On the night of 28 Aug 08 a fight night billed as kickboxing coming home exceeded the wildest of expectations as two Cambodian kickboxers landed the first-ever world titles for Cambodia!

Thailand is often considered as the home of kickboxing, however from carvings on the mighty Angkor temples it can be seen that kickboxing was alive and, well ‘kicking’, before the Siam (former name of Thailand) dynasty came to power.

Both Cambodia fighters were regarded as underdogs as they fought international opposition. However, Meas (The Dragon) Chantha (67kg category) cruised to victory over British fighter Frankie Hudders, while Battambang’s Vorn Viva (75kg category) had a tougher time of it, before eventually coming out on top against his German opponent, Alban Ahmedi.

Although their future earnings potentials are unknown, some decent paydays could await Meas Chantha and Vorn Viva as reward for taking the world titles.

Edited from: The Cambodia Daily (29-8-08)