Lorn Panha

Lorn Panha was born in Krachap village, Prey Khla commune, Svay Antor district, Prey Veng province, Cambodia. In 2013, Panha quit school at eighth-grade education as his family faced economic hardships. He moved to Thailand, where he worked for a year. Following his return to Cambodia, he pursued carpentry as a means of livelihood, dedicating nearly two years of his life to this craft, from 2014 until the end of 2016.^[1]

In 2017, Lorn Panha decided to pursue a career in Khmer boxing. He became a member of the Boxing Association of the Ministry of National Defense and embarked on rigorous training under the guidance of Thun Sophea, who received his training at the Ministry of Defense Boxing Association under Chhit Sarim.^[6]

Medal record
Men's Kickboxing
Representing  Cambodia
Southeast Asian Games
	2021 Hanoi	Men's 67 kg, Full Contact
	2023 Phnom Penh	Men's 67 kg, Full Contact

Lorn Panha is a prominent figure in the realm of Khmer boxing, having participated in approximately 100 matches and recording around 10 losses by 2023. His notable achievements included securing four championship belts and winning a national gold medal in the Men's Full Contact -67 kg category at the 2023 SEA Games. Additionally, Panha earned a silver medal during the SEA Games held in Vietnam. In honor of his significant contributions to the sport, he has been appointed as an official within the Ministry of National Defense.^[1][7][8]

On October 10, 2020, Lorn Panha defeated Soth Kevin for the Cambodia Beer Championship in the 63.5 kg weight division. The first place winner received a prize of 24 million riels($6,000) while second place winner, Soth Kevin, won 12 million riels.^[9]

At SEA Games 31, Lorn Panha beat Ophat Rodnok from Thailand 2-1 in the semi finals. In the finals, Lorn Panha lost to Vietnam's Nguyen The Huong at the 67 kg full contact division in kickboxing. Lorn Panha won the silver medal.^[10][11][12]

Lorn Panha made Kampuchea Thmey Daily's top 10 list of Khmer boxers who had the best first half of 2023.^[2] He has not lost in the last few months. In the 2023 SEA Games, he won a gold medal. On the afternoon of May 16, 2023, Lorn Panha defeated Haris Sofyan Abdul of Indonesia for the kickboxing gold medal in the 67 kg weight division.^[13]

On August 3, 2023, Lorn Panha beat Ncedo Gomba in the third round. He won the 65 kg international Krud Kun Khmer martial art title. Ncedo Gomba is a South Africa powerhouse with a record of 55 wins and 5 losses. Lorn Panha now has four belts and a gold and silver medal from the SEA games.^[14]

Lorn Panha competed with Lao Chetra for the Krud Kun Khmer belt. After five rounds, Panha lost to Lao Chetra. His three year unbeaten streak in Kun Khmer ended and he was awarded 20 million riel.

Lorn Panha competed against Long Samnang for the Ganzberg Beer belt by PNN. Panha took three rounds to defeat Long Samnang and became the new owner of the Ganzberg Beer belt. He won a prize money of 16 million riel.

Lorn Panha fought against the strong fighter of Thailand and former fighter of the year of Thailand, Lamnamoonlek Tded99. Lorn Panha defeated him and won the title and prize money of 20 million riel. There was a reaction from some boxing fans that Lorn Panha did not deserve the win while other boxing fans said Lorn Panha really did deserve the win.^[15] His past three matches were title matches where he lost one and won two title matches.^[16]

The Kampuchea Thmey Daily listed him as a top 10 Kun Khmer boxer for 2024.^[3] His accomplishments for 2024 included fighting about 15 times in 2024 and only losing twice. He won a belt by defeating compatritot Long Samnang. He scored a draw with French star Anthony Defretin. Panha also won a gold medal at the 2024 National Games.

At a grand event of Krud Kun Khmer in Kampong Cham province, Lorn Panha defeated Thai athlete Sorgraw Petchyindee Academy in the third round.^[17]

Lorn Panha is scheduled to compete in New Zealand on June 21, 2025.^[18]

Panha was scheduled to compete for the WKN World Kun Khmer championship by competing against Moroccan Zakaria Rouigate on January 11, 2026. As the number 1 ranked Kun Khmer fighter in the 65–67 kg weight division, Panha has not faced defeat in recent times. Kun Khmer fighter Lorn Panha won the WKN World Kun Khmer Championship and became the first Cambodian to do so. He defeated Zakaria Rouigate by scoring a left foot kick to the face which resulted in significant pain to the mouth. The referee counted to 10 and his opponent could not continue. The event was the first collaboration between the World Kickboxing Network and the Khmer Boxing Federation.^[19][20]

Lorn Panha competed with Shamo Eyvasov of Spain for the ISKA World Welterweight Kun Khmer title (67 kg). It was an open air event with over 10,000 spectators. Panha scored a heavy head kick while Eyvasov complained that the back of his head was hit. The referee began the count and Eyvasov's corner had the towel thrown in. This gave Lorn Panha a TKO victory for the ISKA World Welterweight Kun Khmer title.^[21]

Achar Chhit Sarim -- > Kru Thun Sophea -- > Lorn Panha