The stoppage defeat to Azerbaijan’s Ruslan Nagiyev at the Town Arena on September 26 remains the most painful loss in Thoeun Theara’s career. Ahead of Sunday’s fight against Moroccan boxer Yassine this Sunday afternoon, Theara explained that he is determined to give everything he has — and will not allow a repeat of that defeat.
Recalling the abrupt end to his match with Nagiyev on September 26, Theara remained frustrated, saying the bout was over too quickly before he could show his full potential. He was hit with a left punch to his right eye by the Azerbaijani fighter, causing a severe injury that forced the referee to stop the fight in the first round.
Theara notes that the gash is now fully healed, and he is prepared for the upcoming international friendly at the Town Arena this Sunday afternoon. He insists that there will not be repeat.
“In my previous fight, I didn’t get to show my full ability because it ended too fast. This time, I will give everything, so the fans will be satisfied,” he told the media.
Even so, he is not underestimating Moroccan fighter Yassine. His tall opponent previously defeated Samoeun Sopha with a second round knockout and also defeated powerhouse Lao Chetra on points.
“My opponent has fought twice in Cambodia and won both times, so I think this fight will be tense. We have never faced each other before, so we don’t yet know what his style is like — we’ve only seen him in other matches,” said Theara.
“I watched his fight with Chetra and saw that he is almost at the same level. This fight could help strengthen my ability and warm up my muscles as preparation for the big tournament during the Water Festival,” he added.
During the upcoming Water Festival, Theara is scheduled to compete in an 8-man marathon tournament, against fighters from seven other countries, on November 6. Should he claim victory, he will earn an extremely valuable gold prize from the sponsor.
This Sunday’s bouts will see three other Cambodian fighters take on Moroccan opponents. SEA Games 2023 gold medallist Chhut Serey Vannthong will meet Lahsen in the 60kg category, while Rith Vibal will face Amine at 54kg.
Sen Chanrithysak will fight El Kloufi at 60kg. In addition, Kun Khmer exponent Bunthong will face Myanmar’s Gaw Paka at 51kg, and there will be two more friendly matchups between Cambodian fighters.
