Dave Leduc has confirmed the details of his retirement fight. He will be travelling to Cambodia to take on Prom Samnang in a fight that will have a slightly unusual ruleset.
Leduc’s name has become synonymous with Lethwei. The Canadian became a star in Myanmar after winning the prestigious golden belt and defending it several times.
But while Leduc retains a big fan following in Myanmar he has not fought there since 2019. The 31 year old has been an outspoken critic of the military junta and is probably persona non grata as a result.
However Leduc will be made to feel extremely welcome in Cambodia where he says newly elected Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to officially welcome him:
Local favourites
While Leduc made his name competing in Lethwei his opponent is a Kun Khmer star. Neither sport is as well known globally as Muay Thai but they have huge followings in their respective countries.
Surprisingly this bout will not be fought under either Lethwei rules or Kun Khmer rules. Instead it will consist of a single nine minute round with both mean wearing ropes on their fists.
Prom Samnang won a gold medal at the SEA Games in Phnom Penh earlier this year competing in Kun Khmer. Thailand and Cambodia clashed over the latter’s decision not to describe the sport as Muay Thai during this event.
He also won the Thai Fight Kard Chuek 78 kg Championship belt earlier this year by beating experienced Thai / English fighter Thomas Carpenter in Bangkok. Both men had their hands wrapped with rope for this fight.
I am very honored to have been officially invited by Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet 🇰🇭
I’ll be making my retirement fight in Cambodia at the end of the year against current Champion Prom Samnang. This will be the biggest fight in South East Asia history, more details soon. pic.twitter.com/8w17g7NGqv— Dave Leduc (@kingleduc) August 15, 2023
Making headlines
Leduc believes his retirement fight will be ‘the biggest in South East Asian history’. It is certainly sure to make headlines in Cambodia where it is rare for international stars to travel and compete.
Buakaw Banchamek did fight there last year, beating Dmitry Varats by decision at the newly opened Morodok Techo National Stadium. The fight between Leduc and Prom Samnang is scheduled for November 5th although it isn’t clear which venue will be used.
These days Leduc has his own promotion, Marshall Fighting Championship which has put on two events to date. The Canadian has become a household name in Myanmar and there will be lots of interest in the final fight of his career.
