The 14 Cambodian and foreign boxers who will compete in the ‘XTreme Cambodia Kun Khmer Fight of the Year’ on March 15. Heng Meas
Some of Cambodia’s strongest Kun Khmer exponents, including Bird Songkherm and Pich Sambath, along with rising stars Pich Singhak and Han Pi, will challenge for or defend their belts at this Saturday’s “XTreme Cambodia Kun Khmer Fight of the Year”.
The matches will get underway 3pm in the VIP Air Conditioned Hall of Heng Meas TV Station.
Heng Meas Boxing head Kry Pilot, who took charge of organising the spectacular bouts, explained that XTreme Cambodia Kun Khmer Fight of the Year is a major annual event.
It will bring together some of the toughest fighters in the sport, with matches including three belt defense bouts, one belt challenge and three international friendlies. In total fight fans will enjoy seven match-ups.
“All seven of these matches are special, but we are focusing heavily on the four athletes who will defend and challenge for belts. These bouts will be especially tense and thrilling, because the fighters involved are experienced with strong records and skills,” Pilot told The Post.
Pich Sambath and Australian Josh Mcculloch are all smiles the day before their 60kg title fight. Heng Meas
Songkherm, a two-time SEA Games gold medallist, will defend his XTreme Gold 59kg title for the second time, against Russian fighter Aslanbek Zikreev, who has an impressive international competition background, having previously won four world champion titles.
Zikreev recently fought Thailand's Yothin — a former opponent of Songkherm — on February 15. Aslanbek won by decision after knocking Yothin down three times. The upcoming title defense could be challenging.
Songkherm is determined to beat the Russian fighter, as he seeks redemption for his loss to Yothin. The February 2024 fight was stopped after Songkherm suffered a serious cut to his head.
At the same time, Sambath will defend his XTreme Super Gold 60kg title against Australian Josh Mcculloch, a two-time WBC world champion.
Sambath’s prodigy Sokhim, will fight for the XTreme Gold 57kg title in a challenge match against local fighter Han Pi. Sokhim recently claimed gold at the XTreme Cambodia Kun Khmer marathon competition.
Local hero Bird Songkherm shows his 59kg belt ahead of his bout with Russian Aslanbek Zikreev. Heng Meas
Another rising star, Singhak, will also compete in a title challenge for the XTreme Super Gold 51kg belt, against Afghan fighter Penkak Mohammad, in what is widely being considered a revenge match, as Singhak previously lost to Mohammad.
Despite the past loss, his coach, Pich Sophan expressed confidence.
“Even though he lost to Mohammad before – and Mohammad is a strong and skilled fighter – I believe Singhak will surprise everyone in this upcoming match. This bout could end in dramatic fashion, as both fighters are known for their tough, aggressive fighting styles,” he said.
Additionally, three of Sophan’s other trainees – Pich Bunsith, Pich Kakada and Pich Kangchak – will take part in international friendlies against fighters from Malaysia, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
Pilot shared that the four title fights will share a total purse of 60 million riel ($15,000), not including the fighters' fees and other expenses.
Despite the high costs, he explained that the main goal of the event is to elevate Cambodian Kun Khmer to the world stage.
By inviting foreign fighters who have won WBC titles and have experience fighting in major international tournaments, the organisers hope to draw more attention to Cambodian martial arts and make the “XTreme Cambodia Kun Khmer” platform more famous.
