Thun Phanith

Thun Phanith (Khmer: ធន់ ផានិត), born in 2005 and officially named Phan Phanith, is a professional Kun Khmer fighter from Koh Kong Province, Cambodia. Phanith has made a striking entry into the world of Kun Khmer, quickly rising through the ranks and capturing the attention of the martial arts community.

Journey into Kun Khmer

In 2018, Thun Phanith moved from his hometown in Koh Kong province to Phnom Penh to pursue his high school education, living with relatives. It was during this time, in 2019, that he discovered and cultivated a deep interest in boxing. Despite a strict prohibition from his family, Phanith’s passion was unstoppable. He secretly began training, driven by his love for the sport, and even left home for a week to immerse himself in intensive training sessions at a local club without his family’s knowledge.

Phanith’s secretive training eventually became known as he started participating in—and gaining recognition from—various competitions. His noticeable weight loss during this period caused concern among his relatives, who worried he was on a harmful path. Despite the familial challenges, Phanith’s commitment to Kun Khmer not only persisted but flourished, eventually earning the understanding and support of his family.

Career Achievements

Thun Phanith has competed in six belt competitions, experiencing a mix of setbacks and triumphs. His perseverance paid off on May 5, 2024, when he won the coveted Krud Kun Khmer belt 57kg category. This victory came after a grueling series of matches in a marathon event organized by TVK, culminating in a decisive win against Ouch Thearith, a formidable contender for the title. Phanith stands out in the Kun Khmer community with an impressive TKO to victory ratio of 40:71 as of May 5, 2024.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Thun Phanith has set his sights on further elevating his career. His primary ambition is to secure additional championship belts and build a reputation that opens doors to compete in prestigious international arenas. Driven by a desire to promote Khmer martial arts globally, Phanith aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia and demonstrate his skill on the world stage, aspiring to become an ambassador of Kun Khmer internationally.