boxerSouth KoreanWBC ChampionSuper-flyweight

Kim Chul-ho (boxer)

Kim Chul-Ho was a South Korean boxer who held the WBC Super Flyweight title from 1981 to 1982, successfully defending it five times.

1. Personal Background

Kim Chul-Ho's early life and personal attributes shaped his path into professional boxing.

1.1. Early Life and Boxing Beginnings

Kim Chul-Ho was born on March 3, 1961, in Osan-eup, Hwaseong County, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, an area now known as Osan City. He was the third of four brothers in his family. His journey into boxing began during his third year at Yeongdeungpo Middle School, when he started training at the Noryangjin Dong-A Gym.

1.2. Personal Details

Kim Chul-Ho competed primarily in the super flyweight division. He was known for his orthodox boxing style. His height was 66 in (168 cm). During his career, he was sometimes referred to by the nickname "Patono".

2. Professional Boxing Career

Kim Chul-Ho's professional boxing career spanned several years, marked by significant achievements including a world championship.

2.1. Debut and Early Career

Kim Chul-Ho made his professional debut on October 7, 1978, in South Korea. In the same year, he earned recognition as the Junior Bantamweight Rookie of the Year. He continued to build his record, and in his 14th professional fight on August 10, 1980, he secured the Korean Super Flyweight title.

2.2. WBC Super Flyweight Championship

Kim Chul-Ho's most significant achievement was winning and defending the WBC Super Flyweight championship.

2.2.1. Winning the Title

On January 25, 1981, Kim Chul-Ho challenged Rafael Orono for the WBC Super Flyweight championship. The bout took place in San Cristóbal, Venezuela. Kim delivered a dominant performance, winning the title by a ninth-round knockout.

2.2.2. Championship Defenses

Following his title victory, Kim Chul-Ho successfully defended his WBC Super Flyweight championship five times.

  • His first defense occurred on April 22, 1981, against Jiro Watanabe. Kim secured a 15-round decision victory over Watanabe, who would later become a multiple-time world champion himself.
  • On November 18, 1981, Kim made his third successful defense, defeating Jackal Maruyama by a ninth-round technical knockout (TKO).
  • His fourth defense took place on February 10, 1982, where he knocked out Kōki Ishii in the eighth round.
  • Kim's fifth defense was on July 4, 1982, against Raul Valdez. The fight concluded in a 15-round decision draw, allowing Kim to retain his title.

2.2.3. Losing the Title

Kim Chul-Ho's reign as WBC Super Flyweight champion came to an end on November 28, 1982. In his sixth title defense attempt, he faced Rafael Orono in a rematch. Orono exacted his revenge, defeating Kim by a sixth-round knockout, thereby reclaiming the championship.

2.3. Professional Record

Kim Chul-Ho concluded his professional boxing career with a comprehensive record.

Total FightsWinsWins by KOLossesDraws
2419932

3. Retirement

Kim Chul-Ho's final professional fight occurred on October 23, 1983. He faced Prayurasak Muangsurin and lost the bout by decision. Following this fight, Kim Chul-Ho officially retired from professional boxing.

4. Assessment and Legacy

Kim Chul-Ho is remembered as a prominent South Korean boxer who achieved the pinnacle of his sport by becoming a WBC Super Flyweight champion. His ability to secure five successful title defenses, including a notable victory over future world champion Jiro Watanabe, cemented his status as a formidable competitor in his division. His career record of 19 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws over 24 fights reflects a competitive and impactful presence in the boxing world during the early 1980s.