What American Muay Thai star Sean Climaco went through during his fight camp last year is something that shouldn’t happen to any fighter.
While preparing for his toughest fight to date, Climaco’s father passed away.
The 30-year-old star could have mourned the loss of his biggest supporter, but he chose to continue training for the fight to honour his late father’s legacy.
Next up, “The One” will be in action against Akif Guluzada in a flyweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Fight Night 31 on May 3. He opened up about the tragic passing of his father, who taught him how to throw punches.
“It was in the middle of my camp fight for Estupinan when he passed. So I didn’t really have a choice,” Climaco said.
“I had to get back and train for that fight. So, training then for the fight, yes, it did help. It did help me go through the process of all that in that moment.”
The result of the fight against Johan Estupinan didn’t go in his favour.
No matter the result, his father would’ve wanted him to continue fighting and that’s what he did. It was his father who taught him the basics of martial arts and gave him lifelong lessons.
But after the fight, the loss of his beloved father took a heavy toll on him.
“After the fight, that’s when I started to actually start grieving. Because when he passed, I didn’t really give a chance for myself to actually grieve. I was using the training for that fight to cope with everything and to deal with the pain,” Climaco said.
A few years back, after dominating the regional circuit, Climaco won the Road to ONE: America tournament to earn a spot in ONE Championship.
That made his father a proud man. He may no longer be with his son, but Climaco believes he is still guiding him.
“I know he’s up there and proud and still guiding me through his love,” Climaco said. “And though I miss his presence and his voice, he’s still there for me.”
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