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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Sean Climaco plans to finish Estupinan in Denver, then compete in the Philippines

Sean Climaco plans to finish Estupinan in Denver, then compete in the Philippines

Published Aug 16, 2024 06:47 am

At A Glance

  • Climaco takes on Johan "Panda Kick" Estupinan in what is expected to be a three-round flyweight Muay Thai thriller inside Ball Arena on Sept. 7. 

Filipino-American striking star Sean “The One” Climaco is happy to represent both the Bay Area and Cebu as one of the protagonists at ONE 168: Denver in ONE Championship’s long-awaited return to the United States. 

Sean-Climaco.jpg
 Sean “The One” Climaco  (ONE Championship)

Climaco takes on Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan in what is expected to be a three-round flyweight Muay Thai thriller inside Ball Arena on Sept. 7. 

Knowing what it means to compete in one of the promotion’s United States shows, the 30-year-old vows to carry both his lineage, and his hometown, to the best of his abilities come fight night. 

“It would be an honor to represent the Philippines and where I’m from, the bay area in California. I’m ready to represent,” Climaco said.

“Just being a Filipino, a lot of Filipinos got their fighting spirit in them, especially the Cebuanos. My family’s from Cebu.” 

He debuted in ONE by knocking out Josue “Tuso” Cruz in less than three minutes with a beautiful jab-body shot combo that folded the Mexican in half. 

But he knows that he can’t be satisfied with just a single spectacular win, as he’s finally competing on a platform that could turn him into a global superstar if he keeps on impressing. 

“Winning is the only option for me. I know I’m gonna run through this guy. I’m just taking it one fight at a time like I said before. I have a six-fight contract, let’s see what happens in each fight,” he said. 

“I’m slowly starting to make my way up, you know, become more of a bigger name, trying to build my following. So, I’m just taking it one fight at a time.”

But while he’s happy to be the lone Filipino fighter on the Denver card, he’s also hoping to return to the Philippines soon – this time as a fighter for ONE Championship and in front of his Pinoy fans. 

“Absolutely. I would love to go back to the Philippines,” Climaco said when asked about the possibility of competing in a ONE Championship card in the Philippines. 

“It’s been over 16 years since I’ve been back home. It’s been awhile. I’ve only been there a handful of times, but I’d love to go back.” 

Related Tags

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