Righting a Wrong: Roy Jones Jr. gets Olympic Gold Medal 35 years after controversial decision

The year was 1988, when a boxing match between Roy Jones Jr. vs. Park Si-hun took place at the Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. In a decision many deemed controversial, Park was given the gold, while Jones took home the silver. But the decision was so shocking, that it led to multiple reforms in Olympic boxing judging criteria. But 35 years since that fateful night, there was a cause for celebration. Park Si-hun travelled all the way from South Korea to the United States and gave Jones the gold medal he rightfully deserved all those years ago. Although it was only recently revealed that Roy Jones Jr. now has the gold medal from fighting Park Si-hun all those years ago, the former got his hands on it two years ago. Around two years ago, Park traveled from South Korea to Jones Jr.'s home in Florida, to return the “stolen” medal from 35 years ago. Sharing the story on X (formerly Twitter), Jones wrote:"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."Despite suffering a standing 8 count in the second and being out-landed more than 2-1, Park Si-hun was declared the winner after his clash against Roy Jones Jr. in 1988. But after so many years, he thought it was the right time to give the medal to Jones Jr.When Park Si-hun, who won the gold medal back in the 1988 Olympics, gave it to Roy Jones Jr., the professional boxer was visibly in tears. The night was devastating for both individuals - Roy lost his chance at the gold despite being the clear winner, and due to the controversy, Park never got the glory and battled severe depression.The gold finally exchanging hands after so many years, healed both of them in a way. While Roy found fame and fortune as a professional boxer, Park had retired after the Olympics, but later returned to the game, although as a coach for the South Korean team. Now years later, they seem to be living their life the way they wanted. Also Read: Former tennis star Anna Kournikova pregnant at 44 expecting fourth child with Enrique Iglesias after health scare