Byun Jung-il


Byun Jung-il is a former South Korean professional boxer. He competed in the men's bantamweight event at the 1988 Summer Olympics.

Amateur career

Byun is perhaps best known for protesting against a decision at the 1988 Seoul Olympics by refusing to leave the ring after losing a controversial 4-1 decision in the bantamweight competition. He was penalized two points by New Zealand referee Keith Walker for head-butting his competitor, Aleksandar Hristov of Bulgaria. He sat by himself in the ring for over an hour. Eventually, match officials turned the lights out and left him in darkness. Byun's actions were reminiscent of another Korean boxer who staged a lengthy sit-in after being disqualified at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Olympic results

Byun turned pro in 1990 and in 1993 defeated Victor Rabanales for the WBC bantamweight title in only his 9th fight by decision. He lost the belt later that year to Yasuei Yakushiji, and lost a rematch to Yakushiji the following year. He retired after the loss.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
12Loss10–2 Yasuei YakushijiTKO11 1994-07-31 Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, NagoyaFor WBC Bantamweight title
11Loss10–1 Yasuei YakushijiSD12 1993-12-23 Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, NagoyaLost WBC Bantamweight title
10Win10–0 Josefino SuarezUD12 1993-05-28 Intercontinental Hotel, SeoulRetained WBC Bantamweight title
9Win9–0 Victor RabanalesUD12 1993-03-28 Hyundai Hotel, GyeongjuWon WBC Bantamweight title
8Win8–0 Suksawat TorboonlertKO4 1993-01-10 Gyeongju
7Win7–0 Rey PacionesUD10 1992-08-16 Daegu
6Win6–0 Tarman GarzimKO9 1992-02-04 Seoul
5Win5–0 William RamosPTS10 1991-11-02 Olympic Park Gymnasium, Seoul
4Win4–0 David MerchantUD10 1991-07-14 Seoul
3Win3–0 Rey ParrenoKO3 1991-03-10 Seoul
2Win2–0 Eddie TorresKO9 1990-11-18 Munhwa Gymnasium, Seoul
1Win1–0 Noel CornelioPTS8 1990-02-18 SuwonProfessional debut