Seung Hoon Lee

Seung Hoon Lee, born on July 26, 1960, in Cheongwon, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, is a former professional boxer known for contributing to the super bantamweight division. His boxing journey, marked by a series of high-class world title bouts, showcased a career built on facing the best available domestic and international opposition.

Career Beginnings and Notable Fights

Lee began his professional career on July 30, 1977, at Munhwa Gymnasium in Seoul, defeating Dong Sung Park by points. This victory set the stage for a career that would feature multiple attempts at world titles across different weight classes.

Challenging for World Titles

Lee's first major title fight took place on February 2, 1980, in Caracas against Rafael Orono for the vacant WBC World Super Flyweight title. It was a closely contested match that ended in a split decision defeat for Lee, a tough introduction to the world stage. His persistence in pursuing championship glory led him to another significant bout against Lupe Pintor on June 3, 1982, for the WBC World Bantamweight title in Los Angeles. The fight stretched into the late rounds, with Lee being stopped in the 11th round, showcasing his tenacity and durability against top-tier opponents.

Winning the IBF World Super Bantamweight Title

The pinnacle of Lee's career came when he captured the vacant IBF World Super Bantamweight title on January 18, 1987, by defeating Prayurasak Muangsurin via a ninth-round technical knockout in Pohang, South Korea. This victory was a testament to his development and skill refinement over the years.

Lee successfully defended his title multiple times throughout 1987, a year that marked his dominance in the division. He knocked out Jorge Urbina Diaz in Seoul in April and then continued his winning streak by defeating Leon Collins in July and Jose Sanabria in December, both in Pohang.

Forced Vacating of the Title and Legacy

Unfortunately, Lee's reign as a champion ended abruptly when he was forced to vacate his title due to Korea discontinuing the staging of IBF title fights. Despite this setback, Lee retired with a professional record of 45 wins, including 25 knockouts, 6 losses, and 1 draw.

Final Professional Outing

Lee concluded his boxing career on a victorious note by knocking out Edwin Montanez on December 30, 1989, in Seoul. This marked the end of a storied and impactful career.