Bolo Yeung vs Sammo Hung | Kung Fu vs Karate

Reading time: 9 minutes
28/08/2022

Hello there and welcome!
Today we're bringing you yet another exciting matchup between two celebrities. This time around we're going all the way to Hong Kong to set up this bout between two of Hong Kong's most iconic actors: we're talking Bolo Yeung vs Sammo Hung.

This video was uploaded by Brutal TV on their official YouTube channel. Don't forget to check them out.
The following article is a transcript of the video Above.
Before we begin with the action let's meet our contestants and discover what they're bringing into the arena.

Bolo Yeung

Bolo Yeung

Bolo Yeung's real name in fact is Yang Sze, but since he forged a successful reputation for himself as a martial artist, a martial arts film actor, and a competitive bodybuilder, the name Bolo Yeung has stuck.
Yeung gained popularity in Asian cinema following his different roles as a formidable villain, the most popular being his role in the movie Enter the Dragon alongside the legendary Bruce Lee. In that movie, Yeung starred as Bolo.

Bolo Yeung vs Sammo Hung

Some of his other unforgettable roles include Chong Li in the movie Bloodsport, where he starred alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme. Then he also starred as Chang Lee, the Vietnamese Cobra, in the movie Bloodfight which also starred the likes of Simon Yam and Yasuaki Kurata.

Bolo Yeung in Bloodsport


Fellow Yeung's foray into the world of martial arts began at the very young age of 10. Growing up, Yeung was tutored by several Kung Fu masters who helped him hone his Kung Fu skills to become an excellent martial artist. But martial arts was just one of Yeung's many interests. The Hong Kong native also fell in love with bodybuilding at an early age. After devoting lots of time and attention to this venture, Yeung became the Mr. Hong Kong Bodybuilding Champion, a title he held on to for a whopping 10 years.

Bolo Yeung vs Summo HUng

His muscular physique pretty much defined the kind of roles that Bolo Yeung would play in the movie industry. He was built perfectly for the role of the villain you'd love to hate. Unsurprisingly, Yeung was repeatedly cast in the bad guy role in the films produced by Shaw Brothers Studios. Yeung continued to work with the Shaw Brothers starring in several films before leaving the production company in 1971.

Bolo Yeung vs Sammo Hung

But while filming a Winston cigarettes commercial, Yeung met the legendary Bruce Lee who was so impressed by Yeung's talents that he offered him a role in the movie Enter the Dragon.
It would spark the beginning of a blossoming friendship between the duo. Many years after the tragic death of Bruce Lee, Yeung would have this to say about the legend: "there will never be another Bruce Lee. I am privileged to have had the honor of calling him my friend."

Bolo Yeung Enter the Dragon

After his success with Enter the Dragon, Yeung's true breakout film was Bloodsport. Acting alongside Jean-Claude van Damme who played the leading role of Frank Dux. Yeung took the role of Chong Lee and just as It happened between Yeung and Lee, Van Damme and Yeung became close pals.
After shooting this movie together, the duo would later team up for another movie: Double Impact. Yeung would later star in a host of other films, such as Tiger Claws, Tiger Claws 2, and Diamond Cartel.

Bolo Yeung

Sammo Hung

Sammo Hung is a well-known name in the Asian movie industry. Hung is an actor, producer, director, and more, particularly a martial artist.
Hung is widely recognized for playing a key role in taking martial arts by incorporating art into several of his movies. In doing this, Hung would act as the choreographer for some of the biggest names in the Asian movie industry, including John Woo and Jackie Chan. Hung was one of the earliest people to really make a mark in martial arts movies.

Sammo Hung vs Bolo Yeung

Thanks to his huge achievements in martial arts movies, Hung, who is also known as Hung Ka-mbo, is often called Da Goh Da, which can be loosely translated to mean "biggest of all big brothers" or "big brother".
Hung made his major acting debut in the movie Shaolin Pilot. Following this, he went on to establish himself as a key figure in the industry, but beyond improving the popularity and the perception of martial arts among the Asian audience. Hung also provided several actors, directors, and technicians with their first big breaks in the industry.

