Um Dara, a professional boxer from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces boxing club, died Sunday night from injuries sustained in a traffic accident near the Kbar Khnol traffic circle in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district.

Chhit Sarim, who trained the 23-year-old, said Um Dara was killed when the motorbike he was driving was hit by a Hyundai at around midnight.

“I was informed around midnight that he was killed in a traffic accident while he was driving a motorbike past the sky bridge,” Chhit Sarim said.

“A Hyundai car accidentally crashed into him and his motorbike went underneath the car.”

The driver apparently fled from the scene after the incident, while his car and Um Dara’s motorbike were taken to the municipal traffic police station for further investigation.

“His death is terribly regretful as he was committed to his boxing career, yet very gentle,” Chhit Sarim said.

Um Dara lost his last fight at TV3 boxing arena against Irishman Josh Palmer on September 25. His record stands at 49 wins, five losses and one draw, with 18 victories by knockout.