The Winners Rejoice

Angry With Their Loss

Anger started to mount amongst the Tiger Kings after yet another embarrassing loss to the Wild Boars. Yodsaenklai said that if they won the upcoming challenge, he wanted Rafik to return home. Dzhabar added that Rafik, “open mouth too much.” Yodsaenklai said in his interview that as the Wild Boars continued to antagonize them, it started to fuel anger and the desire within the Tiger Kings to fight the Wild Boars. He said, “The kings have lost twice now so we were already angry. When the blue team rubs it in our face we feel angrier.”

In the loft, the mood in the Tiger Kings’ room was at a new low. John Wayne asked everyone in the room, “Angry? Angry? Angry?” Dzhabar commented that judging by their euphoric behaviour, the Wild Boars were acting as though they had already won The Contender title. Yukay added that their demeanor was such as if Rafik had defeated Yodsaenklai, which was an obviously impossible task. John Wayne said repeatedly, “I hate losing. I hate losing challenges and fights, I’m not a happy camper.”

Tempers Flare During Training

John Wayne explained that the Tiger Kings were so angry and disappointed with themselves that they channeled their frustration into that morning’s training. At the end of the session, Stephen told them that it was a big day as they were going to have a “very big challenge.” He tried to explain what would happen to the Tiger Kings if they lost again but was interrupted by fits of laughter from the Wild Boars. Dzhabar took offence with Rafik as tempers flared.

Dzhabar: "It’s important you close your mouth. Don't make me angry."
Rafik: "You already lose 4 or 5 times. You think i'm afraid?”
Dzhabar: “I don’t care whether you’re afraid. I'm going to kick your ass here or in the ring."
Rafik: "Don’t worry my friend, you’ll see."
Dzhabar: "I'll smack your face!" 

At this juncture, they were sitting at opposite ends of the ring. Rafik punched the ring and challenged Dzhabar, “Come on here!” This was all Dzhabar needed to hear as he walked straight up to Rafik and stared him squarely. In a spurt of anger, Dzhabar shoved Rafik to the floor of the ring.



Stephen immediately intervened and pulled them apart. However, Rafik managed to deliver a kick, which landed squarely on Dzhabar's face. Flurries of punches were then exchanged as Stephen and some of their teammates tried holding them back. They were then separated into different corners of the ring. At this point, John Wayne said in his interview that they were being childish instead of acting like grown men who were martial artists. Rafik, still not satisfied, inched his way towards Dzhabar’s corner instigating yet another round of mindless punching.  Finally, the trainers muscled their way into the brawl and tore the two men apart.



In the interviews, John Wayne said that Rafik had definitely lost respect in the eyes of his teammates. He believed that it was now his responsibility to send Rafik home as they just wanted to get him out of the competition. Dzhabar said that if they won the next challenge, he wanted to be the man who sent him packing. Rafik said that he was not afraid of Dzhabar. He maintained that he was a man and a fighter. As Rafik left the training area, Stephen told him, “If you had any respect with me you just lost it.”

The Challenge

For their third challenge, the fighters were then brought to a Fitness First gym. Stephen explained that this challenge would separate the men from the boys. The ‘Fitness First Contender Challenge’ was a true test of their strength, endurance and their will to win. Five members from each team would challenge in a relay race. They would compete one-by-one in five stations that included lunges, sit-ups, push-ups, jump rope and swimming. Only when the preceding member has completed the relay, can the next member of the same team, start his relay. In a show of arrogance, Bruce on behalf of the Wild Boars suggested that they compete blindfolded. He justified, “Since it is a challenge and we Wild Boars don’t really think of it as a challenge!” Obviously it was a joke that was shared around the room with everyone but the Tiger Kings.




