Boxer Sohn Jung-oh revives Korean pro boxing

Korean professional boxer Sohn Jung-oh`s challenge to WBA bantamweight champ Koki Kameda has revitalized the slumping popularity of boxing. The Tuesday match was broadcast exclusively by Channel A, the Dong-A Ilbo`s cable television network.

According to TNS Media Korea, which surveys TV viewing rates, Sohn`s match had a rate of 4.036 percent (based on pay-TV subscriber households), the highest among general programming channels at the same time. The occupancy rate was 13.693 percent (based on nationwide pay-TV subscriber households) at the highest, according to AGB Nielson Media Research. This means that 13 or more households with their TV sets watched Sohn`s match.

A comparison of the match relay`s viewing rate with the rates of other boxing relays over the past seven years more clearly indicates the high level of interest in Sohn`s match. The 2006 WBC featherweight title match between Chi In-jin, Korea`s last major boxing organization title holder, and challenger Rodolfo Lopez (Mexico) showed just a 0.909 percent rating. The 2007 WBO Intercontinental flyweight title match of champion Choi Yo-sam, who died from a brain injury sustained during the match, garnered 1.443 percent. In August 2010, Kim Jo-hoon`s IBF lightweight title fight won 1.475 percent.

The low ratings went further down recently. In August, Kim Min-wook`s fourth super lightweight Asian title defense match recorded 1.1 percent. At that time, the broadcaster reveled in the viewing rate surpassing the "critical 1 percent." The poor ratings showed that boxing`s popularity in Korea was hitting the bottom.

Fans` interest was further amplified because Sohn`s match involved a Japanese boxer and he lost the game due to a questionable decision despite his good performance. "There are still many old fans who miss the good old days when pro boxing was very popular, but they will turn the channel if the match is not interesting," said Han Bo-yeong, a former boxing commentator. "The good rating means that the match was dynamic. I could confirm through this match that with a good player and good planning, pro boxing can always make a comeback."