The real source of inspiration for Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee

Although, the names were inspired by both legends (Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan). The truth is that Hitmonchan's alternate name (Ebiwalar) is a reference to Japanese world champion boxer Hiroyuki Ebihara, while Hitmonlee's name (Sawamular) comes from the world's first kick-boxer, Tadashi Sawamura.