Local kickboxing superstar Keo Roomchang will turn down various lucrative offers, including a luxury car and villa, from Thailand-based fight promoters to change his nationality, his father told the Post yesterday.

Keo Sam Ang, who is both father and coach of the 23-year-old Battambang champion boxer, recognised the “big deals” being offered to his son but noted the importance of Roomchang representing his homeland in local and international bouts.

“Thai boxing offers higher payment to our fighters than Cambodia, but we’re the founder [of the sport], not the copier,” said Keo Sam Ang.

Keo Roomchang will be flying to Thailand in August to compete in a boxing tournament which carries a top prize of 25 million baht (US$777,100).