1988 Olympic gold medalist Park Si Hun journeyed from South Korea to Roy Jones Jr.’s ranch in Pensacola, Florida to personally deliver his Seoul Olympic gold medal to Jones. This historic exchange, which took place in May 2023, symbolizes a powerful act of reconciliation and an effort to correct one of boxing’s most enduring controversies. Accompanied by his family, Park Si Hun surprised Jones at his home, relinquishing the medal 35 years after the sports world was stunned by the judges’ decision at the Seoul Olympics. This significant meeting marks a pivotal moment for both men, as they united to address a decades-old injustice that profoundly impacted both of their lives. In 1988, Jones dominated the gold medal bout against Park Si Hun at the Seoul Olympics, an undefeated run that also earned him the Val Barker Trophy for most stylistic boxer of the games. However, to the astonishment of spectators worldwide, judges declared Park the winner by a narrow 3-2 margin. The unjustifiable decision led to an investigation by Olympic authorities that ultimately changed the way in which Olympic bouts would be scored for years to come.

 

Despite the crushing defeat, Jones refused to let the incident define his career. Returning to Pensacola, he was met with unwavering support from his community, particularly the young children who looked up to him. Motivated by their faith, Jones resolved never to leave the outcome of his fights to judges again. His subsequent triumphs cemented his legacy as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time, becoming the first man in 106 years to start his career at junior middleweight and go on to win the heavyweight championship of the world.

 

Immediately following the 1988 decision, Park Si Hun apologized to Jones, acknowledging his rightful victory. However, Park’s life took a downward spiral as he battled severe depression, facing multiple suicide attempts and the burden of being vilified in his home country, experiences he discussed in depth during a three-hour on-camera interview after the medal’s return. The long-awaited day of reckoning arrived on May 30, 2023. Jones, believing he was heading to the gym for a routine on-camera interview, was shocked to find Park Si Hun standing in the boxing ring. In a heartwarming and emotional scene surrounded by both families, Park greeted Roy and presented him with the Olympic gold medal. “I had the gold medal, but I wanted to give it back to you. It belongs to you,” said Park through his son who translated the moment. Park then declared, with a laugh, “This gold medal is your problem now.”

 

The meeting was a powerful symbol of the restoration of justice and camaraderie between the two men. Further, the private ceremony captured on camera, signifies a new beginning for both Park and Jones.

 

This pivotal moment has opened a door for Jones, who, after years of being guarded and hesitant about discussing his Olympic disappointment, is now contemplating the creation of a documentary focused on his life, legacy and the resilience of the human spirit. Jones and his team are currently exploring film development opportunities.