Srey Chanthorn, president of the Kun Khmer International Fight (KKIF) club, has clarified that he has secured a major milestone by securing recognition for the term Kun Khmer – along with the Cambodian national flag and Angkor Wat – on a ceremonial belt issued by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

“It is our duty as promoters of this great boxing event that will take place in Cambodia on April 14 to make it clear that the WBC belt with the script 'Kun Khmer' is a gesture and a gift from the President of WBC for this event,” he explained, via an April 2 social media post.

It will be displayed alongside the WBC International Championship belt, which will be contested by Marlon Tapales and Joey Canoy on the 14th.

The first of its kind, a one-off WBC ceremonial Kun Khmer belt features the colours of the Cambodian flag, and an image of Angkor Wat, in recognition of the Kingdom being the spiritual home of Kun Khmer.

The belt arrived in the Kingdom on March 31 and received a parade from Phnom Penh International Airport to the KKIF club in the capital’s Chroy Changvar district.

The occasion was a moment of great pride for Kun Khmer, as WBC belts are globally prestigious and have been held by many world-class fighters.

“The WBC supports the boxing event taking place in Cambodia as a first step, with the strong possibility of future collaboration,” added Chanthorn.

This milestone represents the first use of the term Kun Khmer by the WBC, and opens the door for Cambodia to further promote the sport to the world.