I missed the last day of the finals in order to head to Maung, Battambang province, to see some boxing at the village level. Ot Phoutang, Chey Kosal, Kao Bunheng and Pich Sophan, among others, went to put on a show for the local crowds. It was, to say the least, an absolutely amazing experience. More photos in the gallery.

The fights were promoted by an Australian-Khmer at the local wat, Wat Paw, if I remember correctly. The Phnom Penh group include Eh Phoutang, Pich Seyha, Po Vansak and referees Trueng Sossay, Chhit Sarim, Sok Vichey and Chuon Samnang. They came with good gloves, proper shorts from CTN and a band.

For absolutely breath-taking photography of Cambodian village-level boxing, see ko-knea’s flickr set.