{"id":196519,"date":"2025-10-08T01:27:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T01:27:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/196519\/"},"modified":"2025-10-08T01:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T01:27:14","slug":"from-the-streets-of-macao-to-the-boxing-ring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/196519\/","title":{"rendered":"From the streets of Macao to the boxing ring"},"content":{"rendered":"

Macao-born Filipino boxer Scott Olfindo<\/a> is ready to make his long-awaited return to the professional ring on 10 October, when he faces China\u2019s Aofeng Huang at The Encounter 2<\/a> in Southorn Stadium<\/a>, Hong Kong. After six years away from competition, Olfindo is stepping back into the spotlight stronger and more determined than ever to prove himself.<\/p>\n

For the 27-year-old fighter, boxing has always been more than a sport \u2013 it\u2019s been a teacher and a journey of transformation. Growing up in Macao, he was the kind of kid who couldn\u2019t sit still. He threw himself into every sport he could find \u2013 track, basketball, football \u2013 but admits that he was a \u201chot-headed child,\u201d often getting into trouble.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[See more: \u2018I feel much more sure of myself.\u2019 Macao-born boxer Alvin Salinas wants to compete on the big stage<\/a>]<\/p>\n

Everything changed when a friend invited him to join a local gym, the Macao Boxing Association<\/a>. What began as a way to blow off steam quickly turned into a calling. He explained that learning how to box taught him discipline and self-control, and it helped him channel his energy into something meaningful.<\/p>\n

Finding focus through the ring<\/p>\n

\"OlfindoOlfindo (Right) got his hands raised after winning his debut fight back in 2017<\/p>\n

Olfindo began boxing at around sixteen, a late start compared to most fighters, but his curiosity and determination helped him catch up quickly. He became fascinated by the technical side of the sport \u2013 the strategy, timing, and reading of opponents that separated good boxers from great ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t the biggest or the strongest,\u201d he said. \u201cSo I had to learn to be smarter. Boxing isn\u2019t just about throwing punches \u2013 it\u2019s about thinking ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

His early sessions were far from great. He remembers his first sparring match ending with him exhausted and sick after facing a bigger, more experienced opponent. But rather than discouraging him, the experience fueled his desire to improve.<\/p>\n

[See more: Making waves: Meet swimmer Sabina Ma, holder of multiple Macao records<\/a>]<\/p>\n

By 2017, he was ready for professional fights. Competing at 58 kilograms while still in high school, he trained every evening and pushed his limits to make weight. The hard work paid off. \u201cI kind of starved myself, trained, and somehow pulled it off,\u201d he says. He won his debut by knockout, making him one of the \u201cfirst professional boxers from Macao and probably the first Filipino from the city to reach that level.\u201d That night remains one of his proudest moments.<\/p>\n

Rediscovery and return<\/p>\n

\"ScottThis was Scott Olfindo\u2019s (Right) second pro win, out of the four he\u2019s been in<\/p>\n

Despite his promising start, maintaining momentum proved difficult. Macao\u2019s boxing scene offered few competitions and limited training partners, which made it hard to stay motivated. Then Covid-19 pandemic arrived, shutting down gyms and cutting off travel. Without fights to prepare for, Olfindo stepped away from the sport and focused on earning a living, taking on part-time jobs \u2013 including work as a sous chef. He continued training on and off with his sister, but admits his motivation had faded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did other stuff like lifting weights, callisthenics, and street workouts,\u201d he says. \u201cI stopped pursuing boxing because I didn\u2019t think there was a purpose anymore. I felt like I was getting older, it was too late, and Covid held me back. Lifting helped me stay in shape.\u201d<\/p>\n

His return to boxing began unexpectedly, through coaching. When gyms reopened, he took a part-time job teaching classes at Warrior Fitness Macau<\/a> and discovered that he enjoyed it far more than he expected. Coaching gave him a new perspective. It wasn\u2019t just about throwing punches anymore, but about structure and consistency. Over time, that sense of purpose reignited his competitive spirit. Watching his students, including his younger sister, step into the ring brought back the same excitement he once felt before his own fights.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took the job not expecting to compete, just to spread the knowledge I knew and share it,\u201d he says. \u201cIt ended up becoming something I really love, and a very fulfilling job.\u201d<\/p>\n

[See more: \u2018I want to show that a kid from Macao can work,\u2019 says Macau Black Bears\u2019 youngest star Leo Lei<\/a>]<\/p>\n

Today, Olfindo is a full-time coach at Warrior Fitness Macau, where he mentors young fighters and continues to grow in his own craft. As he prepares for Encounter 2, he\u2019s training smarter than ever. When asked if coaching changed how he sees boxing as an athlete, Olfindo said, \u201cDefinitely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBack then, if I was punching bags or pads, that was \u2018training,\u2019\u201d he says. \u201cNow I understand there\u2019s more to it, and almost everything has to be periodized. At the gym, we hold each other accountable. As a coach, I try to keep them motivated and consistent. That accountability and structure were something I lacked back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

His routine follows a structured program created by an online strength and conditioning coach, and he\u2019s paying careful attention to nutrition \u2013 something he once overlooked. Instead of starving himself to make weight, he\u2019s learned how to balance his diet for energy and performance. His small but dedicated team \u2013 his sister and two close friends \u2013 train alongside him, pushing each other to stay focused.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s next for Macao\u2019s Scott Olfindo?<\/p>\n

\"ScottScott Olfindo seen locked with his coach in training at the Verano Boxing Club in Hong Kong \u2013 Photo by Bryan Garcia<\/p>\n

Though he\u2019s fought in Hong Kong before, this upcoming match feels more personal. After years away, he sees it not just as a fight but as a statement \u2013 a chance to show that persistence pays off. With a professional record of two wins and two losses, Olfindo hopes to shift the balance in his favour while representing both his gym and his city.<\/p>\n

Beyond the ring, boxing has shaped who he is. It taught him to think clearly under pressure and to value patience over impulse. \u201cIt\u2019s like chess,\u201d he says. \u201cYou can be talented, but without consistency and discipline, you won\u2019t go far.\u201d<\/p>\n

[See more: 2025 Galaxy Entertainment Macao International Marathon set for 7 December<\/a>]<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Olfindo hopes to fight a few more times while continuing to coach. Looking back, he\u2019d tell his younger self to simply \u201cstick with it and be patient.\u201d And as fight night approaches, Olfindo knows exactly what he\u2019s fighting for. Not just victory, but a chance to remind others that it\u2019s never too late to start again.\u00a0<\/p>\n