Choi Hong Man Returns to Ring

Choi Hong Man will step into the ring again much earlier than expected.

The 2.18-meter K-1 fighter held a press conference Thursday for the first time since his brain surgery on June 10 and said he would participate in the K-1: World Grand Prix 2008 Final 16, which will take place on Sept. 27 in Seoul.

"I really appreciate that people around worry about my health. My operation was successful, and I went on to exercise,'' said Choi, who was in a white shirt and blue jeans with a white cap on.

"I really want to fight in the ring as soon as possible.''

The 27-year-old native of Jeju also discussed disputes over his operation.

"I know some people are suspicious about the surgery, but I hope they do not cast doubting eyes on it,'' he said.

Choi was supposed to face Brock Lesnar at the K-1: Dynamite USA in Los Angeles on June 2 of last year, but got disqualified from the competition based on his physical evaluation in which the California State Athletic Commission found a tumor in his brain.

At that time, many fans and media asked him to have surgery, but he ignored it, saying he was OK.

However, when he reported to boot camp to begin mandatory service with the South Korean military on April 21 of this year, he submitted his health profile and was ordered to return home three days later due to a health issue.

In his second physical examination, Choi was evaluated with a grade-5 and was exempt from military service.

"Choi had the brain tumor removed through his nose, he is fine enough to live everyday life,'' said Jeong Yeon-soo, the CEO of FEG Korea, showing a doctor's opinion paper on Choi's status.

Because Choi advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Grand Prix Final, he is automatically qualified to fight in the Seoul contest.

However, there are some negative opinions over his early return.

"Although medical science has improved, I am wondering about how he can come back to the ring early,'' Kim Young-hyun, a former ssireum champion who also had brain surgery, said in an interview before Choi's press conference.

"In my case, it took about two years to recover fully. I think Choi can also return to his old form after a step-by-step rehabilitation.''

Medical experts also say recovery requires some time because an issue related with hormones is difficult to deal with because depression of the pituitary gland can trigger inadequate hormone production.

They suggested that it could take at least six months and, in worse scenarios, more than one year for Choi to return to competition.

Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr