ONE Championship will see another American Muay Thai athlete trying to make an impact when Sean Climaco debuts at ONE Fight Night 22 against Josue Cruz. The flyweight striker won the Road To ONE tournament to secure a contract, and he gets his first bout on the global stage on Friday, May 3. The Californian told fans they should expect excitement right away.
“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 told ONE.
The Bay Area talent is hard at work preparing for his first shot on the global stage. “The One” has been clear that he believes he is ready for this next stage of his career. However, he also recognizes that the competition is going to get much more stiff.
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Climaco joins a deep roster of flyweight strikers, including ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9. Not one to look beyond what’s in front of him, Climaco is locked in on his bout with Cruz. He is adamant he won’t let the new stage affect how he performs once the bell rings.
“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,” Climaco expressed.
The debuting athlete has looked at his opponent’s film but is not taking too much of it to heart. In four-ounce gloves, anything can happen. For that reason, Climaco is preparing himself for any new look Cruz may show him during their encounter and then adjust in the moment.
“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,” the Bay Area resident explained.
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Unquestionably, Climaco wants to score a knockout in his debut. The instant impact and potential $50,000 bonus are alluring. Yet he is set to go all three rounds if it turns into a firefight.
It all aligns with his preparation. “The One” wants to compete intelligently and not make a drastic mistake. With his nerves in check and his work nearly done, Climaco predicts a second-round KO to get his ONE career started on the right foot.
“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.”
ONE Fight Night 22 airs live on Friday, May 3. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
