Cambodian Kun Khmer fighters match in front of the Terrace of the Elephants in Siem Reap province’s world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park on December 16-17. TVK
Six out of eight Cambodian Kun Khmer fighters claimed victory via knockout at the recent Krud Kun Khmer event, with the two remaining local exponents of Cambodia’s native kickboxing style forced to accept a win on points and a draw.
The contest, held for the first time in front of the Terrace of the Elephants in Siem Reap province’s world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park, was part of TVK boxing promotion’s efforts to celebrate the “Angkor Thankgiving Event”.
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The December 16-17 tournament reflected the clear origins of Kun Khmer, with matches taking place in the shadows of temples rich with centuries-old engravings of the martial art, a key part of Khmer cultural identity, said an organiser.
Mol Ny, the head of arranging match-ups at TVK boxing, noted that the event was unprecedented, with TVK cooperating closely with the Siem Reap provincial authorities, the APSARA National Authority (ANA) and other state institutions.
“The Krud Kun Khmer boxing programme took place in front of the Terrace of the Elephants. The programme reflected and explored the glorious culture of Khmer civilisation in the Angkor period for the world to see and understand more clearly, including Khmer boxing. It is a precious legacy, which was left to us by our ancestors thousands of years ago,” he said.
“These matches were watched by tens of thousands of spectators. This was an unprecedented number, which broke a historical record in Cambodia.
“There were a lot of foreign visitors, so this event became a big promotion. The people working there, especially the vendors, were very excited because our first Krud Kun Khmer competition drew so many guests. They have asked us to hold a similar event again,” he added.
Cambodian fighters Khim Bora, Thorn Rithy, Bun Sothea, Tanh Makara, Panha Hoy Hak and Ly Rithy all found a way to knockout their foreign opponents, while Lao Chetra was awarded a points decision by the match officials. South Bunthy was only able to achieve a draw in his bout.
Bora was matched against Myanmar boxer Mongkul Petch, but quickly found his range in the first round, first knocking Petch down for a five count, and then achieving a knockout.
Thorn Rithy knocked out Myanmar fighter Tuy Minlat in the second round. Sothea claimed the scalp of Khalatkhit Khombangling of Laos in round three.
Makara was pitted against Myanmar boxer Asinthy Pumea, and promptly claimed a KO, while Hoy Hak – who was fighting a gloveless bout in raw thread wraps – knocked out Myanmar fighter Saxa Pumea in the first half of round one.
Restarting his career, Ly Rithy kicked Vietnam’s Lan Cheachen to the ground for a five count in the second round. The Vietnamese fighter was unable to continue.
Lao Chetra took on Turkish boxer Kenan Pendik, defeating him on points after the bout went the distance. In a return from injury, Bunthy was forced to accept a draw against Turkish fighter Onder Ozen.
Fresh from a points loss, Turkiye’s Pendik noted that the match was his first on Angkor soil.
“Kun Khmer is really wonderful. I want to learn more about it because I love the Khmer-style of using knees and elbows. To be able to fight here at Angkor was truly special,” he said.
