PHNOM PENH: The Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF) held a special meeting to review and strengthen the competition more effectively.

On 18 April 2023, President of the KBF, Major General Tem Mern, and KBF Honorary Vice President, Oknha Srey Chanthorn, met to discuss details of the boxing competitions held on 15 April in Siem Reap.

According to the resulting press release, the KBF reviewed and strengthened the rules of the competition to be more effective and clear. They set standards for the number of rounds per match and how they are announced to the players and public. They also strengthened the capacity of referees to make decisions and manage the national team in preparation for the upcoming SEA Games.

The meeting to review and clarify Khmer boxing competitions was called after controversy erupted over alleged bias of the referee at a 15 April boxing match between Cambodian boxer Choeung Lvei and Thai boxer Samy Banchamek.

The Prime Minister chimed in to say that players participating in the SEA Games should not be allowed to compete while they train for the games.