Despite public criticism that his skills were not yet at the level needed to compete abroad, Cambodian fighter Soth Kevin has silenced his naysayers. By defeating highly rated Thai boxer Johnny on points in Hong Kong, he seized the I-1 Supreme Champion belt in the 65kg division in thrilling fashion.
After being announced the unanimous winner, Kevin shouted excitedly into the camera: “I’ve won, brothers and sisters!”
The words carried deep meaning for Kevin, as before the fight he had faced intense scepticism from fans at home.
Some critics had mocked him, saying he would not escape a knockout. Others accused those who sent him to fight for the belt of risking Cambodia’s reputation, since they believed Kevin’s abilities were still far below Johnny’s.
But in the ring, Kevin performed superbly, winning all three rounds convincingly.
In round one, he dominated with kicks and elbow strikes, while in the second round he rocked his opponent with more than 20 clean knees, leaving the Thai weakened and repeatedly stumbling, though not to the point of a count.
Round three saw him keep up the pressure with heavy elbows and clinch-knees, forcing Johnny to fight just to stay upright and avoid being knocked out. A sharp right leg kick to the ribs also left Johnny gasping before the judges awarded Kevin a clear points victory.
Sreu Sreng, known as Samnob, who managed Kevin for this fight, insisted he had always believed Kevin could win.
“Johnny is not such a great fighter. In Hong Kong he picked up three or four belts, but he hadn’t faced serious opponents. Kevin has skill, determination and a strategy to finish fights. That’s why I trusted he would win,” he said.
He added that Kevin’s victory had profound meaning for Cambodian fans and citizens.
“In truth, I don’t want to mix sport with politics. But as a Khmer, who loves the nation, religion, King and our land — while we are facing border tensions with Siam—when we beat a Siamese fighter, it gives us greater joy than defeating fighters of any other nationality,” he noted.
Samnob revealed the fight was a turning point for him personally.
“For me, this victory is the most emotional of my career. If Kevin had lost last night, I was prepared to step back from promoting for a while to reflect on my mistakes,” he confessed.
“But now, I’m encouraged to keep going, because I see I was right to bring Kevin against Johnny — and to win,” he added.
He dedicated the victory to the Cambodian soldiers serving along the frontier:
“I send Kevin’s victory over the Siamese fighter to our heroic troops and forces, especially those on the frontlines defending our sovereignty against invaders. May they enjoy good health, safety and success in all their missions,” he said.
