Prom Samnang (Khmer: ព្រំ សំណាង; born September 9, 1987) is a Cambodian Kun Khmer fighter.[1] He is widely considered the most successful Kun Khmer fighters in history.[2] In 2023, Samnang won the Thai Fight Kard Chuek championship title in Thailand,[3] won the gold medal for his country at the SEA Games in the Khun Khmer Men's 81kg division[4] and faced Dave Leduc in the biggest fight in Cambodia's history watched live by over 15 million people.[5]
Samnang is known by sports fans by nickname Cheang Kat Sok Day Ek meaning "The Barber" because, in addition to competing in the ring, also works as a barber at a popular barbershop in Phnom Penh.[6] In 2023, Prom Samnang signed onto a two-year contract as a singer with Bong Plerng Media.[7]
On April 15, 2023, Samnang faced Thai martial arts superstar Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee under Kun Khmer rules in Cambodia and won by unanimous decision.[8] The match took place in Siem Reap in front of the Sokha Hotel as Cambodians celebrated the second night of the traditional New Year.[9]
On July 16, 2003, Prom Samnang defeated Belarusian fighter, Nikita (Нитита), at the 77 kg weight class to win the Techo Santepheap Kun Khmer World Championship belt.[10] 500,000 viewers watched the live stream of the event. Prom Samnang made Kampuchea Thmey Daily's top 10 list of Khmer boxers who had the best first half of 2023.[11] On December 23, 2023, Samnang won over American fighter Harry Lopez via TKO in the third round.[12]
On February 5, 2023, Samnang faced former International Boxing Federation (IBF) Muay Thai champion and Max Muay Thai champion, Thomas Carpenter from England. Samnang won by TKO and was awarded the Thai Fight Kard Chuek championship title.[3][13][14]
21 days later, on February 26 of the same year, Prom Samnang defeated Russian kickboxer Firdavszhon Naiimov (Фирдавсжон Наиймов) on the Thai Fight stage in a first-round knockout in under two minutes.[15][16]
In 2021, Samnang competed in the SEA Games in Vietnam where he won bronze medal. After returning from Vietnam, Samnang has remained undefeated with many knock outs.[17]
Two years later, in 2023, Southeast Asian Games were held in Cambodia. For the selection of the National Kun Khmer team in the 81 kg weight category, the Cambodian sports federation had the choice of between Keo Rumchong or Prom Samnang and ultimately selected Samnang.[18] Samnang was the flag bearer for Cambodia at the opening ceremony[19] He won the gold medal by defeating Tun Tun Min from Myanmar in the Men's Khun Khmer 81kg weight class.[20] For winning the gold medal, Samnang was awarded a house by the sports energy drink company Boostrong.[21]
In 2023, the World Lethwei Federation agreed for Samnang to challenge Dave Leduc for the openweight Lethwei World Championship because of his winning streak in Kun Khmer.[22] The match was scheduled to take place on May 27, 2023, in Banská Bystrica,[23][24] but was cancelled because Samnang was denied a Schengen visa to enter Slovakia. "I still do not know when this match will take place, and I do not yet know if it will be fought under the rules or Lethwei or Kun Khmer. My preparation will be very different depending on the rules - Lethwei is fought with bare knuckles and the use of headbutts is allowed." Samnang said.[25]
On November 3, 2023, two days prior to the fight, Samnang and Leduc were invited to the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh to meet with His Excellency Prime Minister of Cambodia Dr. Hun Manet. Manet said that the match between the two men will reflect mutual respect and contribute to strengthen the ties of friendship between Cambodia and Myanmar. The match will also raise awareness about Kun Khmer around the world the Cambodian Premier added. The match represented the meeting two of different cultures and martial arts tradition.[26][27]
The Kun Khmer Federation (KKF) hired 10 assistant coaches to help Samnang in his preparation against Leduc.[28] The match was referred as historic by The Phnom Penh Post as well as the most anticipated fight of the year.[29]
On November 5, 2023, Samnang faced Leduc under Kun Khmer rules (1 round of 9 minutes) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.[30][31] Leduc landed a powerful right hand punch flooring Samnnang in the first minutes of the match.[5] After nine minutes without a knockout, per MAS Fight rules, the fight was automatically declared a draw.[6] The event was watched live by over 15 million people.[5]
On June 27, Samnang defeated French Muay Thai fighter, former ISKA Champion Reda Oudgou in Paris, France at Kun Khmer Super Fight 3: Paris.[32]
On July 13, he defeated Muay Thai WBC, ISKA, and WMO world champion Jack Maguire from UK by KO in the 1st round.
On August 10, Prom Samnang avenged his loss to ONE Championship Muay Thai fighter Lucas Gabriel. Samnang won by unanimous decision and claimed the World Kun Khmer Xtreme title.
On November 9, Cambodian Independence Day, Prom Samnang faced Thai Fight champion and Buakaw Banchamek's student Moeung Sab Banchamak, defeating the him by unanimous decision and maintaining his winning streak.[33]
On November 13, Samnang rematched with Arvin Mehboudi, and defeated the latter by unanimous decision.
Kun Khmer
2017 KIF International Khmer Martial Arts Belt[34] 2023 Krud Kun Khmer 78 kg World Championship 2023 Techo Santepheap Kun Khmer World Championship 2024 KKF International Kun Khmer Champion BeltMuay Thai
Thai Fight Kard Chuek 78 kg Championship belt[35]| Total fights 175, 159 wins (70 (T)KOs), 7 losses, 3 draws | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 29, 2025 | Win |  Dyson Sapalo |
Kun Khmer Dazz 8H[36] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| June 8, 2025 | Win |  Hossein Jafarzadeh |
Kun Khmer Dazz 8H[37] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 2 | 3:00 | |
| May 23, 2025 | Win |  Pham Tam Vang |
Kickboxing SEA Warriors[38] | Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| January 19, 2025 | Win | Troung Quoc Huing |
Kun Khmer Championship 19[39] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 3 | 3:00 | |
| November 13, 2024 | Win | Arvin Mehboudi |
Kun Khmer vs Muay Thai Iran[40] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| November 9, 2024 | Win |  Moeung Sab Banchamek |
Hanuman Kun Khmer[41] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| September 7, 2024 | Win |  Emirhan Recep |
Wurkz Kun Khmer[42] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 3:00 | |
| September 1, 2024 | Win | Yousef Hematisanghili |
Wurkz Kun Khmer[43] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 3:00 | |
| August 10, 2024 | Win |  Lucas Gabriel |
Xtreme Kun Khmer: Samnang vs Gabriel II[44] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| July 13, 2024 | Win |  Jack Maguire |
Xtreme Kun Khmer[45] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 1:00 | |
| June 27, 2024 | Win |  Reda Oudgou |
Kun Khmer Super Fight 3: Paris[46] | Paris, France | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| May 28, 2024 | Win |  Konstantin |
Ganzberg Kun Khmer[47] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| May 18, 2024 | Win | Mehdi Kalili |
TV5 Kun Khmer [48] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 1:00 | |
| April 24, 2024 | Loss | Lucas Gabriel |
Kubota King of Fighter [49] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| March 23, 2024 | Win | Keivan Soleimani |
TV5 Kun Khmer [50] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| February 29, 2024 | Win |  Tun Tun Min |
Kun Khmer Asean Championship | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| February 17, 2024 | Win | Moeurn A Khom Venum Muay thai |
TVK Kunkhmer[51] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 0:30 | |
| February 9, 2024 | Win | Shwe Yar Man |
Boostrong King of The Ring Kun Khmer[52] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 2 | 2:00 | |
| December 23, 2023 | Win |  Harry Lopez |
KKIF Kun Khmer Friendly | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 3 | 3:00 | |
| December 14, 2023 | Win |  Jordin Henwood |
Boostrong Kun Khmer Championship[53] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| November 5, 2023 | Draw | Dave Leduc |
Dave Leduc vs. Prom Samnang[54] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Time Limit | 1 | 9:00 | |
| Cambodia-Myanmar Friendship fight[26] | ||||||||
| October 11, 2023 | Win |  Vladyslav Ermolaev |
Boostrong Kun Khmer Championship[55] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| September 30, 2023 | Loss | Paul Banasiak |
Wurkz Kun Khmer Championship[56] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| September 3, 2023 | Win | Dabmorn Pumpanmuang |
Krud Kun Khmer Championship [57] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| August 13, 2023 | Win | Firdavszhon Naiimov |
Town Boxing Arena[58] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 0:35 | |
| July 16, 2023 | Win |  Nikita Gerasisimovich |
