Van Chanvey rises to second

Photo by: Robert Starkweather

Nuon Mony (left, blue shorts) earned his first win of the CTN lightweight tournament Sunday, edging past fellow training partner Bheut Bunthoeun

(Post by CAAI News Media)

Tuesday, 06 October 2009 15:00 Robert Starkweather

VAN Chanvey stopped Song Saruth in the second round with low kicks, and Nuon Mony slipped past Bheut Bunthoeun for a points victory Sunday in lightweight tournament bouts at the CTN boxing arena.

Van Chanvey worked patiently for a round and a half, slowly chopping away at Song Saruth’s legs with low kicks. In the middle of the second round, Song Saruth tumbled to the canvas in agony, and Chan Dara, Song Saruth’s corner man, threw in the towel.

In the second bout, Bheut Bunthoeun could not find any answers for Nuon Mony’s slippery defense. Bheut Bunthoeun appeared the stronger fighter, but Nuon Mony kept him on the outside with jabs and kicks, and countered effectively as Bheut Bunthoeun tried to charge inside.

The victory gives Nuon Mony his first win of the tournament, while Bheut Bunthoeun has lost all six of his bouts to remain the only winless fighter.

The eight-man round-robin tournament began July 19.

After the round-robin schedule is complete, the top four finishers will advance to the semifinals, where first will face fourth and second fights third. The winners of those matches will advance to fight for the tournament title, while the losers will contest for third place.

First place will be granted a title shot against Lao Sinath, the 60-kilogram champion.

After Sunday’s bouts, the top four in order are Kao Roomchang, Van Chanvey, Long Sophy and Vung Noy.

The next fights are scheduled to start at 2:30pm at the CTN boxing arena this Sunday, with Kao Roomchang facing Naem Chanda and Long Sophy up against Vung Noy.