First up was David from the Wild Boars who was up against Zach from the Tiger Kings. David went into an early lead however Zach managed to overtake David in the last station. The Tiger Kings were in the lead as Soren went head-to-head with Naruepol who managed to gain a big lead for the Wild Boars. It was then up to Bruce to maintain the lead against Yodsaenklai, which he successfully did. Following them was Sean against Dzhabar, where Sean managed to lengthen the lead for the Wild Boars. It was finally down to the last two, the team captains Rafik against John Wayne. Although Rafik had a big lead in his favor, John Wayne managed to catch up with him in the subsequent stations. In the final station, they were finally neck-to-neck and it was hard to tell which team would triumph. Unfortunately for the Wild Boars, Rafik suddenly dropped his weights in the pool giving John Wayne a huge lead. The Tiger Kings finally secured their first win in the competition.



Finally the tables had turned leaving the Tiger Kings estactic and the Wild Boars sour in defeat. Their victory was even sweeter as Jaymee rewarded them with a special prize. The Tiger Kings would be enjoying a day out at the Laguna Golf and Country Club driving range. In response, the Tiger Kings cheered in joy! Both teams shook their hands in a show of sportsmanship, in comparison to the melee ensued during training.

Hitting It Up At The Driving Range

Clad in their golfing attire, they arrived at the driving range. John Wayne said they were finally the winners and were ecstatic about it. The team enjoyed their win as they shot some golf balls. Unfortunately, none of them proved to be good golfers as John Wayne missed hitting the ball several times. Zach said that it was finally nice to get out of the house due to all the tension that was building up.

When Soren missed his shot, he said it was a good thing they were professional fighters and not professional golfers. Although, they had little success in golf, it was a perfect opportunity for the team to bond. Yukay added that one afternoon of playing golf had made their teammates best friends and made their team stronger. They let out a special group cheer, "Go home Rafik!"

Back at the loft

When they returned to the loft, it was now their turn to gloat about their reward to the Wild Boars. John Wayne said that he was finally over losing. Zach added that they had finally ended their spell of bad luck.

Tensions were high in the Wild Boar’s room as they were obviously unhappy and looked rather gloomy. Rafik said that the Tiger Kings could have this win and play golf all they wanted as for the first time they had the opportunity to choose somebody to fight. He pointed out that that person could be him. At this point, he suddenly got up and said that he had to take care of his health. David told him, “You're the captain and we're supposed to be having a meeting.” Rafik replied angrily, “I don’t want to talk so much of the f***ing game.”

Sean shared that the team believed that Rafik would be chosen as he pissed many people off. After Rafik left the room Bruce asked, “Hands up those of you who think Rafik will be chosen.” Almost everyone of the Wild Boars raised their hands.

The Tiger Kings Make A Decision

John Wayne started off the deliberation by stating that he believed Rafik should be out as he was pissing everyone off. He reminded the team of the time Rafik had explicitly stated that he wanted to fight with Yodsaenklai and himself. He said, “We'll give him this chance and see if he can stand five rounds with me.” As captain, John Wayne felt that it was his responsibility to send Rafik home. He inquired with his teammates on their support for his decision to fight Rafik.



Dzhabar then raised his hand and said that he to really wanted to fight Rafik as well. Zach replied to Dzhabar that if he were to fight, they would be giving in to exactly what Rafik wanted. Situations would then be easier for Rafik as he would not have to fight with the tougher competitor, John Wayne. Soren added that it would become a personal fight yet it was a professional sport. Both fighters going into the match angry would result in a horrible fight. This as Soren said,  “… was not good for Thai boxing.” Dzhabar explained in his interview that everyone in the house knew that he wanted to fight with Rafik so bad. Yukay ended off the deliberation by asking, “So, who should we choose?”

The Chosen Two

Deliberation time ended as both teams were summoned into the training area. Jaymee commented that she felt a different energy in the room. “Something's been going on,” she said. It was finally the time for the Tiger Kings to pick the fighters. Representing the Tiger Kings was John Wayne. He then started to look around the Wild Boars, in mock deliberation of whom he should choose. Unsurprisingly, he chose Rafik.



