Going the extra round

As a Thai kick-boxing contender, Li Yiu-tung was renowned for his courage and technique. Now he runs a school in Wan Chai where he trains tough young hopefuls, writes Andrea Li

TO BE A CHAMPION Thai kick-boxer, you have to be tough. Just ask Li Yiu-tung who, in the course of a lengthy career in the sport, has taken all manner of physical punishment but has always bounced back ready for the next bout.

His worst experience in the ring was during a tournament in Hong Kong 13 years ago. With swollen eyes and blood flowing from facial cuts, Mr Li failed to react in time to dodge a vicious punch from his Japanese opponent. Sent reeling back against the ropes, he knew immediately that his nose was broken.

However, he refused to throw in the towel. Spurning offers of assistance from the ringside doctor, he fought on to the final bell, wincing with the pain of every successive blow. Only after winning on points did he agree to be rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and corrective surgery, which kept him out of action for a month.

A few years later, Mr Li came up against another opponent with the hardest punch he had ever faced. Midway through the third round, he had taken such a beating that he was seeing double and was almost out on his feet. Summoning extra reserves, though, he clung on, fought back, and never once thought of giving in.

This kind of determination and stamina made Mr Li a true champion. He was renowned for his technique and courage, not only in Hong Kong, but also internationally in Holland, New Zealand, Korea and Japan.

Now aged 43, he is focusing his energy on training the next generation of fighters at his K1 Thai kick-boxing and fitness school in Wan Chai.