(PHOTO: Virginie Noel)

The second season of Kun Khmer Champion officially began Thursday with a press conference at CTN.

Trainers this season are Meas Sokry, far left, and Sok Vichay, far right. Paddy Carson is again the technical director for the show. The first fight is tentatively scheduled for the last Sunday in March. The fighters are:

1. Phum Pha, Kampong Thom
2. Chin Virakpheap, Takeo
3. Long Sophan, Kandal
4. Sam Ournlourng, Pry Veng
5. Serey Pich, Kratie
6. Puy Nean, Siem Reap
7. Heam Samnang, Siem Reap
8. Sok Ratha, Kampot
9. Tim Sokchan, Battambang
10. Phan Sothy, Battambang
11. Keo Savy, Kampong Speu
12. Chhorn Vichean, Banteay Meanchay

A majority of these guys have never fought. Sam Ournlong leads with 11 fights (10-1). Ma Serey, the show’s producer, seated farleft, said for this season they really wanted unknow fighters. This group is stronger than the group from the first season, says Carson.