Town Boxing Arena[59] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| July 2, 2023 | Win |  Daniel James |
Town Boxing Arena[60] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 3 | 1:28 | |
| June 5, 2023 | Win | Masoud Moghimian |
N.N.P. Kun Khmer [61] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| May 11, 2023 | Win | Tun Tun Min |
2023 Southeast Asian Games | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Wins the Gold medal in 2023 SEA Games Kun Khmer Men's 81 kg | ||||||||
| April 15, 2023 | Win | Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee |
Krud Kun Khmer Championship[62] | Siem Reap, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| April 6, 2023 | Win | Arvin Mehboudi |
N.N.P. Kun Khmer[63] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| March 25, 2023 | Win | Vladimir Khabao |
International friendship battle - Wurkz[64] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| March 11, 2023 | Win | Prakaisaeng |
Town [65] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 0:35 | |
| March 9, 2023 | Win |  Heng Vichhai |
Wurkz - Town Boxing Arena[66] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 1 | 2:22 | |
| February 11, 2023 | Win | Singnum |
International friendship battle - Krud[67] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 1:55 | |
| January 21, 2023 | Win | Pon Sit Munchai |
International friendship battle - Wurkz[68] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 2:50 | |
| December 31, 2022 | Win | Sammy Banchamek |
International friendship battle - Krud[69] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 2:15 | |
| December 24, 2022 | Win | Gilbert |
International friendship battle - Wurkz[70] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 2:25 | |
| December 1, 2022 | Win | Samingdong Sor Chatree |
TVK Fighter[71] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 0:06 | |
| October 16, 2022 | Win | Dankaosan |
TV5 Boxing[72] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 1:12 | |
| August 18, 2022 | Win | Pekhakchai |
TVK Fighter [73] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | ||
| August 6, 2022 | Win | Prakaisaeng |
Bayon TV [74] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | ||
| July 24, 2022 | Win | Saenmuang |
Town[75] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 2 | 0:45 | |
| October 2, 2021 | Win | Thoeun Theara |
CNC Boxing[76] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| September 18, 2021 | Win | Chhoeung Lvay |
Bayon TV[77] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 0:52 | |
| August 29, 2021 | Win | Long Sovandouen |
MAS Fight Cambodia-Town Boxing Arena[78] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 3:25 | |
| January 19, 2020 | Win | Pheathorngthong |
Ek Phnom Arena[79] | Battambang, Cambodia | KO | 3 | ||
| January 12, 2020 | Draw | Tommy Gunn |
MAS Fight [80] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Time Limit | 1 | 9:00 | |
| January 4, 2020 | Win |  Gilgor Stojanov |
CTN Boxing[81] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 3 | 1:36 | |
| December 22, 2019 | Win | Sa Ber |
SEA TV Boxing[82] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| November 3, 2019 | Win | Chhan Chhai Keathavorn |
TV5 Boxing [83] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| September 14, 2019 | Win | Pereira |
CNC Boxing [84] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 2:02 | |
| August 25, 2019 | Win | Pit Padin |
PNN Boxing[85] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 2:20 | |
| August 17, 2019 | Win | Khong Kor |
Bayon TV[86] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 2 | 0:04 | |
| June 29, 2019 | Win | Paulo Sergio |
CNC Boxing [87] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 0:25 | |
| March 31, 2019 | Loss |  Mansurbek Tolipov |
CTN Boxing [88] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| March 23, 2019 | Win |  Ouach Nabil |
CNC Boxing[89] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 5 | 2:50 | |
| February 16, 2019 | Win | Mansurbek Tolipov |
CNC Boxing[90] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| February 9, 2019 | Win | Manawan |
TV5 Boxing[91] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 4 | 0:15 | |
| February 2, 2019 | Win | Rajasing |
