Champion boxer dies

"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 Christmas Day title defence.

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 24 hours before his death.

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.