Image courtesy of Robert Starkweather

Khmer Boxing

Khmer Boxing has made its appearance in our listings! Its Khmer name is Pradal Serey, which means free fighting, so it's not for the faint of heart.

We won't jump into the debate about the origins of this martial art, but just in case you wonder it is very similar to its better known sibling Muay Thai, or Thai Kickboxing... though subtly different. In 1995 Cambodia attempted to unite South-East Asia boxing styles, but Thailand declined.

On this photo, Chim Sarath (red) and Rith Arun (blue) trade punches during their May 31 fight at the TV5 boxing arena, which Rith Arun won by decision. The two 57-kilogram fighters meet again Saturday afternoon at CTN.