Photo by: ROBERT STARKWEATHER

Outh Phouthong looks fatigued between the 3rd and 4th rounds at TV5 Sunday.

Kickboxing fans at TV5 arena Sunday saw an under-powered Outh

Phouthong's opening-round arrogance transform to puzzled dismay then to

near-desperation, as his opponent Sen Bunthen gathered composure and

confidence with every round in their 69kg-sanctioned bout. The

initially disdaining Outh Phouthong began showing signs of tiredness by

the third, and by the fifth his lacklustre spinning elbows were failing

to shore up an ineffective rearguard action. Sen Bunthen's defences

were proving too well encrypted, and his body kicks and efficient

closing action in the clinch saw the veteran Phouthong left with few

ideas by the final bell with judges awarding the bout to Sen Bunthen on

points. On the same bill, Um Dara, stand-in for the sick Nuon Soriya,

triumphed over May Sopheap on points.