News Digest

Cambodia’s PM refuses to pay up on $5000 bet on Pacquiao

The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen admitted he won’t make good on a $5,000 debt he lost on the recent Mayweather and Pacquiao fight because he was so incensed by the match outcome. The 62-year-old strongman delivered a 9-minute rebuke of the judges who ruled Mayweather had squarely beaten the regional hero, Pacquiao, in Las Vegas on Saturday. The PM echo’s many of Pacquiao’s Filipino compatriots who have also cried foul. Hun Sen accused the American officials of being biased towards Mayweather in the $400 million fight.

Yesterday, us (sic) viewers could barely give a point for Floyd, but the three judges unanimously decided Floyd was the winner.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen

Hun Sen said he had made a $5,000 bet with an official on the match outcome, a bet he would no longer honour. The admission is somewhat surprising given gambling is technically illegal in Cambodia outside of licensed casinos - although there is a thriving black market for betting on everything from the English Premier League to local cock fights. Hun Sen has ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for the last 30 years, tolerating little opposition. He is a known for his love of sports, particularly football, and has previously broken off from speeches to give his thoughts on a recent match or surprise score.

I would not settle this, I will not give you the money.

Hun Sen