Khem Sitsongpeenong strikes with the great Lucien Carbin

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With only one month to go before meeting arguably the best fighter in the world in Giorgio Petrosyan, Muay Thai champion Khem Sitsongpeenong is expanding his training.  Normally training out of Thailand, Khem is currently spending time in Amsterdam training with the legendary Lucien Carbin.  Carbin has had a hand in making many big names out of The Netherlands, including Alistair Overeem, Gilbert Yvel, and Tyrone Spong among others.

An extensive photo galley can be seen here, and click here for a video of Khem and Carbin working the pads.

For Khem, this is an interesting change.  He's has already made a recent move, publicly switching from the Fairtex gym not long ago.  There's no indication that this time with Carbin is anything other than a temporary move, but it is intriguing to see Khem expanding his repertoire in preparation for the biggest international fight of his career.

Despite being a decorated veteran, this is probably a good move for Khem, who has gained the majority of his experience in Thailand.  While Petrosyan also brings a style chiefly based on Muay Thai, he does possess more of a European based style to complement his Muay Thai skills.  Perhaps some time training with one of the best in Europe will better help Khem prepare for Petrosyan.

Khem Sitsongpeenong v. Giorgio Petrosyan takes place March 13 in Milan, Italy for It's Showtime.  This is quickly shaping up to be the first huge fight of 2010, and the first test of Petrosyan's new status as perhaps the #1 pound for pound kickboxer in the world.