The last time Dylan Rush fought in a Toughman Hawaii bout he beat Deutsch Pu’u, a K-1 fighter, to retain his super heavyweight belt in 2012.
Seven years later, the 2006 Ka’u High graduate is back home to defend his title at the inaugural “Pop” Toughman Hawaii Memorial Tournament, which will be held Saturday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
The kickboxing event will honor Walter “Pops” Carvalho Sr., who died March 23, 2017 and trained Hawaii fighters for five decades. Proceeds will benefit his wife, Barbara.
Rush’s opponent is almost the same guy: Don “Iron Fist” Auau, from American Samoa, who trains out of Boss MMA. He’s 14-0 with nine knockouts. It’s one of three title fights.
The semifinal event will pit Ashton “One Whack Medivac” Castro against Lavelle Brown for the vacant cruiser weight title, one of 16 bouts.
“It’s funny I didn’t know my Toughman championship would still be there after six years of not fighting,” Rush said. “I got a call from Walt Carvalho (the Toughman promoter), and he wanted me to defend the belt. I’ve had six years of no training or sparring, and I’m to fight this big Samoan, and I thought it’s a terrible idea, but I said, ‘Let’s do it.’
“He’s like Deutsch, big and strong. He’s a carbon copy with less experience. sI’m in decent shape. Let’s see what happens.”
Toughman promoter Wally Carvalho is hoping the crowd turns out to catch the Rush-Auau fight and honor his father.
“This kid from American Samoa is a hammer. This main event featuring one of the Big Island’s top multi-sport athletes (Rush won three state gold in wrestling and one in judo) is something you don’t want to miss.
“This show is in honor for all my father has done here on the Big Island for hundreds of kids and adults. This is a special moment for me and my family. I hope everyone comes and enjoys the show. It’s going to be a great one.”
After his win over Pu’u, Rush made his pro mixed martial arts debut against Henry Griffin In Oklahoma on Sept. 8, 2012. He suffered a first-round loss and hasn’t fought since.
“I’m never nervous. I’d say my mind is activated. It’s a word I like better than nervous,” Rush said.
It’s been a whirlwind since Rush last fought in Toughman.
He’s been acting the last six years and works in the Las Vegas stage show, Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur.
His last visit to the Big Island was last November to visit family. But this time it’s all business.
Rush never fought or trained under Pops Carvalho, but knows the impact he had.
“He was always around,” Rush said.
“I never trained directly under him, but he was already there, looking out for the young kids. That made you feel like home.”