It may not have been Mayweather vs Pacquiao, but a backyard boxing match in Battambang province drew quite a crowd of gamblers before it was busted by the boys in blue on Saturday.

Catching wind of the matchup in Mong Russey district, 20 cops moved in to deal with the less-than-legal sporting activity.

With attendees focused on the fray in the ring, cops formed a ring of their own, surrounding the spot and apprehending 18 punters.

The three cars and 26 motorbikes at the scene were held until everyone signed a promise to stick to watching bouts on pay-per-view.

The penitent pugilism enthusiasts were then given back their vehicles and set free.

National Police