South Korean Choi Yo-sam dies from head injuries

In this file photo World Boxing Council Light Fly weight challenger Jorge Arce of Mexico (L) punches champion Choi Yo-sam of South Korea in the 12 round title bout in Seoul July 6, 2002. Choi, who lapsed into a coma last week defending his World Boxing Organization title, has been declared brain dead and will soon go off life support, a hospital official said on Wednesday. (REUTERS/Kim Kyung-hoon)

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean boxer Choi Yo-sam, who suffered a brain hemorrhage during a title fight last week, died on Thursday after being taken off his life support machine, a hospital official said.

"Choi's organs, including his heart, have been donated to six people in need," said a spokesman for Asan Medical Centre, the Seoul hospital which has been treating the boxer since he lapsed into a coma after his December 25 title defense.

Choi, 33, won the World Boxing Organisation intercontinental flyweight title on a unanimous decision over Heri Amol, but the Indonesian challenger dominated the 12th round, sending Choi to the canvas with a right to the jaw seconds before the final bell.

Choi staggered to his feet but collapsed shortly after the bout and was taken out of the gymnasium on a stretcher. He was declared brain dead on Wednesday.

Choi's death revived memories of a 1982 title bout in Las Vegas between lightweight champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini of the United States and South Korean Kim Duk-koo, who died from injuries sustained in the fight.

(Reporting by Mee Hyoe Koo; Writing by Jon Herskovitz. editing by Ed Osmond)