Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic and African-American neighborhood, Salt Papi faced unique challenges as a Filipino-American. However, he found solace in boxing, which allowed him to channel his energy and focus on a positive goal.
As he got well-known, Salt Papi realized that he wanted to pursue a career in boxing. He began training more seriously, and he started posting videos of his training sessions on TikTok. His videos quickly went viral, and he gained a large following on the platform. Salt Papi's success on TikTok helped him to gain recognition in the boxing world. He started competing in amateur street matches and eventually made his professional debut in 2020 fighting influencers. He has since continued to compete at the professional level, building a record of wins and losses.
Salt Papi's transition from an influencer into a professional boxer is an inspiration to young Filipino and Asian Americans who often face cultural and societal barriers when it comes to pursuing sports careers. He has shown that with hard work, dedication, and a strong support system, it is possible to break through those barriers and achieve success.
In addition to his success as a boxer, Salt Papi has also used his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting the Filipino and Asian American communities. He has spoken out about the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and has encouraged his followers to stand up against discrimination and racism.
References:
https://thegame.onemega.com/3-things-to-know-about-salt-papi-the-filipino-tiktoker-turned-boxer/
Photo Courtesy: Salt Papi Facebook
Authored by: Vince Zuniga
Vince Zuniga, a fourth-year student at the University of Santo Tomas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing Management, is currently interning for PS Media during the spring season. He is committed to promoting the empowerment of Asian culture through his actions and beliefs.
