Bun Sothea

Bun Sothea (Khmer: ប៊ុន សុធា), born in 2002 in Kampong Cham Province, is a prominent Kun Khmer fighter Known as “Kla Sar Kamnach” which translates to “The Vicious White Tiger”. Sothea has made a significant impact in the world of Kun Khmer, showcasing incredible skills and determination in the ring. Let’s delve into the life, struggles, and triumphs of the 25-year-old Kun Khmer sensation.

Early Life

Born into a humble farming family, Sothea’s roots are deeply embedded in Tnaot Leu Village, Russy Srok Commune, Srey Santhor District. Despite facing financial constraints, he managed to complete 11th grade, a decision driven by the necessities of his family. While regretting the inability to pursue university education, Sothea found solace in his passion for Kun Khmer, recognizing it as a means to overcome financial difficulties and make a name for himself in the world of martial arts.

Journey into Kun Khmer

Sothea’s journey into the world of Khmer boxing began in 2013, fueled by his passion for martial arts and the need for livelihood. The 23-year-old fighter reminisces about the early struggles he faced during training, recounting how many boxing masters initially rejected him due to perceived physical shortcomings. However, his determination did not waver, and he found acceptance under the mentorship of Master Thun Sophea.​Trained by Master Thun Sophea, Sothea endured both physical and emotional challenges on his path to fame and success. Despite facing insults from fans instead of encouragement, he remained committed to his training. Today, he stands as a testament to his unwavering ambition, with dreams of competing in more foreign arenas and further establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Kun Khmer world.

Fighting Legacy

Bun Sothea’s fighting legacy is a testament to his remarkable skill in the ring. Despite his young age of 23, he has already established an impressive fight record, participating in 111 bouts, with 93 victories, 16 losses, and 02 draws. Notably, he has achieved an exceptional 64 TKOs. As of March 1, 2024, Sothea holds a unique distinction as the only Kun Khmer fighter with the highest TKO-to-victory ratio.

During a notable four-man tournament held on 01 March 2024 at the Ganzberg Idol Kun Khmer organized by BTV, Sothea showcased his prowess by defeating Nang Sav in the first match with a decisive TKO. However, he faced a formidable opponent, Pich Bunseth, in the finale seeing him dominated, leading to loss by points in a split decision, ultimately securing the runner-up position in the tournament.

The Only KO Defeat

Sothea recently shared candid insights into his fighting journey, openly acknowledging his sole KO defeat at the hands of Lao Chetra, who, at that time, had only a few bouts in the ring. Intriguingly, Sothea expressed a genuine desire to rechallenge Chetra immediately after the defeat, but circumstances prevented it from materializing. Later, he has chosen not to pursue it, recognizing the potential for a more challenging outcome. This honest assessment adds a layer of humility to his impressive fighting career and reveals his pure admiration for Lao Chetra.

Inspiring Journey

Bun Sothea’s journey from a farming village to becoming the Deadly White Tiger of Kampong Cham is a story of resilience, determination, and passion. His dedication to Kun Khmer, despite facing initial rejections and challenges, has elevated him to a status of prominence in the martial arts community. As he continues to break barriers and add to his impressive fight record, the Deadly White Tiger remains a symbol of inspiration for aspiring Kun Khmer fighters and fans alike.