M’sian ex-politician challenges political commentator to fight after dispute, loses after getting knocked down 4 times

A 56-year-old former Malaysian politician lost a kickboxing match.

Former Democratic Action Party (DAP) member Hew Kuan Yau and political commentator Ang Woei Shang fought in the ring on Nov. 8, the New Straits Times and Sin Chew Daily reported.

The match occurred during the Strikezone Showdown event at AEON Wangsa Maju in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Lead-up

According to The Rakyat Post, the lead-up to the fight came from a dispute between the two men during the Negeri Sembilan state election in July 2026.

Ang challenged DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke to a debate, and Hew called his challenge a publicity stunt.

Hew then challenged Ang to a fight, which he accepted.

The fight was initially scheduled for Nov. 29.

However, Hew pulled out as he was dissatisfied that Ang’s side had increased the event budget and introduced ticket bidding.

He then asked to move the fight to Nov. 8.

However, Ang said that if Hew did not turn up for the fight on Nov. 29, it would be a breach of contract.

Measures

Both men showed up to the fight on the afternoon of Nov. 8.

They wore gloves and shin guards, with Ang in blue and Hew in red.

The match followed kickboxing rules, which allowed punches and kicks.

Elbow strikes, knee strikes and grappling were prohibited.

Punches to the face or upper body and kicks to the thighs earned a point.

Kicks to the head or upper body were worth two points.

Fight

The bout was initially scheduled for three rounds.

However, it was cut short as Hew could not defend himself effectively.

In videos circulating online, Hew was seen trying to strike him multiple times, while Ang stayed composed and landed strikes that knocked him to the ground.

According to Sin Chew, Ang “dominated from the opening bell, repeatedly pressing the attack and knocking Hew down several times”.

China Press reported that Hew fell four times during the bout.

Hew eventually lost the fight.

Post-fight

Speaking to local media after the fight, Hew said that his defeat was expected as Ang was 16 years younger than him.

He added that he was not a professional fighter.

“Winning and losing are normal. What matters most is continuing to practise and improve," Hew said.

Ang said he hoped Hew would show up for a rematch on Nov. 29, pointing to their original agreement.

"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."