The exhibition bout, arranged as a two-versus-one contest pairing Dede and fellow comedian Bedu against Vicky, took a critical turn when Dede absorbed clean blows to the left side of his face and upper body during the evening card.
Medics Treat Dede After He Collapses in Ring
Video footage shared from the event showed Dede dropping to the canvas and remaining unresponsive following an exchange in the ring. Vicky Prasetyo rushed to check on his opponent, visibly shaken as medical personnel converged on the fallen comedian. According to accounts provided to media outlets, Vicky placed his face near Dede’s head and wept on the canvas while medics evaluated the unresponsive fighter. Organizers and safety staff halted the contest immediately, with Vicky requesting that officials stop the bout and arrange for an ambulance. Dede was subsequently transported to a medical facility for urgent evaluation.
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Vicky Prasetyo Recounts the Fateful Exchange
Detailing the sequence of events to reporters, Vicky Prasetyo explained that he had anticipated the two-on-one format would give Dede and Bedu a distinct stamina advantage through regular tag-team rotations. Instead, the fight accelerated into an accumulation of body and head strikes. He admitted he could not gauge the precise impact of his punches against his opponent’s physical endurance. The 42-year-old fighter acknowledged a deep sense of panic in the ring, noting that the crisis stirred painful memories of his late boxing trainer, Hero Tito, who died following a bout.
Dede Sunandar Clarifies Protective Gear Decisions
Addressing public scrutiny over the safety equipment used during the exhibition, Dede Sunandar explained that event organizers had initially instructed participants to wear headgear. However, the lighthearted atmosphere envisioned for the celebrity match altered plans on fight night. “We initially were told to wear headgear, but because we thought of it as just having fun, we didn’t realize how loud and intense the atmosphere inside the GOR would be,” Dede noted in a public statement. He added that Vicky had warned him beforehand about the stark contrast between gym training and a live arena crowd. Buoyed by adrenaline and the desire to deliver a memorable performance for the audience, Dede opted against wearing protective headgear. Following overnight medical treatment, Dede was discharged from hospital care and placed under doctor-supervised rest at a local hotel, where he was photographed with an IV line still attached to his hand.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident ignited immediate debate across social media platforms, where viewers questioned the physical disparities between the competitors and the absence of mandatory protective gear. Commenters on Instagram pointed to noticeable weight and size discrepancies within the ring, while others questioned why safety protocols regarding headgear were relaxed for a celebrity showcase. Vicky Prasetyo issued a public apology and appeal for sportsmanship following the match, writing on social media, “We only wanted to put on the best 2-versus-1 fight and everyone fought fairly. Please pray for Dede to recover quickly. I apologize for everything. Respect.”
Current Status of Medical Inquiries
As of Sunday, October 4, 2026, representatives for Dede Sunandar had not released a detailed medical bulletin regarding the exact nature or severity of his injuries. While the comedian confirmed he has left the hospital to rest under medical observation, tournament organizers and medical staff at GOR Kota Jambi have yet to issue a comprehensive formal statement detailing the official diagnostics or clearance timeline for his return to public activities.
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