The terminator: Hardman Hepi looked like he’d never been away

Live from the Ocean city restaurant 26-05-2007. On what was to be an eventful evening and a “sardine” packed show, Sifu Philip Lams end of autumn examination was everything and more we expected, the VIP tables were humming and there was standing room only (if that) well before the  first bell. With the pumping rock music “Thunder Struck” by AC/DC the curtain was raised and we were away. Hip hop rapping killer bees, mouth watering won tongs and not to mention very helpful door staff, they had it all. Even though ROGUE didn’t have a birds eye view, mainly because of the packed crowd- we gracefully witnessed a stern exam set by the Sifu and almost everyone bar a couple passed with distinction. It didn’t alter the national literacy index, but what it did do was discover a talent or two and not to mention give the heavy weights a go- who seriously need ring time more often around the country.

Fight 1: Modified Thai rules
Slava Alexeichik (City Lee Gar) WON Unanimous Vs Armstrong Lomu (Strike Force gym)

A ripped Mr. Armstrong- who was in astronautical shape started strong and aggressive against a coy but patient Slava, who didn’t use his height advantage to start with. Then came round two and it was all on, in a see saw affair, both guys swung for defences and took turns to rock each other with solid punches and low kicks. With Armstrong tiring and his guard dropping, Slava got busy with his hands and made it count. The judges all went unanimous and took a straight forward decision in the end. Exhilarating start and got the crowd pumping.

Fight 2: Modified Thai rules
William Robinson (Rebel Lee Gar) WON Unanimous Vs E Killerbeez (ETK)

With a vocally charged crowd behind the Killer Bee, both he and Robson shared two identical and relaxed stances. Robson got the better of the early exchanges but Killerbeez did come back with the odd punch. Round two picked the pace up and Robson who got a bit sloppy and showman like paid the price, being at the receiving end of Killers’ combos. This one was getting interesting. However Robinsons experience told big time and E couldn’t keep pace with the punches. Easy win in the end from the Brazilian fighter from the Rebels gym.

Fight 3: Modified Thai Rules
Alex Daly (Balmoral Lee Gar) Vs Peter Bishop Jnr (Peter Bishop Gym) DRAW

Two pint sized and technically drilled fighters broke into an early up grapple and knee dual, and whenever separated Bishop Jnr landed stinging punches and showed his superior boxing skills. Daly used his kicking skills to avoid any serious trouble, but then the pendulum swung. Bishop landed more punches and quick body shots- only for the tenacious Daly to comeback superbly and clinch away to get the second round. The difference was that the Balmoral fighter stuck to his game plan and dint panic and seemed to get the ascendency.  Hold on! : As the fight was coming to an end Peter comes back and levels the scores with smart glove work. Brave showing and a fight worthy of mention.  Good job from Alex, Peter Jnr and the judges.

Fight 4: Modified Thai rules
Karthik Mohandas (City Lee Gar) WON Unanimous Vs Joe Mc Neil (Peter Bishop Gym)

It was catch up almost straight away for Mc Neil as Karthik got a flash KO via some solid handy work and was the clear favourite. Determined to put back his last loss, he got to work rapidly. Surprisingly though Mc Neil didn’t seem to show any ill effects and kept coming forward showing hands of his own. With both tall and lean lads tiring out the clinching began, and Mohandas was always ahead. Mc Neil for his gutsy show earned a round of applause. Keen tussle of a fight although it dimmed a bit to the end, and the result was a foregone conclusion to the host gym fighter.

Fight 5: Modified Thai rules
Shane Huera (Hori Bellass) Vs Neil Swailes (S.M.A.C) WON Unanimous

Swailes decided to warm up for his up and coming MMA fight (next Saturday) taking on the rather inexperienced Shane under the guidance of Hori “The Soldier” Bellass. Seemingly it was going to be a cake walk for Swailes who now fights out of the SMAC gym, but it seemed anything but at the start. Swailes used his great grapple skills and under hooked his opponent frequently throwing him to the canvas. As things ticked along Shane showed character and stood up to Neil but the difference of experience began to show. Swailes kept busy right through out and copped a few inside thigh kicks, but nothing noticeable- not to mention a De La Hoya like dance. Shane on the other hand tasted plenty of blue coloured leather, a nasty low blow and a barrage of knees which earned him runner up this time round. Easy win for the grappling great in stand up rules this time round.

Fight 6: Full Thai rules 3x2 Mins
Steve Hahm (City Lee Gar) WON Unanimous Vs Terry Jack (Pathai Gym)

Ah we were into the feature fights, with Hahm fresh off the arrival from Thailand crossing paths with the Dangerous Terry Jack, who took the fight at short notice. First real exam of the evening, with both performing the Wai-Kru and Hahm was performing a Buakaw like Ram Muay to style and perfection, and the crowd were very appreciative.

