“Most of the fighters can last through five rounds,” said Om Yourann, first vice president of the Cambodian Amateur Boxing Federation. “That shows they are well-trained.”
And there are more fighters competing than ever, he said, with most coming to Phnom Penh from the northwest, particularly Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces.
Two-hundred thirty-one traditional Khmer kickboxers and 79 Western-style boxers have turned out this week from clubs in the capital and eight provinces to battle for spots on the national team.
Sizable crowds have been packing TV5’s Borei Keila arena, in Phnom Penh’s Prampi Makara district, since Monday to watch the fights. The bleachers on Wednesday proffered a few vacant spots, but every seat in the concrete pit surrounding the arena was taken, while spectators stood unsteadily on their chairs to see over the throng.
Many fans confessed to having been at the fights all day. Despite its size, the crowd was quiet; eager eyes focused on the ring, where fighters battled with a tireless brutality.
Most fights end quickly, as vicious elbows and kicks send fighter after fighter crashing to the canvas. By Thursday morning, one boxer had his nose broken. Fifteen others had their faces cut by elbows—five of them so severely that the fights had to be stopped, said ringside doctor Chhoeung Yavyen. More were helped from the ring dazed, or unconscious.
If the boxers fight like medieval warriors, it’s because the stakes are so high. Of 310 fighters, about 50 will make the team at the end of the week’s single-elimination tournament. The money is modest, but the prestige is great.
The fights have been far from predictable. Chhuok Chan Sopheak of the Interior Ministry’s club, was a first-class fighter last year in the lightest of eight weight classes. But he was taken down Tuesday by a less-experienced boxer from Kompong Speu province.
Om Yourann said the veteran hadn’t been trying very hard. But maybe the new guy just wanted his chance in the ring, under the steely eye of the camera and the rapt gaze of the fans.
The fights will continue today and Saturday.
Betting is huge
