Joe Moahengi. Now spends most of his time in Tonga.Another TWC practitioner under Cheung, his name is Joe (can't spell his last name), won the heavyweight division for that same year also.
Wow. Really?Important note: a lot has changed in the world of competitive martial arts since 1982. What cut it then could get you killed today.
The 1982 tournament basically had very thin gloves like bag mitts, no protection for either party. Basically only shots to the eyes, throat and groin were disallowed, there were lots of elbows to the kidneys, back of the neck, etc. A Xingyi training bud of mine at the time competed and nearly lost an eye, as did a couple of other competitors. Quite a few people ended up going to hospital.
Reportedly the tournament was not held again as the number and severity of injuries meant no one was prepared to sponsor it again.
And yes, Rick did win his final fight with a broken hand.
Not a modern pro MMA event perhaps, but in many ways just as if not more dangerous.
Rick Spain also had over 100 amateur and 37 pro kickboxing matches. And he's moved with the times, now a purple belt in BJJ, with students who have succeeded in local MMA and state and national BJJ competition.
Still cutting it today, wouldn't you agree?