Rafik stepped forward and they ‘Wai’ (a traditional Thai greeting). Rafik did not look surprised or unfazed by the decision. Although they were smiling, there was obvious tension building up in the room. When Stephen asked John Wayne why he chose Rafik he replied that they were both captains and “after what happened in the morning, people didn’t need the bullshit in the house.” He said confidently that he was the solution. Dzhabar said in his interview that though he was a little sad that he could not fight Rafik he knew that John Wayne was going to teach him a lesson.

The Morning Of The Fight

John Wayne woke up the earliest and explained that the night of the fight was like Christmas day as there were tingles all over his body. He then shared that it would be his 90th fight. In his earlier days, he used to be nervous but now, he said, “It is like going to work. It is something I have to do.” Rafik said he did not care what people thought of him, he just had to show everyone who he really was.

At the breakfast table, John Wayne walked in to see Rafik with earphones plugged into his ears.  John Wayne tried to wish him a ‘Good Morning’ however Rafik ignored him. John Wayne said in his interview that he thought it was disrespectful. He said he did not simply want to win him but rather knock him out.



While Soren and Alain were having breakfast, Rafik started humming a tune badly. As Rafik could not hear what they said, Alain joked to Soren, “At least we know he doesn’t have a singing career!” Soren explained in his interview that Rafik seemed worried and it was not going to be good for him. At that point, Rafik sat down with the men and told Soren that he did not like many people in his (Tiger Kings) team. He said, “Three to four people piss me off.” Soren replied, “When you say three to four people, maybe you should look at yourself.” Rafik replied in his usual catch phrase, “I don’t care” and left the table. Soren continued on by telling him not to put blame on other people. Rafik spoke in his interview that when he was honest with people, they did not like it. However, he did not care. He said he knew who he was inside and outside the ring.

The Night Of The Fight

As John Wayne was getting ready for his fight, he said that he felt added pressure on him. He had the responsibility of being team captain, the pride of his country and his whole reputation on the line. He added that a lot of people had not seen him fight and it was finally a chance for him to show his skills, as he had been doing this for a long time. He said, “The stakes tonight are high. I’ve put my reputation on line. I’m going to fight aggressively. I can't lose, there’s no way. I’ve got the support from my teammates and the Wild Boars.” Finally he confesses, “If Rafik goes home there will be no one that sheds a tear. I want him to remember who John Wayne Parr is.”



Rafik, in his room, said that he was here for these kinds of challenges. He shared, “I am here to represent myself. Represent the French Muay Thai. For the first time in my life a great champion has chosen to fight me. Maybe he thinks I’m a threat that's my first victory.” He reveals, “If I win against John Wayne, everything is going to change. I want to realize my dream now. I could be a star if I win against one of the best fighters in the world. I can be a star. I want to show to my family and friends that I’m here for winning.”



Before they stepped into the arena, Stephen told John Wayne that he had his respect as he had proven himself as a captain and a fighter. He was the People’s Champion of Australia, he had to let the Australia flag fly high. Stephen then wished Rafik luck. He said, “Whatever happened is forgotten between us.” In his last words, Rafik said he wanted to show everyone his strong mind and fighting spirit. John Wayne Parr said in his interview, “Rafik you're going to lose.”

The Battle Begins

The men entered the ring and performed the Wai Khru. At that point, they were both concentrating hard on their game. As John Wayne performed his Wai Khru he went to Rafik and pretended to air punch him. He then blew on his boxing glove and sauntered off to a cheering crowd. This added to the excitement in the air, as the audience was eager to see which captain would be left standing. Zidov told Rafik angrily, “Hey this is your fight!” The fighters stared at each other squarely as they prepared to compete.

1st Round

Both are hesitant to throw the first few punches. John Wayne went in first and they become evenly matched in their punches. Zidov shouted to Rafik. “Out of the corner!” They kept throwing punches that are blocked by either one of them. Rafik then managed to chokehold John Wayne and he crumbled to the ground. When John Wayne got up, Rafik took the opportunity to kick John Wayne’s elbow. He then kicked him in the abdomen and Rafik fell. In retaliation, Rafik continued to throw flying punches at him. At the end of the round, Rafik seemed to have done well. Zidov told him,  “Good job!” On the other hand, Dzhabar attempted to inspire John Wayne by saying, “Slow, relax, this is your fight.”

