Hemi Ahio
BornJohn Kevin Alipate Ahio
(1990-07-20) July 20, 1990 (age 33)
Mt Albert, New Zealand
Other namesJohn Kevin (Kickboxing)
The Heat (Nickname)
ResidenceAuckland, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealand
Tonga
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight115.9 kg (256 lb; 18 st 4 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Bridgerweight
Reach185 cm (72.8 in)
TeamCity Kickboxing
Professional boxing record
Total22
Wins21
By knockout16
Losses1
By knockout1
Kickboxing record
Total1
Losses1
By knockout1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec

John Kevin Alipate Ahio (born 20 July 1990), known professionally as Hemi Ahio, is a New Zealand born Tongan professional boxer.

He is the current WBC Middle East Heavyweight title.[1] Ahio has peaked in the WBC with him reaching 25th in the Bridgerweight division in May 2021,[2] and 35th in the Heavyweight division in January 2022.[3]

He is the a two time New Zealand national Heavyweight champions, being the first person to hold two New Zealand heavyweight titles from two commissioning bodies including NZNBF and PBCNZ. He is the first IBO Oceania-Oriental Heavyweight champion.

Early life and inspirations

Ahio was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand by Tongan parents. He was introduced to boxing in 2012 by his uncle, after Ahio was attacked and stabbed by a group of men while waiting for a bus.[4] Due to his height and ferocity he has been compared to a young Mike Tyson, sometimes earning him the nickname the 'Tongan Tyson'.[5] He was inspired by New Zealand Samoan Heavyweight David Tua, and Tongan Legend Kitone Lave.

Professional boxing

Professional debut to New Zealand champion 2013–2017

Ahio made his professional boxing debut in 2013 where he stopped Clint Foai in the first round.[6] At this time Ahio was trained by Lolo Heimuli.[7] Ahio made his professional boxing debut in June 2014 when he defeated Will Quarrie by unanimous decision on the undercard of the inaugural Super 8 Boxing Tournament.[8] Around this time is where Hemi Ahio signed a long-term deal with John McRae, promoter of the Super 8 tournament series.[7]

Ahio next broadcast fight is on the third Super 8 event undercard in 2015 where he took on the American Clarence Tillman.[7][9] Ahio would win the fight with Tillman retiring in corner from Shoulder dislocation.[10] Ahio would fight again in May 2015 against journeyman Junior Maletino Iakopo. Ahio won the fight by Unanimous Decision, fighting through the fight with a hand injury.[11] In August 2015, Ahio had his first international fight, in Australia, on a Danny Green undercard against Andre Meunier.[12] Ahio won the first by first-round knockout.[13] Ahio would return to the Super 8 events on TV when he takes on American Samoan boxer Alapati A'asa for the vacant New Zealand National (NZNBF version) Heavyweight title to end his 2015.[14] After both boxers gets knocked down during the fight, Ahio won the fight by second-round TKO, picking up his first title.[15]

Due to his promoter losing major sponsors earlier in the year, Ahio was not able to keep active. Ahio wasn't able to fight on other cards due to contract obligations to the former promoter. The contract however expired in 2018.[16] Ahio would make his return in 2017 where he took on Daniel Tai for the vacant IBO Oceania Orient Heavyweight title and vacant New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) Heavyweight title. This will be the last fight Ahio would be fight under his trainer Lolo Heimuli and his promoter John McRae. Ahio would win the fight by unanimous decision picking up his second and third titles.[17]

Fighting around the world, regional champion 2018–present

In November 2018, Ahio made his in ring return with a new trainer and away from the old promoter. Alongside Junior Fa, Hemi Ahio started training at City Kickboxing under Eugene Bareman and Doug Viney.[18] Mark Keddell who had been Ahio's regular matchmaker since 2015, now became his co-manager.[19] Ahio would make his American debut in March 2019 where he took on Ed Fountain.[20] Ahio would win the fight by seventh round stoppage.[21] At the end of March 2019, Ahio took on American boxer and the tallest boxer in the world Julius Long on the Geovana Peres vs Lani Daniels WBO World Light Heavyweight title fight undercard.[22] Ahio won the fight by unanimous decision.[23] Ahio will continue to have more fights overseas, making his Middle East Debut when he fought undefeated Ali Kiydin in July 2019. Hemi Ahio won the fight by first-round knockout.[24] Ahio returned to America when he fought American Joshua Tufte. Ahio won the fight by second round stoppage.[25]

