Fighting at 57 kilograms Phal Seyha from Angkor Youth Boxing Club lost on points to Som Chanta from Saravan Sports on Saturday December 29 at CTN boxing stadium.

Working from the red corner, Seyha led the early rounds by pressing the action, using front kicks and his height to keep a much shorter opponent on the outside. Chanta, known for his heavy hands and overall quickness, got inside on occasion, landing a couple of solid shots.

Seyah continued to press the action through the second and third, landing a few good elbows and several low kicks. Chanta landed an elbow or two in return, but overall seemed content to stay defensive and pick his shots. Despite the lackluster offense, Chanta used his speed well defensively and avoided taking much punishment.

Seyha opened in the fourth by firing off a series of combinations, scoring well with the low kicks. In the clinch the fighters looked even, each side taking and giving a succession of knees. Chanta started to come to life, dropping his hands and smiling cockily in trademark style.

The playing waned in the fifth as both fighters worked to persuade the judges. Neither fighter gained much advantage in the first minute, but in the second two Chanta’s low kicks started finding their target.