2nd Round

Rafik tried to topple John Wayne early in the round. However John Wayne managed to corner him with punches. Rafik delivers kicks to his abdomen that were blocked. Again, Rafik tried to kick John Wayne. However, he missed and kicked the strings at the side and almost toppled himself. They get stuck in a huddle and have to be separated. Rafik smirked cockily, though John Wayne toppled him. Now, John Wayne smirked at Rafik. At that point, they seemed to also be playing mental games with each other.

Rafik then managed to deliver his elbow to John Wayne shoulder, which would score him major points. Rafik smiled cheekily at John Wayne and the round is over. He raised his hands in triumph. He seemed confident of his win even before the match was over. Zidov shouted at him, “I don’t want to see your hands down.” John Wayne’s trainer said, “I don’t want to see your hands down!” Yukay told Soren on the side, “This round won.” However, by this point they seemed evenly matched and it was hard to tell who was winning.

3rd Round

When the match started, we noticed that there was blood on John Wayne’s nose. At this point, their blows were even. Rafik managed to elbow John Wayne several times. One another were constantly blocking their blows. Rafik finally elbowed John Wayne’s head and face and managed to topple him. This time it seemed that Rafik definitely had the upper hand. The crowd cheered for him, as Zidov said, “This is what I want to see. I like the elbows!” David told Rafik from the side, “You won that round comfortably.” John Wayne’s trainer screamed, “Slow! Slow! He's using his weapons. Lead with your kicks, don’t worry about punching.” The air is laden with anxiety.

4th Round

Rafik immediately tried to catch John Wayne’s legs to topple him, however he was unsuccessful. There was a switch in this round as Rafik became more passive in his fighting. He did not punch back as often, and tried to move away from John Wayne as much as possible. Instead of punching back. John Wayne charged forward and backed Rafik into a corner. John Wayne managed to throw in much more than Rafik had in this round. When the bell rang, David screamed, “That’s not a good round Rafik. You sat back too much in the last bit.” Zach told John Wayne, “He's tired, look. Don’t try to fuck him out. Just take his legs out.” Tension mounts the air as they enter the last round.

5th Round

At that point, it was anybody’s game as both fighters desperately try to outdo each other. Both of them are expertly blocking each other, throwing out punches at the same time in hope of gaining points. They are evenly matched in this round and it is difficult to tell who got the upper hand. The bell goes off!

Both the teams were rejoicing as it was unsure at that moment which fighter had secured an upper hand in the match. However, Rafik seemed more confident that over his win in comparison to his competitor. John Wayne’s wore the Australian flag on himself as they both stand at deliberation. The winner was announced as the red team! There was a moment of shock as Rafik cheered thinking it was he and then shook his head in disbelief. John Wayne on the other hand, started to celebrate with him team over their first win.

After The Fight

John Wayne said that he was expecting it to be an easy fight but it was a lot harder. However he was happy to have won and to have gotten his first fight out of the way.

The Wild Boars have finally been defeated by the Tiger Kings. Zidov told Rafik that albeit his loss, it was a good fight. Rafik explained that when John Wayne looked at himself in the mirror he was going to be scared, as he knew that a “Frenchie American guy has opened him.”

Over time, Rafik started to look more solemn over his loss. He shared, “The fight is really really easy, its leaving this people that’s very difficult. You have to be brave here. Muay Thai is respect. Muay Thai is honor. Muay Thai is life.” Finally, he hung up his mongkok. Sentimentally, he said, “I did my job, people are going to know Rafik. Muay Thai is going to be my second hobby. Thinking of making a family. Regular situation. Life with my girlfriend. I have to build my destiny.” He took a final walk around the ring, looking fondly around the place that left him with great memories.

Posters are available on the Cafepress store. Click to view.