Online feud spills into ring as political commentator wins kickboxing bout

KUALA LUMPUR: Social and political commentator Ang Woei Shang defeated former DAP member Hew Kuan Yau in a kickboxing match yesterday, bringing their online feud into the ring.

Ang dominated from the opening bell, repeatedly pressing the attack and knocking Hew down several times.

The bout, initially scheduled for three rounds, ended early after Hew was unable to defend himself, Sin Chew Daily reported.

The fight took place during the Strikezone Showdown event at AEON Wangsa Maju.

Both men arrived as scheduled in the afternoon. Ang's entrance drew loud cheers from the crowd, with spectators chanting, "Lawyer Ang must win!"

Hew arrived shortly afterwards, prompting shouts of "Hew Kuan Yau, stop hiding!", which drew laughter from the crowd.

Organisers said the contest followed kickboxing rules, allowing punches and kicks but prohibiting elbow and knee strikes, as well as grappling.

Punches to the face or upper body and kicks to the thighs earned one point, while kicks to the head or upper body were worth two points. The bout was overseen by a referee and three judges.

Also present was MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.

Hew had earlier said he would only take part in the Nov 8 bout in Wangsa Maju, ruling out a proposed rematch in Penang on Nov 29.

Ang then registered for the Nov 8 fight to show that he was not avoiding the challenge, while maintaining that the Penang bout remained on unless both parties agreed otherwise.

Speaking to reporters after the fight, Hew said his defeat was expected as he was not a professional fighter and was 16 years older than Ang.

"There is not much to say. Life has its ups and downs. Winning and losing are normal. What matters most is continuing to practise and improve," he said.

Ang said he hoped Hew would honour his commitment to a rematch on Nov 29, pointing out that the Penang bout had been their original arrangement.

"I respect Hew because at least he kept his promise and turned up to fight. We should give him credit for having the courage to step into the ring," he said.

"However, I hope he will not challenge people so casually in future and that he will honour his promises."