Young boxer Sot Sokhim is reinforcing the reputation of his family, using his exceptional skills to defeat such formidable opponents as Khem Chan and Norng Sao on the way to clinching the trophy and the 2 million riel ($500) prize at a recent Kun Khmer marathon event.
In an intense three-round kickboxing match in the 57kg category, the 18-year-old triumphed over Sao in the qualifiers, before going on to defeat Chan – a former SEA Games bronze medallist – to take the championship title.
Sokhim’s success at the Krud Kun Khmer Marathon event – held at the Television of Cambodia (TVK) arena on September 24 – surprised many. Few believed he could beat Sao, and no one thought he could overcome Chan, who had defeated Eh Naroth in the qualifiers.
However, Sokhim’s achievement has solidified his reputation as a formidable boxer.
Mol Ny, the head of match arrangements at the TVK boxing ring, was so impressed that he offered Sokhim a unique opportunity to further boost his popularity.
“Nearly 70 per cent of the spectators made incorrect predictions. Some believed Sao or Chan would emerge victorious, while others favoured Naroth. But it was Sokhim who ultimately claimed the championship title.
“Observing his impressive abilities, I believe he is deserving of the opportunity to contend for the belt. In fact, our ring is also planning to introduce a 57kg belt tournament,” Ny said.
However, in the process of arranging a belt competition for Sokhim, Ny intends to structure it as a marathon match.
Additionally, he hopes to include four Cambodian boxers in the event, offering opportunities for local athletes to compete and potentially improve their skills and financial prospects, while avoiding the allocation of prize money to foreign participants.
“Sokhim’s skills merit the chance to contend for the belt title. We’re considering a match with additional Cambodian boxers to offer more opportunities to our local talents.
“However, if we can’t secure four Cambodian boxers, we may include two foreign boxers, allowing them to compete for the belt alongside Sokhim and another local boxer,” Ny said.
Sokhim said his skills have markedly improved through consecutive matches, and he aims to compete in prominent international events, driven by the need to provide for his family, especially his mother, following the passing of his father and coach, Soun Bunsot, from diabetes in December 2022.
His mother expressed her wish to see her children – Sot Bunthy, Sot Veasna, Sot Kevin and Sot Sokhim – take to the ring more frequently.
“When my husband was alive, he used to arrange regular matches for our children. But since his passing, there have been fewer opportunities for my children to compete, which has posed challenges for our family as we depend on their earnings for our living.
“However, I have now noticed that my children have been able to participate in occasional matches, providing me with some income to support not only them, but also their spouses. Among them, I have high hopes for Sokhim, given his exceptional abilities.
“I also fully appreciate his dedication and hard work, as he has been diligent in his training for competitions ever since his father’s passing,” she said.
Ny expressed his eagerness to support the family in arranging their upcoming boxing matches.
“In light of this, we will provide the family with more frequent opportunities to compete.
“Kevin has an upcoming international competition scheduled at the TVK ring in October.
“As for Sokhim, we will arrange for him to take part in matches held in various provinces within our ring,” he said.
