Chhoeung Lvei

Chhoeung Lvei (Khmer: ឈឿង ល្វៃ), sometimes written as Chhoeun Lvei or Chheang Lvai, was born in 1997 in Kampong Thom Province. He is a professional Kun Khmer fighter known by the ring monikers “Neak Leng Kaeng Pi Kheat” and “Domrey Chhaon Kla,” which translate to “Killer Elbow” and “Tiger-Defeating Elephant,” respectively. With a rapid progression in his career, his sharp fighting spirit consistently leaves a lasting impression on fans. He stands out as one of the few Kun Khmer martial artists regularly knocking down foreign opponents with his precise elbow strikes.

Personal Life and Entry into Kun Khmer

Lvei was born on October 1, 1997, in Tuol Thnong village, Koul commune, Prasat Sambour district, Kampong Thom province. He came from a poor peasant family, and due to their financial situation, he had to quit school after the 8th grade to start earning money to support his family.

In 2012, Lvei left Kampong Thom province for Phnom Penh in search of work. His first job in the city was as a driver for his cousin.

Between 2014 and 2015, he worked while secretly practicing martial arts. When his parents found out about his passion for martial arts, they were not supportive and tried to prevent him from practicing further. Nevertheless, his love for martial arts persisted, and he continued to pursue it as a cherished memory.

In 2017, Chhoeun Lvei began practicing Kun Khmer at the age of 20. At the time, he worked as a driver for his cousin in Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh, but he always made time to regularly practice martial arts at the club. Despite facing five months of grueling training for Kun Khmer, he was tempted to give up many times due to the demanding nature of his job and the physical strain of the training. However, he remained determined to work hard and achieve the desired results in order to pursue his dream.

The SEA Games Story

Before the SEA Games 2023, hosted by Cambodia, Lvei was deeply committed to securing a medal for his country. His dedication paid off as he clinched a gold medal during the event.

Lvei initially made his SEA Games debut in 2022, hosted by Vietnam. Despite a commendable performance, he secured a silver medal in the kickboxing event, narrowly missing the gold as he faced defeat against Thongchai Thapphli in the final.

Chhoeun Lvei, a true powerhouse in the ring, boasts an impressive TKO/Wins ratio of around 65%, showcasing his dominance and skill as a Kun Khmer fighter.

International Success

At the World Mauy Thai Grand Prize held in Hong Kong on March 12, 2024, Chhoeun Lvei emerged victorious as the winner of the prestigious World Super-4 Championship. His journey to victory began with a stunning knockout victory over a Thai boxer in the opening match. Employing a barrage of knee and elbow strikes, Lvei swiftly advanced to the final round. There, he faced off against the formidable German fighter, Elysee Kochiese, who had secured his spot by defeating Libyan opponent Lamin Souayah in a closely contested match.

In the intense final showdown, Lvei showcased his exceptional skills once again, ultimately outscoring Elysee Kochiese to clinch the world title. This victory marked a historic moment for Lvei as the first Kun Khmer boxer to secure a championship belt abroad, and notably, the first to do so in Hong Kong.

The event itself was a grand spectacle, featuring a diverse array of competitions including the World Super-4 Championship, Global Championship, Supreme Championship, Intercontinental Championship, Pacific Championship, Super Fight Championship, and Asian Championship. Athletes from various corners of the globe, representing countries such as Cambodia, China, Germany, Japan, Libya, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond, participated in this highly anticipated event, showcasing the international appeal and competitive spirit of Mauy Thai.