To say Phnom Penh is "crazy hectic" would be an understatement. With the Water Festival kicking off officially tomorrow morning, these last several days leading up to the grand showcase, the city has been experiencing a super surge of activities to cater to what is expected two million folks converging at the nation's capitol.

We arrived two matches late. The venue was in mad chaos. I have never seen so many folks jammed pack themselves in such a space. Not surprising, no seats (or even standing room) was available when we arrived. It was ridiculously uncomfortable, but the excitement and energy made up for it.

Kick boxing or pradal serey is Cambodia's national sport. When foreigners come to Khmer soil to fight, the whole nation stops to watch. three dollars was the admission, and from what I heard, the priciest tag ever for any kickboxing match.

The first international fight saw Chey Kosal against an American. The tension was at its height at the very beginning when the American mocked Kosal by gesturing an arrow to his chest. The Khmer crowd began chanting, "somlap ver" (kill him). Just a figure of speech, but surely, Kosal did not disappoint the crowd. In the second round, an elbow to the eyes saw first sign of blood. The third round, two more blood out lashes resulted in a defeat as medical advisors intervene to stop the match.

The second international match saw younger brother, Ei Phoutang against suki of isreal. Suki surrendered after the end of the first round. He could barely walk! The crowd went crazy!

The third international fight had to be the crowd favorite: Suon Soriya vs a South African. Even before the match, the announcer was informing the audience all the donations given by local politicians and oversea Khmers for various matches and certain fighters. All four Khmers who had bouts against foreigners received an automatic $1000 USD from Samdech Hun Sen. Soriya, by far, received the most as I recall the announcer reading out so many donations by other senior Khmer officials. The crowd felt the love from their generosity.

But to the match.

Soriya is a skilled fighter. He studies his opponent in the first couple of rounds, usually on the defensive. Beginning at the third, he focused on his opponent's leg. The audience cheered endlessly during all four rounds, which saw the South African limp off in defeat. Bones were broken because he could barely walk after the knockout. Kosal received the loudest cheers and fed off the energy. After his match, his fan screamed his name and gave him even more money. He walked from corner to corner of the arena collecting thousands and thousands of riels. I dropped a us $10 and took a couple snaps when he came around our side.

The climax to the main event had people standing on their feet as his Japanese opponent made his way to the ring. Ei Phoutang is considered the "best fighter" in Cambodia. Many locals worship him and others criticize because their are claims that he takes in bets by intentionally losing or not fighting at full force.

Personally, I was disappointed in Ei's performance. Though I believe he won the first round, the second to the final fifth, the Japanese fighter clearly took control. The crowd got antsy towards Ei's as he became too defensive. It seem that his only strategy was to target his opponent's left leg. Third and fourth rounds, the Khmer audience began to cheer for the Japanese as he made blows after blows on Ei. We all expected Ei to come out and fight, but even the fifth round saw him put his guards down. Miraculously, Ei won by points. The crowd booed him. Luckily, no riots.