Two-time SEA Games gold medallist Bird Songkherm was defeated by Russian boxer Aslanbek Zikreev on March 15. Heng Meas
The shock loss by Cambodian fighter Bird Songkherm in his 59kg title defence at the “XTreme Cambodia Kun Khmer Fight of the Year” remains a hot topic. Some fans have claimed that the loss has tarnished the international reputation of Kun Khmer, while foreign fight promoters argue that the event elevated the sport.
Songkherm was the only Cambodian fighters to lose in the three title bouts that took place at the March 15 event, when he was knocked out in the third round by Russian Aslanbek Zikreev.
Pich Sambath won the WBC belt by defeating Australian Josh McCulloch on points, while in the 57kg division, Han Pi successfully defended his title, with a points victory over Pich Sokhim.
Cambodian fighter Pich Singhak lost to Afghan fighter Penkak Mohammad, again on points.
Despite the excitement of each of the bouts, the audience’s focus was largely on the shocking defeat of Songkherm.
The loss marked his most painful since he was beaten in a WBC title defence in Australia by Thai fighter Yothin in February, 2024.
The Russian’s victory sparked fears that the Kun Khmer loss could ‘tarnish’ the sport. Heng Meas
Interestingly, Yothin defeated Zikreev on points just a month ago.
Songkherm shared his thoughts.
“I've lost many times before, this is not the first time for me. I will keep moving forward because there are many people who laugh when I fall. Thank you for the support and love from everyone,” he said.
Kry Pilot, president of the Gold Lion Boxing Arena and organiser of the event, reflected on the result.
“For me, Songkherm is one of the great Khmer fighters, with incredible technique. In sports, there are always wins and losses. Don’t give up. Use the experience of today’s defeat as a lesson for tomorrow,” he said.
Songkherm’s coach also offered encouragement to the veteran fighter.
“If you walk through the rain, it’s normal to get wet! Keep fighting. You’ve won many times before, and losing once is not a big deal. Take a rest and them keep pushing forward,” he said.
Some supporters expressed frustration and criticised the foreign promoters and fighters, accusing them of intentionally trying to weaken or harm Kun Khmer by bringing in strong foreign fighters to challenge Cambodian champions.
Coach Seanghai, who lives in France and was responsible for bringing the Russian and Australian fighters to compete with Songkherm and Sambath, responded to these criticisms by explaining that bringing in top foreign fighters was done to strengthen and promote true Khmer boxing.
He emphasised that the goal was never to undermine Khmer boxing, as some critics suggested.
“By bringing in top international fighters to compete in Cambodia, we gain a lot. If we win, it's a huge victory for us. If we lose, we give them the title, but when they win, they will certainly showcase the victory, and that will help promote Khmer boxing and our event internationally,” he explained in a video.
“The victory of Sambath over the number one Australian fighter McCulloch has brought huge attention to Khmer boxing in Australia. As a promoter, I want to achieve the best outcomes for Khmer boxing and for our events. Foreign fighters don’t always win against Khmer fighters. It’s a normal part of the sport,” he added.
Former champion Kun Khmer athlete Nuon Sorya, who now lives abroad, also expressed his support for the event’s setup, praising the Gold Lion Boxing Arena and president Pilot, for organizing a high-level event with excellent matchmaking.
“The matches in this event were really well-matched in terms of capability. It’s not easy to organise such good matchups. I was very excited watching the event and I truly commend Kry Pilot for the great setup,” he said, via social media.
