Sok Thy

Sok Thy (Khmer: សុខ ធី), also known as Kaka, has made an enduring impact in the world of Kun Khmer, captivating boxing enthusiasts with his incredible journey and earning the nickname “Manus Chheu” meaning “the Wood Man” for his remarkable ability to withstand hits from opponents and maintain stamina to wear them down.

Early Life and Martial Arts Journey

Born in a small village in Banteay Meanchey province, Sok Thy faced challenges as a child, enduring threats from other kids that left him feeling unhappy and vulnerable. Despite this, Sok Thy’s father, a devoted Khmer martial arts fan, recognized the discipline’s transformative potential. Encouraging Sok Thy and his brother to practice, he instilled strength and self-confidence in them. Reflecting on the impact, Sok Thy once said, “I have to fight with other kids who are bigger and stronger than me and like to hurt me because I am too scared of them. Martial arts has helped me to have more self-confidence.”

Emergence in Kun Khmer

At just 19 years old, Kaka has become a force in the Kun Khmer arena, achieving the remarkable feat of becoming the first champion at TV Channel Bayon by defeating Long Chin. Representing the San Saoyan Club in Banteay Meanchey Province, Sok Thy boasts an impressive record of over 200 wins and approximately 30 losses, showcasing both his strength and wealth of experience. However, on recent events by some TV stations showed inconsistent fight records.

Training and International Success

Sok Thy’s early training in Thailand, where his father worked as a construction worker, propelled him to quick success with consecutive victories. Concerns about his health led to his return to Banteay Meanchey in 2013, where he trained at the San Sao Yan Club under the guidance of Mr. San Sao Yan. Sok Thy’s skills evolved, leading him to compete in the Phnom Penh arena. His prowess extended internationally, demonstrated by his ability to compete with renowned Thai champion Let Seila in the ONE Super Series in Indonesia.

Sok Thy clinched the “KKIF Kun Khmer World Champion” title by triumphing over his Chinese opponent on December 30, 2023, marking another significant milestone in his illustrious career.

Triumph Over Adversity

Sok Thy’s story goes beyond individual triumphs, showcasing his commitment to overcoming adversity and uplifting those around him. As a young pioneer in Khmer boxing, Sok Thy’s journey continues to inspire, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.