CNC Boxing[92] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 2:12 | |
| January 19, 2019 | Win | Yaklong |
CNC Boxing[93] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 3 | 1:30 | |
| November 25, 2018 | Win | Korng Kor Keimthakrai |
CNC Boxing[94] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 2:55 | |
| November 17, 2018 | Win | Rungnakchai |
CNC Boxing[95] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 0:43 | |
| October 27, 2018 | Win | Phetsanan |
CTN Boxing[96] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 0:01 | |
| August 19, 2018 | Win | Phnomeb |
CNC Boxing[97] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| May 13, 2018 | Win | Khorngfak |
CNC Boxing[98] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 3 | 2:06 | |
| April 29, 2018 | Win | Phetarun |
CNC Boxing[99] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| April 8, 2018 | Win | Veitann |
CNC Boxing[100] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | ||
| March 30, 2018 | Win | Chalermdet Sor.Tawanrung |
Bayon TV[101] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 2 | 0:50 | |
| March 17, 2018 | Win | Petch Bopha |
SEA TV Boxing[102] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 4 | 0:20 | |
| February 10, 2018 | Win | Nom Sayam |
TV5 Boxing [103] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 0:22 | |
| November 5, 2017 | Win | Chai Yo |
PNN TV Boxing[104] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 1:00 | |
| September 3, 2017 | Win | Singyai |
SEATV Boxing[105] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 1:18 | |
| August 5, 2017 | Win | Kongjak Por.Pao-In |
SEATV Boxing[106] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| March 25, 2017 | Win | Nakrob Dam |
SEATV boxing [107] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 3 | 0:48 | |
| November 27, 2016 | Win | Diesellek TopkingBoxing |
World Kun Khmer Event | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| September 4, 2016 | Win | Sam Kor |
SEA TV Boxing [108] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 3 | ||
| February 7, 2016 | Win | Avatar Tor.Morsri |
SEA TV Boxing [109] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| May 17, 2015 | Win | Meas Phearom |
SEA TV Boxing [110] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | TKO | 2 | 1:35 | |
| April 29, 2015 | Loss | Vorn Viva |
National friendship battle - Carabao[111] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| April 12, 2015 | Win | Meas Phearom |
CTN Boxing [112] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | ||
| January 18, 2015 | Win | Meas Phearom |
Bayon TV Boxing[113] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 2 | 2:28 | |
| July 18, 2014 | Win | Meas Phearom |
CTN Boxing [114] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 3 | 0:32 | |
| June 15, 2014 | Loss | Keo Rumchong |
Bayon TV Boxing | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| July 6, 2013 | Loss | Long Sophy |
TV3 Boxing[115] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | ||
| July 28, 2012 | Loss | Vorn Viva |
CTN Boxing [116] | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | KO | 1 | 0:20 | |
| August 27, 2011 | Loss | Ot Phuthong |
TV5 Boxing | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/no contest Notes | ||||||||
| 2 wins (2 (T)KOs), 0 loss, 0 draws | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2023 | Win | Firdavszhon Naiimov |
International Friendship battle - Thai Fight[117] | Bangkok, Thailand | KO | 1 | 2:40 | |
| February 5, 2023 | Win |  Thomas Carpenter |
2023 Thai Fight Championship[118] | Bangkok, Thailand | KO | 1 | 1:56 | |
| Thai Fight Kard Chuek 78 kg Championship belt | ||||||||
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/no contest Notes | ||||||||
| 0 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 10, 2022 | Loss |  Wang Ao Gang |
Angkor King Fight[119] | Siem Reap, Cambodia | Decision | 3 | ||
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/no contest Notes | ||||||||
the contract offered by the World Lethwei Federation (WLF)
សហព័ន្ធ Lethwei អន្តរជាតិ បានចាត់ទុករូបគាត់ថាជាកីឡាករដណ្តើមដំណែងជើងឯក Lethwei អន្តរជាតិដ៏សក្ដិសមមួយរូប សម្រាប់ខែឧសភា ឆ្នាំ 2023។)
He plans to travel to Cambodia to fight Prom Samnang in a Kun Khmer match