Hahm had the game, style, technique and showmanship all on. He looked so solid yet relaxed and to be honest kind of toyed with Jack, controlling centre ring early up. His punching, low kicks and knees had a hint of arrogance in it, but it was all well earned. Hardly troubled he moved into the second and started to bully Terry, who Teeped (push kick) has kept disaster away. As both guys warmed up things got intense and attempted a few elbows, nothing overly flashy. Terry then came back with some knee work and a spinning back elbow. The early up damage with sweeping kicks and solid technique- going forward all the time played on the judge’s minds and Hahm got what I would call a B+ pass with the win and Jack a C+ for his efforts. Deserving winner and a graceful opponent in Jack will want to come back and even things up.

Fight 7:
John “Don” Gallia (City Lee Gar) Vs Josh Masters (ETK) WON TKO
WKBF New Zealand Heavy weight title

Out came the Polynesian Dolph Lundgreen to the raptures of the crowd followed by the “Don” Gallia. Ooooh… I felt the earth rumble. Although Gallia being no Leprechaun himself at 6 foot plus, was sort of over shadowed in stature by Masters who was one big unit. He gave away a big 20kg’s- which was no small ask.

As opposed to a hell for leather start, it was very calculated and much of a feel out process. A supremely confident Josh started to circle Gallia rather swiftly and he was moving around for cover early on.  Masters was stalking his prey like a leopard, sans the spots. Gallia was happy to work Masters around, good strategy against the bigger man.

Round one saw a robotic Masters, like a raging bull- bully an active matador like John Gallia, who evaded smartly. Masters was all power and took a high, front on guard and swung hard, swung brutal to get a few punches which didn’t really connect, but the Don countered and got more shots on target. He was comfortable to stay off the ropes and arguably had the first round in the bag. Then come the second a big swing of a punch floored him and Josh earned a count, however he picked himself gamely and continued. He was been thrown around the ring like a rag doll, and the odd indiscipline of late shots tried to show its ugly head, but was quickly repelled from his corner. After a word of wisdom from the legendary Jason Suttie, Masters continued to call the shots and bomb away. Eventually a massive meat hook of a left dropped Gallia who couldn’t beat the count and it was all over red rover. Mercifully the ref. waved his hands to the delirious raptures of the Masters fan club.  I couldn’t quite get a clear view as it was impeded by the crowd who were jumping and standing on chairs- so can’t be absolutely sure whether Gallia may have gotten up. Whichever way the man who mattered most ended the fight.

Josh looked a man of a mountain and wore the belt impressively, to the delight of the Killer Bee swarm of fans that were in attendance. The big stage beckons and a possible fast track at bigger names are on the cards for the big ETK man. Reminds me of a ruthless Ivan Drago from Rocky IV who generates power the equivalent of two caterpillar tractors- actually make that three.

Easy win in the end and a dizzy Don, has to go back and take stock. Masters was just too big and strong. The goliath goes 2-2-0 and a 100% win and KO record and an A for his efforts, a D for The Don mostly for disappointment, but looking forward to even the score.

Fight 8: K-1 Rules
Sio Vitale (ETK) WON Split point Vs Daniel “Hit man” Tai (Pathai Gym)

The heavy weight carnage continued and two less than “smooth” looking, solid warriors clashed under K-1 rules. With a brisk exchange Tai was clearly intending to end proceedings early with bruising and hard swinging hands. Sio tried to tie- Tai up when ever possible and worked the knees. As they warmed up the aggression started to show and it began to turn into a power packed brawl, but a graceful one. In the mid second we saw a centre ring trade off, but the durable jaws kept both guys on their feet. Sio was moving better on his feet and connected with knees and kicks. Tai had the scoring punches. This was starting to be dead even and too close to call. I spoke too soon…

There seem to have been lots of preparation put in by both men and their conditioning was pretty good. Come mid third round Sio began to edge ahead with more accurate low and mid kicks followed by clean knees to the torso. Tai didn’t seem to feel it though and kept coming forward with an angry stare on his dial. With the punishment intensifying, Tai began to tire and the guard was dropping. In the end Sio walked away with a relatively comfortable split decision, and only disappointment for the Hit man.  A re-match would be better than having a Big Mac combo, so we shall wait patiently. Good win for Sio, tough day for Tai- but he looks to be getting better as we speak.  

Fight 9:  K-1 Rules
Leamy “Tyson” Tato (ALPHA) Vs Jay “Hardman” Hepi (ETK) WON unanimous

In probably what was the most anticipated return to the ring for the night the tribal warrior “Hardman” Jay Hepi stroll to the ring in a most mellow-dramatic fashion as opposed to the silently determined one of Leamy “Tyson” Tato.  

The fight started cautiously and both men showed great respect for each other. Hepi used his kicks well to control the range and looked solid as. He landed a sweet high kick to the face which was the only real shot in the first round which ended rather lamely.

