Lawrence Ripsher's Photo Journal

The Contender Asia - Episode 14

Episode fourteen was the second and last semi final fight. It was fought between Muay Thai great John Wayne Parr and young star Dzhabar Askerov. A tremendous battle that went the full five rounds, the fighters at the end were separated by the smallest of margins. In the end, it was the Wayne Parr who took the match and went on to join Yodsanklai in the final of the first Contender Asia. The match also marked a significant point for me as it brought to an end the filming of Season 1 with only the final (which was scheduled for a later date) to be fought. Being the photographer for so many great fights, and so many great athletes was an absolute pleasure and I look back on my series of images with a lot of pride. Here were my favourite five shots from the match. I'll post the images from the final shortly and will also do a "best of" recap. 

The Contender Asia - Fight 13

I'm horribly behind in posting my images from The Contender Asia. So, making a concernted effort to finish off the series now. This is Episode 13, the first semi final and contested between Thai superstar Yodsanklai and Scot Sean Wright. Sean, having knocked out both of his opponents in the prevous round came in with high hopes of an upset, but it wasn't to be as Yodsanklai's immense skill and power ended the Scot's campaign in round two. Here are my favourite five shots from the match.

The Contender Asia - Episode 12

Episode 12 saw Dzhabar Askerov and Soren Mongkontong square off against each other. It was a highly anticipated match and one that was tough to call as both fighters brought contrasting styles and excellent track records. How it ended though, no one could have predicted. In the first round, Dzhabar Askerov through two huge hooks. The first had Soren down for an eight count. The second caused the most vicious knockout I've yet seen in the flesh. Best shots below.

Contender Asia Episode 11

Episode 11 was the last of the quarter finalists. This bout saw a match up between John Wayne Parr of Australia and Zidov Dominic of Croatia. Both fighters had become great friends in the house, adding to the drama on the night to see them face off against each other. Wayne Parr is a world champion and considered one of world's best fighters - and it was clear from the beginning that Zidov wanted to make the most of this unique opportunity. However, despite battling valiantly, the fight was over in round 3 when the fight was stopped. And so JWP became the fourth and final quarter finalist. Five of my favourite images follow.

Zidov immediately makes his presence felt, showing he came to fight.

A stunning flying kick from John Wayne finds its mark, sending Zidov reeling

Sensing victory, John Wayne steps it up a gear, attacking with an increased intensity

After the match, John Wayne Parr dries himself off as his Australian flag hangs proudly in the background

Zidov, sits in his changing room alone, aware of the fact that he'll be leaving the Contender Asia house tonight.

Contender Episode 10

Episode 10 saw Yukay Karlsson of Sweeden and Sean Wright of Scotland go up against each other in the second quarter final. Both men had won their first round matches by way of knockout and many (including myself) were looking forward to this bout. Unfortunately for Yukay, Sean finished this match in the same way he had his previous - by winning through a series of devastating leg kicks. My favourite five images follow.

Yukay immediately goes on the offensive with a high leg kick

Sean retaliates with a series of crushing leg kicks

Yukay is temoprarily downed, taking an eight count

The pain becomes debilitating and finally Yukay succumbs

Yukay receives treatment backstage while coming to terms with the fact that tonight was his last match in season one of the Contender Asia

The Contender Asia - Episode 9

Episode 9 was the beginning of the quarter finals. It was also the match which saw good friends and fellow Thais Yodsanklai and Naruepol face off against each other.

Yodsanklai won this bout by KO in round 2.

My favourite shots from this match below. You can see more on the official Contender Asia website.

Yodsanklai looks calm and confident as his nation's flag is proudly waved in the background

A high kick from Yodsanklai penetrates Naruepol's defense, striking him square in the jaw

A crunching right hook from Yodsanklai finds its mark

It's over. Naruepol is checked by the referee after being counted out as an elated Yodsanklai raises his hand in victory.

Naruepol is treated for his injuries. Within minutes he will be leaving the Contender Asia house for good

The Contender Asia - Episode 8

Am a little behind on publishing these so will give this more attention and wrap up the series over the next couple of weeks. This is Episode 8 which say Yukay Karlsson from Sweeden in action against Pitu Sans from Spain. "Stunning" is one word to describe the knockout that ended this match. As I said over on lostinfocus.org, this is probably the first time I ever felt ill from photographing sports - such was the impact of seeing Pitu land in front of me (for those of you who do not already know, Pitu, despite being knocked out, was fortunately not significantly harmed). Five of my favourite shots follow.

Pitu looks visibly shaken after receiving a crunching blow to the face

Yukay's follow through after the knockout punch. Pitu was effectively unconcious on his way to the mat.

An unconcious Pitu is counted out while Yukay looks on from a neutral corner.

"Business as usual". Yukay unwraps after the match

Pitu's Spanish flag flaps quietly in the aftermath while backstage, he prepares to exit the show

The Contender Asia - Episode 7

My photos from Episode 7. This was a match up between Zidov Akuma and local hero Kim Khan Zaki. The match ended prematurely when Zach suffered a shoulder injury in the second round. The last image of him backstage after the match is one of my favourite shots from the entire season.

Red team leader John Wayne Parr waves the Singapore flag while leading out team mate Kim Khan Zaki

Zach and Zidov trade blows in the middle of the ring

Zidov ploughs in aggressively, bringing the fight to Zach

An unexpected and painful shoulder injury brings Zach's campaign to an abrupt end

Reality sets in for Zach as he becomes the 7th fighter to leave the Contender Asia house.

The Contender Asia - Episode 6

Episode 6 was a war. In my opinion this was the most brutal encounter so far, and the closest. The crowd was incredible - getting behind the fighters with an intensity that neither had probably experienced in any arena before. Was a tough fight for me - as I like both David and Dzhabbar. David's graceful and dignified reaction to the result in the end was very impressive - made me proud to be a fellow Brit. Was also very difficult selecting the final 20 images for the official website as I had so many great shots from the encounter. Here's five of my favourites.

The fight is momentarily stopped as the Contender Asia doctor examines
a cut to David's forehead.

Dzhabar avoids a big right from David as both men ricochet into the
ropes

David lands a big right, this time in the centre of the ring.

Graceful and professional in defeat, David pays his respect to the
Contender Asia arena before leaving for one final time.

Back in the changing rooms, Dzhabar is faced with medical treatment.

The Contender Asia - Episode 5

Episode five featured a match between Soren Mongkontong and Alain Sylvestre. A brutal encounter which Soren won after the fight was stopped due to a cut to Alain's eye. Was a very interesting match to watch - after watchin this fight I became an instant fan of Soren's fighting style, which is very traditional with heavy use of knees / elbows. This match was a good reminder of the damage that can be caused by the eight point fighting style of Muay Thai.

Another knee from Soren crashes into Alain's body as he attempts to
push off his aggressor.

In the center of the ring, Soren shows why his knee strikes are
renowned amongst the Muay Thai community with another powerful blow.

Cut open from an elbow strike, Alain's face is a crimson mask as he
raises his hands for another clash.

A fast jab from Soren finds its way through Alain's defenses.

The aftermath. Toweling off the blood and sweat off Alain's forehead
reveals a deep cut in his forehead.