Phnom Penh’s fight scene has been striking hard the past few years and it is about to hit another level. Cambodia Interclub gears up for a knockout night of action over ten fights on Saturday night from 5pm at The Factory. Celebrating its third anniversary, the Interclub is packing a punch (and some knees and kicks) with pro bouts, amateur showdowns, a cultural performance and a powerful tribute.
The Main Event: Pro Boxing with a Rising Star
The headline fight sees Uzbekistan-born Anvar Nasredinov take on Johnson Mozambique in Interclub’s first ever professional boxing match. Nasredinov, who’s now proudly representing Cambodia’s national team, is gearing up for the World Championships — so expect sharp skills and serious power in this professional clash. This fight is brought to you in partnership with the Khmer Boxing Federation, which Nasredinov will be representing at the world championships.
Cultural Vibes and Half-Time Hype
It’s not all fists, blood, low and high kicks though. Charles Garrett, co-founder of the Cambodian Interclub is especially excited about the half-time performance. Spectators at The Factory will be treated to a special Bokator performance by fighters from one of the gyms set up by the Interclub team. If you haven’t seen this ancient Cambodian battlefield martial art in action yet, now’s your chance — it’s a thrilling display of power, precision, and culture. Bokator,dating back to the Khmer empire, blends powerful strikes with animal-inspired movements and intricate joint locks, making it equally beautiful, mesmerising and deadly. Garett has been working to rebuild the love and appreciation of Khmer martial arts throughout Cambodia and seeing this Bokator performance come to Phnom Penh is the culmination of much of these efforts.
Fighters from Near and Far
The fight card is shaping up to be a global affair, with three fighters traveling from Vietnam, two from Siem Reap, and a mix of other international talent stepping into the ring. The variety promises something for everyone — from seasoned fight fans to curious first-timers.
Amateur Headline Fight Put’s Women Combat Sports in The Spotlight.
The second last fight of the night will see Dani Renfrew stepping up against Srey Lin. This will be a debut fight for both amateurs in a ‘catchweight’ bout at 58kg.
For Renfrew, boxing has been more than just a sport — it’s been a vital part of her mental health journey.
“I’ve been training for a while now. I was curious at first and then fell in love with the sport while I was at university. It’s become a sort of therapy for me, and it has helped get my mental health in order. It continues to be an important part of my mental health journey,” says the Scottish fighter.
Renfrew has been training hard, and she’s eager to put on a show for everyone who has supported her. “I’m training hard and it feels like the right time.. I feel like it’s now or never!”
Eclectic Audiences for Organized Saturday Night Violence
There should be something for everyone at this fight night. The great thing about Interclubs is the wonderful mix of supportive friends who watch in horror as their pals are punched in the face, enthusiastic fight fans who want to let everyone hear their analysis and clever use of combat lingo and complete newbies to the sport who come together in what is always a supportive and positive atmosphere.
“I hope people come along because it’s such a fun night,” says Renfrew. “Who knows, it might just inspire someone else to give it a go.”
Finally, this third anniversary of interclub is a tribute to Andrea Fattaciu. Andrea was a well known and well loved fighter, coach and friend throughout Cambodia who tragically passed away at far too young an age last year. Hopefully a celebration of the sport he loved with many of those who loved him will come close to a fitting celebration of Andrea.
Cambodia Interclub will kick off from 5pm at The Factory (NR2). You can get your tickets here: https://live.wonderpass.asia/event/cambodia-interclub-11?fbclid=IwY2xjawI_M-BleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXpcnlIxCmntr0s4LsG_60lp6AIlVFR1MUhmEotG2xLVVMcA3T3bYPNK7A_aem_GTESSsGN3mxR55B3R0GZ5g