PHNOM PENH (ANN/THE PHNOM PENH POST) – In a groundbreaking achievement for Cambodian Kun Khmer, Chhoeung Lvay etched his name in history by securing the coveted World Super-4 title at the esteemed I-1 World Championships, held in Hong Kong on March 12.
Displaying remarkable prowess, Lvay dispatched his Thai adversary Fahsang in under a minute during the preliminary bout, setting the stage for a triumphant journey.
With an unwavering determination, Lvay clinched the 72kg championship, outscoring German contender Elysee Kochiese in a resounding unanimous points victory in the final showdown.
Despite the formidable challenge posed by Kochiese, who advanced past Libyan boxer Lamin Souayah in his preliminary round, Lvay’s stellar performance left no room for doubt. Reflecting on his momentous win, Lvay expressed profound joy, revealing that capturing the prestigious I-1 title had long been a cherished aspiration.
He was pleased to share that he had not only received congratulations from Cambodian fight fans, but also from the director of the I-1 institution in Hong Kong.
In a live video that followed his bouts, Lvay said: “When I first started competing, I used to dream that one day I would see the Cambodian flag raised in victory. Tonight, I have made it!”
“I will make more efforts to fly the Kingdom’s flag and represent Kun Khmer on the international stage. I hope that other Cambodian fighters will follow my example and win more overseas titles,” he added.
Lvay revealed that he has received about KHR34 million (about USD8,500) in personal sponsorship from Cambodia’s leaders and boxing lovers, reflecting the impact his victory has had on the world of combat sports, and the way he has raised the profile of the Kingdom’s ancestral martial art Kun Khmer.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Hun Manet offered his personal congratulations to Lvay for his incredible victory.
Promoter and matchmaker Sreu Sreng, better known as “Samnob”, accompanied Lvay to the Hong Kong event.
Samnob said the victory was the realisation of his dreams of becoming a successful Kun Khmer promoter, and was the culmination of his earlier career as an analyst and ring announcer.
“I am incredibly thrilled by Lvay’s win. His victory fulfils my long-held dream of leading a Kun Khmer fighter to a world title. I intend to continue to promote our boxers abroad. I believe his title will serve as a bridge for other Khmer to claim world-class belts – I know they are capable enough to do it,” he added.
Samnob explained however, some fans still found it difficult to accept that Lvay’s belt bears the words “Muay Thai”. This means the event was sanctioned by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, which is highly controversial within Kun Khmer circles.
“Several of the matches organised by Khmer nationals in other places follow the rules of Muay Thai because it is a larger federation. Please don’t consider this to be a problem – we were formally invited to take part in this event,” he continued.
He was of the view that Cambodia needs to send more of its boxers to compete abroad, while establishing as many overseas Kun Khmer federations as possible, in order to promote the sport more widely.
Samnob is currently working with the Kun Khmer International Fight Gym (KKIF) to plan more events around the world.
“We are currently developing Kun Khmer programmes in several ASEAN countries: Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. These are our first target locations, because they gave the Kingdom their full support when we introduced Kun Khmer at the 2023 SEA Games,” he said.
“To express our gratitude, we intend to expand the sport’s reach in these countries before we begin hosting events on other continents,” he added.
