Duk Koo Kim - South Korean Boxer changed everything (1955 - 1982)
Duk Koo Kim was a South Korean boxer who tragically died in 1982 after a match with Ray Mancini to determine the World Boxing Association lightweight champion. Kim had trained hard and fought valiantly, but was ultimately defeated and badly injured in the 14th round. Despite being rushed to hospital, he succumbed to his injuries and died four days later. He left behind a wife and young son. His story has been immortalised in several books and films and is a stark reminder of the danger that boxers sometimes face in the ring. His death sparked reforms in the sport and raised awareness of the need for better safety measures in boxing.