The three boxers who will represent Cambodia at the Asian U22 Youth Championships in Sri Lanka. - CBF
BANGKOK: The Cambodian Boxing Federation (CBF) has dispatched three boxers and one coach to the Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships 2025 in Sri Lanka. The team has expressed strong confidence in their ability to bring home medals for the kingdom.
Coach Chey Nara, head of the national boxing team, said it's not yet confirmed whether the 2025 championships — scheduled from May 10 to 24 in Sri Lanka — will include athletes from 37 countries, as it did in Thailand, or potentially even more. In addition, he could not yet assess the technical level and strengths of the athletes from other countries.
Nonetheless, Coach Nara expressed high confidence in the three boxers who have been selected: Nea Sovann, Ron Vireak and Long Novell.
He believed that all three possess strong technical skills and have a real chance of winning medals at this international event.
“The boxers we’ve selected to compete this time are already 90% at a high technical level. They’ve shown great commitment in training. That’s why I’m 60% confident that we’ll come back with medals from this trip,” he said.
Sovann will compete in the 48kg weight class, while Vireak will contest the 60kg category, with Novell in the 51kg division. Coach Nara believed each has a chance to medal at the event.
“All three of these boxers are equal in technical ability, so we’re placing around 60% of our hopes on bringing home medals,” he said.
In spite of his confidence, both Novell and Vireak have expressed some concerns about the competition, as it will be their first time competing abroad. They are concerned about facing international athletes who may be taller and physically stronger.
Still, both are determined to do their best to win medals for Cambodia.
“I’m a bit worried because we may be at a height disadvantage, but I’m also excited about my first time competing internationally. I’ll do my best and hope to win a medal for my country,” said Vireak.
Meanwhile, Sovann, who has already fought six professional bouts in Japan, is also somewhat concerned about the strength of international opponents. However, he has used the experience he gained in Japan to improve his own performance — especially in striking and footwork.
“I’ve had three professional boxing matches here in Cambodia, and I’ve faced plenty of taller opponents. Still, I managed to win gold. For this competition in Sri Lanka, it’s possible I’ll be overpowered because I had to cut weight from 51kg to compete at 48kg. But no matter the result, I’ll give it my all. I believe in myself and that I can perform well,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
