 33, fell unconscious after challenger Heri Amol of Indonesia threw a right to his jaw seconds before the fight ended, Yonhap news agency said.

Choi underwent brain surgery but was still in a coma late Tuesday, it said.

The Korean fighter collapsed five seconds before the end of the 12th round after Amal had landed a punishing series of right and left hooks to his face.

Choi managed to stand as he was declared the winner but fell into a coma immediately afterwards, the news agency said.

“We never expected this to happen. As soon as Choi Yo-Sam recovers, the boxing committee will discuss safety measures,” said an official of the Korean Boxing Commission, quoted by Yonhap.

South Korean boxer Kim Duk-Koo slipped into a coma and died from injuries sustained during a match against US champion Ray Mancini in Las Vegas in 1982.

His death led to reforms in boxing, including the end of 15-round bouts and health checks before and after fights.—AFP