Most audiences support Kun Khmer, but the Khmer boxing federation has warned of legal action against ‘malicious critics’ who insult the fighters and their families. Krud Kun Khmer
Khov Chhay, president of the Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF), has warned that the federation is preparing to establish an in-house legal team to pursue action against a number of malicious critics who insult fighters and even their families – actions which he described as impacting the dignity of Cambodian society and even discouraging some fighters to the point that they quit their careers.
In an exclusive interview with former top fighter Nuon Sorya in the US on Monday evening, Chhay expressed his feelings, admitting that he is angry with fans who regularly post critical comments using harsh and insulting words toward the fighters. He revealed that he himself has also been subjected to similar verbal abuse.
Chhay labeled these insulting critics “malicious individuals” and said it is necessary to form a legal team to take lawful measures against them, because if this continues, it will increasingly damage the dignity of national society and deeply dishearten some athletes to the point of abandoning their careers, being unable to endure the immoral insults any longer.
“In the past, I didn’t really care much about people insulting fighters — because even I was heavily insulted. But sometimes it goes too far, so now we must eliminate this issue,” he said.
“Ask yourself, what good does it do for Kun Khmer when people insult someone's parents, or comment on their age or their life choices? The federation will form a dedicated legal team. If someone goes too far, we’ll file a lawsuit right away,” he warned.
Some fans are loyal and support the international growth of the Kingdom’s traditional martial art, while others go too far with their comments. Krud Kun Khmer
Chhay acknowledged that many spectators have supported and encouraged Kun Khmer fighters, and some have even provided financial support.
While some critics have offered constructive criticism that has helped Kun Khmer progress, others have blindly hurled insults, clearly not understanding the nature of the matches. He explained that these malicious individuals are the ones the federation must now deal with through legal channels.
“If we don’t do anything, that’s not acceptable. What we’re doing is protecting the interests of our fighters, because some of them are mentally vulnerable. When they face serious insults, they may stop, causing us to lose capable and talented resources because of a few malicious people,” he noted.
“We have to make an example of some of these people. If they face penalties, maybe next time they’ll think twice before insulting someone's parents. For those who have gone too far with their verbal abuse, we will prepare case files and act according to the law. We have to be tough, because if we’re too soft, they’ll look down on us and continue trampling over us,” he added.
The issue of “verbal abuse” is indeed present in Cambodia’s sports sector — especially in Kun Khmer boxing, which is currently the most popular sport in the Kingdom and features weekly tournaments.
Unfortunately, some fans let their emotions get the better of them, only accepting victory, but when there’s a loss, they immediately launch insults at the fighters. There are also many abusive comments during live broadcasts, with no regard for dignity at all.
A delegation, led by Khov Chhay, president of the Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF), is currently on tour in the US to promote the sport. Krud Kun Khmer
Top Cambodian fighters such as Thoeun Theara, Chhoeng Lvy, Lao Chantrea, Bird Songkerm, Chhut Serey Vannthong and Thun Rithy, among others, have all been insulted after losses or mistakes.
Most recently, fighters Chamroeun Kunkhmer and San Kunkhmer faced intense verbal criticism after losing by points and by knockout, respectively, in the first round of a March tournament, held in Australia.
On the topic of verbal abuse, Tommy Kim, advisor to Town TV and head of IPCC Cambodia, who regularly organises major international events both locally and abroad, has appealed to fans to stop demeaning Cambodian and foreign fighters.
He explained that it harms the efforts of all parties involved in promoting Kun Khmer on the international stage.
