Sean Climaco: Breaking Stereotypes in Professional Fighting
Many people think of Filipino-Americans in traditional roles like nurses and doctors, but Sean Climaco is challenging that perception by pursuing a career in professional fighting. The 29-year-old is set to face Josue Cruz in a three-round flyweight muay thai bout at ONE Fight Night 22 on May 4, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
Overcoming Challenges
Climaco’s path to ONE Championship was filled with obstacles. Despite facing disappointments and setbacks, including an ACL injury in 2022, he persevered and continued to push forward. Climaco’s determination and resilience led him to qualify for the Road to ONE: America tournament, where he secured his spot with three knockout victories.
Embracing the Journey
Reflecting on his journey, Climaco shared, “I had my retail job for nine years while training and becoming a pro at the same time. And then finally, after I had five to six pro fights, I decided to go as far as I can with it.” He emphasized the importance of taking his fighting career seriously and dedicating himself to training and improvement.
Looking Ahead
As Climaco prepares for his ONE debut, he is focused on bringing the same passion and determination that propelled him to victory in previous tournaments. “If you watched the Warrior’s Cup tournament,” he said, “I finished all of the three fights. So I plan to do the same come May 4.”