ROY JONES JR broke down and sobbed as he was finally handed the Olympic gold he was robbed of 37 YEARS AGO.
The American boxing legend coasted to the final of the 1998 Games in Seoul, breaking the nose of Englishman Richie Woodall in the semis of the super-welterweight category, without dropping a single round.
https://x.com/RealRoyJonesJrThe Florida showman and fearsome fighter broke down in tears[/caption]
https://x.com/RealRoyJonesJrPark told Jones that he had held the medal for a long time but it always really belonged to him[/caption]
In the final he met South Korean hero Park Si-Hun – who was always going to get some favourable scores.
But when he totally dominated him and delivered a standing count, Jones was nailed on for a deserved victory.
However, in one of the most scandalous and infamous moments in modern Olympic history, the judges scored 3-2 in Park’s favour.
Embarrassed Park apologised and – after the Italian referee had to raise the wrong hand – he whispered to Jones: “I cannot believe they are doing this to you”.
But a magnificent moment almost four decades later showed the intrinsically linked pair reuniting in an emotion-packed gym.
Jones captioned the moment Park arrived at his Pensacola home: “In 1988, I was robbed of the gold medal in what became one of the biggest controversies in boxing history.
“By the grace of God, a couple of years ago, the man who won that medal made the trip from South Korea to my home to return it to me, feeling it was rightfully mine.”
Park’s son acted as translator when he told Jones: “My dad says he has waited 36 years for this.
https://x.com/RealRoyJonesJrPark Si-Hun was never to blame for the scoring scandal that robbed Jones of Olympic glory[/caption]
https://x.com/RealRoyJonesJrBut the South Korean spent the rest of his life struggling with the shame of winning the medal[/caption]
https://x.com/RealRoyJonesJrJones repeatedly called his most infamous opponent “brother” and was bowled over by the gesture[/caption]
“And he has something for you. It’s the 1988 Olympic gold.”
Jones instantly covered his eyes with his brilliant left jabbing hand and sobbed.
Park continued: “I have had the gold for a long time but I have wanted to give it back to you, because it belongs to you.
Jones stared at the gleaming medal and said: “Wow. That is crazy.”
Three of the five officials – one calling it a draw and two anointing Park – were swiftly suspended for six months, with two of them later banned for life.
An International Olympic Committee investigation in 1997 revealed the trio of offending judges had all been lavished with expensive meals and gifts by the Seoul organizers.
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But they could not categorically prove that corruption and conspiracy had taken place to rob Jones of the highest amateur boxing honour.
Thankfully the Florida icon went on to become one of the most superb and decorated pros in modern boxing, winning world titles from middleweight up to heavyweight.
While Park, through no fault of his own, plunged into shame and depression and quit the sport to become a PR teacher.
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