‘THE TONGAN TYSON’ Hemi Ahio will use his big showdown at the first-ever Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle, Dubai, UAE, on Saturday 16th October to show he’s the real fighting deal.

Undefeated Ahio (17-0, 12 KOs), who has ten KO’s inside the first two rounds, faces Dubai’s KO sensation Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid in an explosive heavyweight collision for the (17-2-1, 17 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Asia Heavyweight Championship.

The aggressive New Zealand crowd pleaser born to Tongan parents carries power and hand speed that has drawn comparisons to the legendary Mike Tyson.

All funds generated at the A-list event where the world’s top crypto investors settle their differences will be donated to the humanitarian work undertaken by the Amir Khan Foundation.

Ahio, 31, who trains in his home city Auckland at the City Kickboxing gym under Doug Viney said: “Winning this title will open doors to fighting higher ranked fighters so I get known.

“I would like to spend time in Britain boxing because there seems to be some really good Heavyweights.

“The only problem we have in New Zealand is that there aren’t constantly shows like there are in Britain and the United States.

“In terms of training, I love it in New Zealand because we have some excellent boxing teachers and coaches, but perhaps that is something to think about.”

A win in the UAE will help Ahio earn a top 15 ranking with the WBC whose world Heavyweight title will be on the line when Tyson Fury defends against Deontay Wilder on October 9.

Ahio who has won five of his last six contests by KO added: “I would love to fight the French boxer Tony Yoka. He is making his way up and is really technical.

“Of course I would jump in there with Fury, Wilder or Anthony Joshua, but Yoka may have something they don’t.

“I always like studying techniques when I am in the ring with these big dudes and I’d enjoy fighting Yoka before them, especially with his skillset and frame.

“There was talk of fighting Joe Parker in an all New Zealand fight, but it died down pretty quickly.

“I have met Joe once or twice and he is a good guy. I would love to get in the ring with him if I was given the chance.”

Even though all of Bayat Farid’s 17 wins have come inside the distance, Ahio has no concerns about his rival.

“I have no idea about Farid and have zero knowledge on him. I just know that I am meant to be fighting him,” explained Ahio who knocked out 7ft 2in American Julius Long when he last fought in February.

“The only thing I am worried about is my training. I have not even looked at his record, who or where he has boxed.

“When I get to Dubai I will take a look at his fights, but right now I am just putting in the work.”

Two-time world champion Amir Khan and the Super Boxing League (SBL) in association with Savy Capital, Bybit and the World Boxing Council (WBC) will stage the inaugural Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle, Dubai, UAE, on Saturday 16th October.

The first ever WBC Crypto belt will be contested for and presented to the winner of the boxing match between the leading crypto traders RookieXBT and Loomdart which headlines the extravaganza.

In the co-main event an exciting showdown between two huge punchers in the heavyweight division sees New Zealand big-hitter Hemi ‘The Heat’ Ahio (17-0-0, 12 KO’s) in a seismic collision with Dubai KO king Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (17-2-1, 17 KO’s) for the vacant WBC Asia Heavyweight Championship.

Three further contests between some of the world’s most powerful crypto traders will also take place on the card, featuring: Profit Maximalist podcast host Luke Martin vs. whizz-kid trader Barney The Boi, entrepreneur Raghav ‘Reggie’ Jerath vs. investment and finance pro and co-founder of Gath3r Network Foz; leading British trader Adam ‘Cass’ Craigmile vs. Egyptian hot-trader Ahmed Mousa.

Besides a fantastic night of boxing the celebrity crypto crowd will also be involved in an auction of various crypto related assets, collectibles and NFT digital art.