Taishan Dong: ‘I just like to fight’

Taishan Dong grew up in the Gansu province of China. By the time he was 14, he was 6 feet tall. He kickboxed and learned the combat sport Muay Thai.

(Jabin Botsford / Los Angeles Times)

Oct. 10, 2015 2 AM PT

Taishan Dong grew up in the Gansu province of China. By the time he was 14, he was 6 feet tall, and everyone in his rural community told him to play basketball. He joined a team, but quit after six months. He wanted to make a living with his fists instead.

Taishan Dong moves away from opponent Tommy Washington as referee Jack Reiss delivers a ten-count in a heavyweight bout at Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio.

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Taishan Dong, right, takes on Tommy Washington in a heavyweight bout at Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio.

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Taishan Dong trains at Powerhouse Gym in Burbank. With encouragement from an attorney he met in L.A., George Gallegos, Dong began boxing.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Taishan Dong works out on the heavy bag, held by his assistant trainer Manny Tometaka, during a training session at Powerhouse Gym in Burbank.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Taishan Dong arrives for a training session at Powerhouse Gym in Burbank.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

As a 6-foot-tall 14-year-old, Taishan Dong was encouraged to play basketball. He tried it, but soon took up kickboxing instead. “I just like to fight,” he said.

(Jabin Botsford / Los Angeles Times)