Khmer boxing is the Cambodia’s traditional national sport. It is an unarmed martial art and combat sport practiced by young and athletic people. Khmer boxing also known as Pradal Serey which means “free fighting” or “free boxing”.

Boxers wear leather gloves and nylon shorts. Rules prohibit biting, blows to the back and the genitals, holding onto ropes and striking the opponent while on the ground. Victory is obtained by knockout. A match consists of five three-minute rounds with a one-and-a-half or two minute break between each round.

Many of the boxers in matches are young adults trying to provide for their family. It is also preferred by trainers because of the physical conditioning that they have to endure to keep them in shape. Their training lasts from 6-8 hours a day every day to prepare for a fight.

Khmer boxing has four types of attacking moves – punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes. While it is often characterized as a kick-boxing martial art, actually more victories in this sport come from elbow strikes.

Martials arts have certainly been part of Khmer culture for centuries. Khmer boxing is hugely popular in Cambodia and many fights take place across the country every week. Multiple 토토 tournaments are screened every week across a variety of TV channels. Read more...