In Khmer the word pradal means fighting or boxing and serey means free. Fighting has been a constant part of Southeast Asia since ancient times. Most Cambodian boxers come from a poor background and compete to earn money to feed their families and themselves. Until recently the average purse for a fight was US$15. A match consists of five three-minute rounds and takes place in a 6.1 meter square boxing ring. A one-and-a-half or two minute break occurs between each round. At the beginning of each match the boxers practice the praying rituals known as the kun kru.