Spanish fighter Van Mario swings a kick at Cambodia’s Van Chanvey during their TV5 international fight at the indoor hall of Old Stadium on Saturday. Van Mario won the bout by a points decision. Photo by: Yeun Ponlok

Cambodian boxers found the going tough at the indoor hall of Old Stadium on Saturday in an international fight card organised by TV5. Only one of the four local fighters managed success against the visiting contingent, in stark contrast to the domination by home grown brawlers witnessed in the same hall last Thursday.  

Preah Khan Reach Club’s Van Chanvey was first to fall, losing to Spanish boxer Van Mario on points. The Spaniard commanded the first four rounds with ferocious fists and knees, while Chanvey only started to show his potential in the final round. Touch Reachsey from Orphan Club then suffered a first round knock out to Australia’s Sam Edney.

No3 Brigade Club fighter Vong Noy, who is well known for his merciless use of knees and elbows, was stopped by Japanese boxer Nakamuru in the fourth round. Pich Seyha from Association of National Defence Ministry Boxing Club scored the only home victory of the day by means of a simplistic first round knockout of Frenchman Mourad, using his knee to great effect.

In an all-Cambodian match-up, Vong Sithay from No70 Armed Force Boxing Club and Sar Sey from National Defence Ministry Boxing Club slugged out a draw.