‘Another Day In The Office’ – Sean Climaco Staying Focused Ahead Of Big Debut At ONE Fight Night 22
After a dazzling run to win an eight-man Road to ONE tournament in the United States, Sean “The One” Climaco is ready to show the global fan base what he’s all about on Friday, May 3.
Climaco blitzed through the competition with three consecutive knockouts to earn a six-figure ONE Championship contract, and he can’t wait to step in there against Josue “Tuzo” Cruz at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova on Prime Video live in U.S. primetime.
Above all, the Filipino-American wants to bring the same intensity that he showcased throughout the tournament to his big debut at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Eager to deliver a memorable performance, Climaco said:
“Fans should expect technical violence. I’ve got knockout power in both my hands and hard kicks.
“I have an aggressive and exciting fighting style. I’m ready to put it on show for the fans inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and those watching all over the world.”
Climaco will compete in ONE’s stacked flyweight Muay Thai ranks, which features the likes of reigning king Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, #1 contender “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9, and many more elite names.
The 29-year-old Californian knows it’s a huge step up, but he’s focused on performing at his best once he steps through the ropes – and he’s leaving no stone unturned to make sure that happens:
“It’s an honor to compete and be in the same weight class as these guys, but I’m not going to let all the media and the lights affect me once it’s time to fight. I’m just going to treat it like it’s another day in the office, go in there and fight the way I fight, and not let all the outside stuff distract me.
“Of course, I’m training harder than ever, but that’s how you’re going to have to do it whenever you get called to fight in one of the biggest organizations in the world. I think I’m fully prepared for that.”
Sean Climaco Aiming For Big Knockout Of Josue Cruz
Although Sean Climaco knows that fighting at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium will be different from anything he’s experienced, he plans to keep his nerve when it’s time to throw down.
Josue Cruz is a formidable opponent with a 17-2 professional record, and “The One” has studied the Mexican striker to get a feel for what might be coming his way.
But ultimately, Climaco is only worried about asserting his own game no matter what he sees from Cruz:
“I saw a little bit of film of his fights. I think he’s going to come out and take his time. He’s a Mexican fighter, so he’s probably more boxing-heavy. But I’m not taking too much of what I’ve seen into this fight because we’re fighting in ONE Championship now.
“It’s a different atmosphere. He might come out differently than he does in his fights that you see online. Sometimes guys are going to fight like they see red and start swinging like crazy trying to get the $50,000 bonus.
“I’m just gonna fight my fight.”
Climaco aims to be both cerebral and explosive, finding his feet in his new home before he unleashes the heavy artillery.
Recent form suggests that could result in an early finish, but the Filipino-American won’t rush his work in his quest to make a statement.
The debuting striker added:
“The ideal way to win would be a knockout, but I’m not going to force it. I always fight to hurt my opponent, not score points.
“But I also have to fight smart. You can’t be reckless with the little gloves. I have been sparring with the little [4-ounce] gloves to prepare, and it’s a different ball game.
“I see myself finishing him in the second round. The first round will be more like getting those ONE debut jitters out, feeling, seeing what he’s got, but after that, I’m going to finish it in the second.”