Sammo Hung's Childhood

Hung was born in British Hong Kong on January 7th, 1952. While both his parents were Wardrobe stylists in the movie industry, Hung spent all of his childhood with his grandparents who were artists themselves. He enrolled at China Drama Academy and became a part of a performing group known as "Seven Little Fortunes", a group that would later welcome Jackie Chan into its full.

Sammo Hung in Seven Little fortunes

Hung made his movie debut as a child actor in the 1962 movie "Education of Love". He would also star alongside Jackie Chan in the movie Big and Little Wong Tin Bar. Following a few appearances in some movies, Hung became an assistant director while working at the Shaw Brothers Studio. While serving as an assistant director he also worked as an actor and as a stunt man on different occasions. Some of his most notable stuntman gigs were done in the movies The angry river, A touch of Zen, The fate of Lee Khan, and Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee.

Sammo Hung in Enter the Dragon

In the 80s, Hung performed an iconic trio with Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao and the three actors came to be known as the Three Dragons, as they appeared in several films together.
Hung would later go on to produce a plethora of successful martial arts movies under his four production companies, establishing himself as a key player in the movie industry.

Three Dragons: Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung

Bolo Yeung vs Sammo Hung

Bolo Yeung vs Sammo Hung

Now that we've met our celebrities, it's time to get into the arena and see who comes out on top in this duel.
For this matchup, we'll be judging each contestant across four main categories:

  • Fighting Pedigree
  • Physique
  • Skill
  • Improvisation

We'll award a maximum of 10 points to each fighter for each category and in the end, the fighter with the higher cumulative points will be crowned the winner.

Fighting Pedigree

the three dragons

This is a close call as both Yeung and Hung are remarkable martial artists and are well trained in their arts. We'd respectfully call this one a tie: 8 points to both, Yeung and Hung.

Physique

In their prime, Bolo Yeung stood at 5 feet 6 inches and weighed 70 kilograms, while Sammo Hung also stood at 5 feet 6 inches but was five kilograms heavier than Yeung. That said, being a bodybuilder gives Yeung an advantage here.
So it's 8 points to Bolo Yeung and 7 to Sammo Hung.

Skills

It would be unfair to knock one of these stars over in the skills department. These guys are supremely talented, with lots of skills and techniques in their arsenal. So yes, we'll call this one a tie as well 8 points to both fighters.

Improvisation

Watching a duel between these two guys will be a sight to behold. There's no reason to think anyone will have an advantage over the other. When it comes to pulling out stunning moves and tricks, sorry folks, these guys are neck and neck. Again, 8 points to both Yeung and Hung.

Bolo Yeung vs Sammo Hung

The Verdict

It was always going to be close. There's hardly anything to choose between these two. But, clinching the victory just by the skin of his teeth, is Bolo Yeung with 32 points, compared to Sammo Hung's 31.

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Comments


Christopher Ventura
I disagree with your findings. Pedigree Sammo 8, Bolo 1 Physique Sammo 0, Bolo 8 Skills Sammo 8, Bolo3

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Sally Anderson
Whoah! Bolo Yeung and Sammo Hung going head-to-head! Now, that's clash of titans! I'd bet my last dumpling on Sammo! Don't tell Bolo though, his pecs scare me! 😂

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Luke Thompson
Bolo Yeung with his muscle power and Hung with his agility, it's a trrilling face-off! I’d say Yeung’s bolo tie may prpve lethal than Hung’s Karate chop though! 😂

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Tommy Henderson
Wow, what a clash of titans! Bolo's muscles or Sammo's nimbleness, who will prevail? Just remember, it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the siz of the fight in the dog. Exciting stuff!

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Molly Goodwin
Just saw the showdown between Bolo and Sammo - it's not karate, it's car-ate! Sammo might've porked up in size but boy, can he still kick high! Karate Chopsticks vs Kung Fu dumpling, round two, anyone?

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Sammy Laughlin
Bolo vs Sammo, what a a matchup! It's like choosing between pizza and burgers - both are great! But my vote goes to Sammo for his prowess in Karate!

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