PHNOM PENH: SEA Games gold medallist Lorn Panha has become the first Cambodian fighter to win on the prestigious Japanese K-1 stage, defeating local fighter Kazuki Matsumoto on points in the opening 16-man round of a K-1 title tournament today, September 12.
Panha absorbed multiple heavy punches from Matsumoto early in the fight but drew on his kickboxing experience to fight back with a series of precise punches, kicks and knees.
He improved as the fight moved into the second round, finding more opportunities to clinch Matsumoto and landing effective low kicks and knees that made life difficult for the Japanese fighter.
Panha was penalised and had a point deducted after clinching Matsumoto and delivering knees, which are not permitted under the fight’s kickboxing rules.
The Cambodian recovered in the final round, however, throwing a series of combinations, which wore down Matsumoto.
He was ultimately awarded a points victory, sending him through to the quarter-finals of the K-1 title tournament and giving Cambodia its first win on the renowned Japanese promotion’s stage.
Khov Chhay, president of the Cambodian Kun Khmer Federation, who witnessed the fight, described the victory as a historic achievement for Cambodian combat sports.
“The K-1 Japan world-class ring will remember the name Lorn Panha as the first Cambodian fighter to win on this famous stage in Japan,” he posted.
Chhay said the victory was not only a source of pride for Panha but also for Cambodians and the Kun Khmer community as a whole, describing it as an important step in showcasing the ability, reputation and potential of Cambodian fighters internationally.
“This historic success will open the door for more Cambodian fighters to showcase their abilities and win honour for the nation on the world-class K-1 stage in the future. Congratulations, Lon Panha! Cambodia is proud of you!” he said.
However, the night produced a different result for fellow Cambodian Thoeun Menghong, who made his K-1 title debut against Japanese K-1 champion Tomoya Yokoyama.
Menghong was knocked out in the second round after the referee counted him out twice. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
