Ray Mancini fought Duk Koo Kim for the World Boxing Association lightweight championship in Las Vegas, showcasing each fighter's skills and resilience. The match spanned 14 grueling rounds, with Mancini ultimately emerging victorious through a technical knockout. Mancini, known for his aggressive fighting style and tenacity, displayed remarkable heart throughout, while Kim, a skilled fighter, showed extraordinary determination and courage despite the odds stacked against him. The fight was attended by a large audience and garnered significant media coverage, emphasizing the growing popularity of boxing during that era.

Following the fierce bout, Duk Koo Kim was transported to the hospital due to severe injuries sustained during the match. Despite efforts to save him, Kim tragically passed away just a few days later, on November 18. His death sent shockwaves through the boxing community and raised urgent questions regarding the safety of professional boxing. In the aftermath, there were widespread calls for reform in boxing regulations, focusing on the health and wellbeing of fighters. The emotional weight of this incident was felt not just by the fighters and their families, but also by fans and officials alike.

The Mancini-Kim match became infamous and overshadowed the sport with its immediate aftermath. The incident sparked discussions on the need for better medical oversight and regulations during fights. Organizations began to reevaluate their protocols regarding weigh-ins, ringside medical staff, and post-fight medical assessments. The changes that followed aimed to minimize risks for boxers and set new safety standards that would shape the sport of boxing for years to come.