Due to the Covid Pandemic, Ahio was not able to fight in 2020. During 2021, he was able to secure a WBC ranking in the Bridgerweight division, reaching 25th on the Bridgerweight rankings. In February 2021, Ahio fought in a rematch against Julius Long. Ahio won the fight by seventh-round knockout.[26] In October 2021, Ahio fought in the Middle East for the second time, taking on Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid for the inaugural WBC Middle East Heavyweight title. Ahio won the fight by second-round TKO picking up his first major international title.[27] In his time away from the ring, Ahio would peak on the WBC rankings in the heavyweight division reaching 35th. Ahio returned to the ring in June 2022.[28] Originally his opponent was scheduled to be Joe Jones, however due to a last minute pull out, Ahio took on Christian Ndzie Tsoye. Ahio won the fight by stoppage as his opponent retired in the corner between rounds due to injury.[29]

Kickboxing

On December 23, 2016, Ahio fought in his one and only kickboxing fight under the name of John Kevin in Emei, China.[30] Ahio took on experienced kickboxer Julius Mocka in the 100 kg+ division at EM Legend event "EM Legend 15 - End of Year Finals Emei" at Emei Shan Gymnasium.[31][32] Ahio lost the fight by first round knockout.[33][34][35]

Professional boxing titles

Professional boxing record

22 fights 21 wins 1 loss
By knockout 16 1
By decision 5 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
22 Win 21–1 Amron Sands TKO 6 (8), 2:02 22 Jul 2023 FireLake Arena, Shawnee, Oklahoma, US
21 Win 20–1 Richie Feulufai TKO 1 (4), 1:31 4 Feb 2023 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
20 Loss 19–1 Faiga Opelu TKO 4 (8), 1:21 16 Oct 2022 Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia
19 Win 19–0 Christian Ndzie Tsoye TKO 1 (8), 3:00 5 Jun 2022 Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Australia
18 Win 18–0 Mohammad Ali Bayat TKO 2 (8), 2:57 16 Oct 2021 La Perle, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Won inaugural WBC Middle East heavyweight title
17 Win 17–0 Julius Long KO 7 (8), 2:55 27 Feb 2021 Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
16 Win 16–0 Joshua Tufte TKO 2 (10), 1:10 15 Nov 2019 Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah, US
15 Win 15–0 Ali Kiydin KO 1 (4), 1:06 12 Jul 2019 King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
14 Win 14–0 Julius Long UD 6 30 Mar 2019 SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
13 Win 13–0 Ed Fountain TKO 7 (8), 1:46 2 Mar 2019 Voinovich Center, Columbus, Ohio, US
12 Win 12–0 Junior Maletino Iakopo TKO 2 (4), 2:59 6 Dec 2018 Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
11 Win 11–0 Conrad Lam UD 6 24 Nov 2018 AMI Netball Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
10 Win 10–0 Daniel Tai UD 10 1 Sep 2017 AMI Netball Centre, Auckland, New Zealand Won inaugural PBCNZ and IBO Oceania-Orient heavyweight titles
9 Win 9–0 Alapati A'asa TKO 2 (10), 2:43 3 Nov 2015 SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland, New Zealand Won vacant NZNBF heavyweight title
8 Win 8–0 Richard Tutaki TKO 2 (4) 5 Sep 2015 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
7 Win 7–0 Andre Meunier KO 1 (6), 1:41 19 Aug 2015 Hisense Arena, Melbourne, Australia
6 Win 6–0 Junior Maletino Iakopo UD 4 23 May 2015 The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
5 Win 5–0 Clarence Tillman RTD 1 (4), 2:43 28 Mar 2015 Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, New Zealand
4 Win 4–0 Fale Faleata TKO 1 (4) 17 Oct 2014 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
3 Win 3–0 Will Quarrie UD 4 4 Jun 2014 The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
2 Win 2–0 Faauli Maesililia KO 1 (4) 19 Dec 2013 Mangere Bridge Tavern, Auckland, New Zealand
1 Win 1–0 Clint Foai TKO 1 (4) 18 Oct 2013 ASB Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand

Professional kickboxing record

Kickboxing record
0 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time Record
2016-12-23 Loss Lithuania Julius Mocka EM Legend 15 - End of Year Finals Emei Emei, China KO (Right High Leg)[33] 1 2:06 0-1
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References

  1. ^ Johnstone, Duncan (17 October 2021). "Hemi Ahio destroys opponent for signature win in Dubai". Stuff. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  2. ^ "WBC Bridgerweight division May 2021". WBC. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  3. ^ "WBC Heavyweight division January 2022". WBC. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  4. ^ "Boxing: From street fights to Fight Night". NZ Herald. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  5. ^ "Heavyweight Hemi Ahio features on Amir Khan Fight Night next month". Essentially Sports. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  6. ^ "Hemi Ahio vs. Christian Ndzie Tsoye: Age, Height, Weight, Reach, Net Worth, Record, And More". World Boxing News. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  7. ^ a b c "Boxing: Ahio receives high praise". New Zealand Herald. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  8. ^ "Kali Meehan prospers after Super8 rethink". Stuff NZ. 5 June 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  9. ^ "Boxing: Ahio added to Super 8 card". New Zealand Herald. 18 March 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  10. ^ "Boxing: Ahio ready to box again". New Zealand Herald. 21 March 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  11. ^ "Boxing: Ahio stays perfect". New Zealand Herald. 25 May 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  12. ^ "Hemi Ahio picked to fight on Danny Green undercard". Te Ao Maori News. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  13. ^ "New Zealand heavyweight boxer Hemi Ahio scores another first round knockout win". Stuff. 20 August 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  14. ^ "Boxing: Alapati A'asa signs on to fight local prospect Hemi Ahio". New Zealand Herald. 7 October 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  15. ^ "Video: Hemi Ahio wins NZ title by TKO at Super 8". Newshub. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  16. ^ "Sky Television pulls out of Super8 boxing venture". Stuff NZ. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  17. ^ "The Heat is back". Scoop NZ. 2 September 2017. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  18. ^ "Kiwi combat sports gym City Kickboxing takes centre stage at UFC 243". Stuff. 5 October 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  19. ^ "Heavyweight boxer Hemi Ahio dashes to Dubai for headline act". Stuff. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  20. ^ "Boxing: WBO International belt on line between Junior Fa, Newfel Ouatah". Newshub. 2 March 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  21. ^ "Boxing: Junior Fa finds mean streak to continue march towards title shot". New Zealand Herald. 3 March 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  22. ^ "'Anything but horror' - Lani Daniels plans movie marathon ahead of world title fight". Stuff NZ. 29 March 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  23. ^ "Recap: Geovana Peres v Lani Daniels - WBO women's light-heavyweight title clash". Stuff NZ. 30 March 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  24. ^ "Kiwi boxer Hemi Ahio wins with KO in Saudi Arabia". Newshub. 13 July 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  25. ^ "Hemi Ahio Crushes Joshua Tufte in Two Rounds". Boxing Scene. 16 November 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  26. ^ "Parker beats Fa by unanimous decision after tough fight". Boxing Scene. 28 February 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  27. ^ "Heavyweight boxer Hemi Ahio dashes to Dubai for headline act". Stuff NZ. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  28. ^ "Heavyweight boxers Junior Fa & Hemi Ahio confirmed on the Kambosos vs Haney fight card". Coconut TV. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  29. ^ "Recap: Junior Fa knocked out, as David Nyika and Hemi Ahio claim wins on world title card". Stuff NZ. 5 June 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  30. ^ "John Kevin NZL vs Julius Mocka". EM Legend Fight Facebook. 24 December 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  31. ^ "Live Combat Sport Schedule: 12/22 – 1/2". Grabaka Hitman. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  32. ^ "Impressive win: Fighter J. Mocka knocks out J. Kevin in China". Delfi (in Lithuanian). 23 December 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  33. ^ a b "In the tournament held in China, J. Mocka knocked out a competitor from New Zealand with a kick". Sportas (in Lithuanian). 23 December 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  34. ^ "Julius Mocka High Kick". Kickboxing World Video Facebook. 24 December 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  35. ^ "EM Legend 15". Muay Thai TV. 23 December 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  36. ^ "Boxing News: Ahio smashes Farid, remains unbeaten » March 31, 2022". fightnews.com. 16 October 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2022.

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