Seo Ryeo-kyung wins Women’s International Boxing Association world title
Seo Ryeo-kyung, a 35-year-old professor of pediatrics at Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, captured the Women’s International Boxing Association minimumweight world championship belt on October 17 by defeating Thailand’s Wissuta Sritidet via a third-round knockout at the Swiss Grand Hotel in Seoul’s Seodaemun District.
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Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Seo secured the 47.6kg world title on her third attempt since her initial challenge in 2024.
- The 35-year-old pediatrician reduced her clinical working hours to train five to six days a week.
- Her next objective is to claim titles from the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO organizations.
Championship Victory in Seoul
The victory at the Swiss Grand Hotel marked the culmination of a dual career that began when Seo entered boxing in 2018. She turned professional a year later and subsequently captured the World Boxing Association women’s minimumweight Asian title earlier this year before advancing to the global stage.
“I’m overwhelmed with emotion—it’s indescribable,” Seo said in a phone call on October 18, reflecting on the win that followed her third world title attempt since 2024. “I reduced my working hours to train intensely five to six days a week for this title. It feels like all that effort has finally paid off.”
Seo Overcame Peer Skepticism Through Silent Training
Balancing professional medical responsibilities with elite athletic competition involved managing high physical demands and skepticism from colleagues. Because boxing carries significant injury risks, peers frequently urged her to quit prior to her championship win.
“They were genuinely worried, but hearing it repeatedly did dampen my morale,” Seo admitted. “I’d just go to the gym and train silently. Now, it’s all come to fruition.”
Future Bouts Across Major Organizations
Following her victory in the 47.6kg division, Seo maintains clear athletic targets for the remainder of her career. Her immediate roadmap involves pursuing championship belts across the remaining major world boxing organizations, specifically the World Boxing Council, the International Boxing Federation, and the World Boxing Organization.
“I’m not the youngest, but I don’t feel limited yet,” Seo stated. “I want to give my all until my body can’t keep up—so I have no regrets when I retire.”
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.