Come round two Jay stepped up his attack and got to work on Tato who at times tried to tackle him, reminiscent of his ex- league days. The Hardman’s game plan was working nicely as he picked his shots at the right time and sort of broke Leamy’ rhythm and didn’t allow him any inside space. Leamy was well contained and wrapped up when ever he gave Hepi the charging punches.

Jay’s most effective weapon was his front snappy - push kick to the face and successfully connected to dislodge his opponent’s mouth guard. Hepi was working away smartly and Tato’s inability to check the low right meant that Hepi won rather comfortably. Crisp and clean win for the tribal warrior and he is back to his smiling best. Passed the test with flying colours and probably back on the deans list for honours. He looked very Thai like in his stance, except of course he was a Maori of distinct fighting technique. The horde of supporters who travelled with him was jubilant and emptied the Heinekens rather quickly and timed it so well and Hepi proved once and for all how classy and professional he is.

Fight 10 and Main event: Full Thai rules
Jan “Atomic” Antholik (City Lee Gar) WON KO Knee to the face 1:30 round 1 Vs Yahosuah “Yoshi” Yahudah (U.S.A)

Finally with clock striking one hour to midnight the main event was about to get underway. Jan was full of energy and hopping around in contrast to the American import “Yoshi”. With both the American and New Zealand anthems played and a sportsman like stare down we were underway. Jan was hitting his straps early on and used his greater reach to perfection. He was firing down punch combos which found the mark straight away and made Yahudah think before he threw. Both the guys hard broke a sweat and then bang it was ended in a flash. Like a jumping jack out of a box a flying knee to the jaw ended things rather anti climatically and the American couldn’t find his feet. All over even before the crowd settled in for one last time. Yoshi left the arena with an ice pack the size of Stewart Island pressed to his jaw.

The surgically precise strike was rumoured to have been practiced over and over again, and when on song Jan is militant. It’s like trying having a gun fight with Clint Eastwood in the old westerns. On his current form hard to see anyone stopping him at this weight, then again hold on… Aaron Boyes can- would love that re-match.

The crowd didn’t even realise the visiting fighter had hit the canvas, it was all too soon, and Jan only needed 90 seconds square to get his A+. Yoshi didn’t help his grade point average and scored “U” for an incomplete assignment.

Play of the day:
The “militantly” precise knee to the face KO by Jan “Mr. Atomic” Antholik in the main event, nothing else came close.

Pimped for the press:
Carmen T of Rebel Lee Gar and her sister, hotter than microwave popcorn- with a combined smile lovelier than the roses of summer- Carmenly electric!!!  Oh yeah, there were two ring girls or something like that, but no one really noticed them- that’s what the crowd told me, therefore a very distant second, no hang on- John “Rebel” Conway’ army officer haircut will get number two.

Hero of the Day:
The two ETK fighters in “Hardman” Jay Hepi for his flawless comeback, and Josh Masters for his Conan the Barbarian like KO win-both got the biggest cheers of the night.

Victim of the day:
Without being political the American fighter “Yoshi” who copped a mouthful of knee and picked up a suspected broken jaw - courtesy of Jan Mr Atomic Antholik.

The Verdict:
So rarely do we see so many heavyweights on a single fight card on any given Saturday. Living up to what ROGUE thought would be the toughest Muay Thai examination yet was achieved with relative ease. Most passed and some failed- but they all tried with distinction (bar the US fighter).  It started like the ball Cinderella went to, great night out for the punters and purists alike. Just before midnight it ended and instead of Cinderellas glass slipper we saw Yoshi’ galss Jaw.  Thankfully the party bus outside didn’t turn into a pumpkin. Wicked stuff!!!

Russian Roulette- Slava gambles on a right to Armstrong's body	Foot in mouth: Mohandas sticks and Axe kick in Mc Neil's face
With one eye open: Shane keeps out Neil's high kick with style	Daly dosage: Alex lands precise on Bishop Jnr
Chin Checker: Robson pats Killer Bee on the chin	Gulliver of demolition: Josh Masters flattens the brave John Gallia
Smooth style: Sio nails Tai in his mid riff, the Vitale way	Tribal warfare: The Harman pushes Leamy out of range
Sweep stake: Hahm catches Terry Jack and sweeps to perfection	Atomic power: Jan begins to soften up Yoshi
Master stroke: The Sifu with his 'nuke' of a student Jan Antholik	Service with a smile: The friendly doorman with Mocha
'Electricious': The lovely Carmen and sister pimped for the press

Big thanks to the grand master Phillip Lam himself, Brett “Mr NZ BOXER” Sample, The lovely combat video crew who I shared “Press Box” with and my fellow ROGUEs "Square", new ace photographer “Bud” and the lovely “Mocha”.

All photography copyright Geoff Budd 2007. Do not download, reproduce, modify, distribute and/or syndicate without prior permission. Hi-res photographs can be purchased by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .