Dragon Power Fighters Return from Arafura Games 2011 - making South Africa proud with Silver & Bronze Medals

In 1942 the same fleet that had bombed Pearl Harbour attacked the small town of Northern Territory Australia, Darwin, during a World War II attack. Now, 69 years later, the thriving colonial capital and modern city prepared for battle once again as the world's armies reunited on the battlefield of Darwin's cultural heritage and historical legacy, ready for war.

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The annual Arafura Games was host to more than 40 different counties with 27 different competing sports. Sanctioned by the IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Amateur) as a World Calendar event, Dragon Power's Kevin Pheko and Jarred Rothwell arrived in armour and ready for combat to fight whoever stood in their way of victory. "The opening ceremony for the Arafura Games was breath-taking; I was amazed to see so many South Africans so far away from home," describes Rothwell. "I was captivated by the moment: thousands of athletes were getting ready to walk into the stadium to represent their countries while fireworks lit up the sky and fans screamed. Just before they called out "South Africa" Kevin handed me the SA flag and told me to wave it proudly - a moment I will never forget."

After some much needed rest Pheko and Rothwell weighed in at 63.5kg and 75kg respectively on Monday 9 May 2011, giving them the all-clear to fight. Rothwell's first fight was against an Australian local who currently holds the Australian Champion title in his division; Trent "The Hammer" Hansen. "I entered the ring and performed my Wai Kru," says Rothwell. "The third time I bowed I thought of my family and friends and how they have supported me. As I stood up I knew this guy was going down. It took me 18 hours to get there and all this guy had to do was jump on a bus! I could hear Kevin shout "Thats it... Thats it!!" I had won my fight.

Pheko had a by straight through to semi-finals and fought Firdavsiy Kholnuratov of Uzbekistan, the current WMC title holder in his division. The fight began slowly in round one with evenly exchanged blows between the two fighters as they got a feel for one another. "He had strong knees in the grapple, so I countered with throws," explains Pheko. "The fight continued like this for almost three rounds. At the end of the third round I walked into my opponent's well-timed, deceptive spinning elbow which knocked me to the ground. The referee called the fight and raised my opponent's arm; he went on to win gold at the end of the tournament."

Two days later Rothwell was back in the ring and ready to face Uzbekistan once again - the current 75kg Asian Champion, Artur Kodirkulov who has been competing for ten years and has over a hundred fights under his belt; he is only 22 years old. "I went into the fourth round fired up," says Rothwell. "I noticed he was tired and his guard was slightly lower. I rocked him with a straight left and the crowd screamed. Stephan Fox jumped on the mic and said "Can the African Champ do it? He needs your support guys." Unfortunately Artur was so composed and attacked straight back with a hard left of his own which shut the crowd; I lost on points, but I feel I gained so much more."

Both South Africans left with medals, Pheko taking bronze and Rothwell earning silver, leaving South Africa's legacy behind as a reminder that as a nation will only get stronger from here on- and then will be back for more. "In my life it's the tough lessons that get me coming back stronger." Says Pheko.

"I have a new understanding of the word Muaythai," reminisces Rothwell after returning back home. "To me it means respect, discipline and love. People of all nations coming together for the love of a sport is so humbling and like nothing I have experienced in any other sports before. After the fight Artur and I sat together having dinner while we laughed and enjoyed the moment - we made History!"

By: Lisa Burnell

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