Category: AthletesPage 1 of 3
Kai: Former National Boxer Steps Back in the Ring to Aid the Fight Against Child Cancer in Singapore
People of Legends | “On days where I feel unmotivated and don’t feel like running, reminding myself that there are people out there who believe we can raise money and fight for a cause really gives me drive. It gives my punches more depth, and my jabs have more meaning now.”
People of Legends | “No matter where you are in the world, hearing the sound of jump ropes and people punching bags make a gym feel like a very familiar environment.”
Humans of Sentosa | “When I started paddleboarding back in 2014, I remember seeing lots of trash floating on the water. One day, I decided to bring a trash bag with me and started picking up trash. People thought I was crazy for collecting rubbish out at sea on my paddleboard…”
People of Legends | “I guess I had to learn to be super independent. And thanks to boxing, I learnt to be more confident, even without the presence of a male figure. In the past, guys would be overly touchy, be it at work or in public spaces. Some customers would lean on me and even touch my butt.”
People of Legends | “The very next day, I went to visit my dad and placed the medal on his grave. I talked to him, knowing that he could somehow listen to me…I kept my promise to him in the end. I hope he’s proud of me. I know he’s proud of me.”
“I started in sports therapy earning less than $50 a month. I was exploited and went through depression and faced so many challenges…but I have a successful career now and I go to work happy to see my clients and loving what I do.”
People of Legends | “I think that if you can face a stranger head on, take punches and be able to hug it out after that, everything else you do on a daily basis is going to be so much easier.”
“A Greek god? Lol! I wasn’t born like this. I was a very skinny guy. When I graduated from secondary school, I was about 50kg.”
People of Legends | “He made me realise I’m not the smartest after all; I’m not the strongest after all; and I’m not the most confident after all. People can beat me up when I’m alone in the ring. All that street fighting practice was nothing. This was real boxing.”
People of Legends | “I’ve never told anybody this, but ever since I won my first tournament at 14, I would put my gold medal around my mother’s neck. I’m not sure why I do this; maybe it gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that I can make her proud.”
People of Legends | “When I was in prison, my counsellor told me that since I like to fight so much, why not fight in the ring instead? He told me I was smart but I was letting my friends control me. I can think for myself; don’t be their puppet. I took his advice to heart.”
“That’s what life is about. It’s about winning and losing. And if you do lose, it’s about how you overcome the failures to prove your self-worth. Never give up…”
“Boxing is such an enigma. There’s just something very ironic about it. It’s predictable yet so unpredictable. We fight in a ring even though it’s a square. We try to kill each other for three rounds; but, at the end of it, we respect each other even more.”
People of Legends | “Everybody has their own pace and goals in boxing, so don’t be pressured by what others think you should or should not do. You know where your heart is. Everyone has their own journey in boxing so do what feels right to you.”
“Sometimes you feel like the path is long, but you need to take things one step and one day at a time. Instead of exhausting your mind thinking about the future, just do your best. If I can overcome all of my hardships and come out stronger, so can you.”
“I realised that in Singapore, we’re a bit more reserved, scared and cautious to do things. If you’re passionate about something, have a concrete plan, be consistent and be courageous enough to just dive into it.”
I’ve learnt to keep working hard, have faith and trust the process. Whether it’s sports or business, believing in ourselves and our journey will help us achieve our goals.
People of Legends | “At the end of the day, I just want to see our local boys and girls put in the hard work and win. When they win, I win too.”
People of Legends | “I want my dad to know that I really respect him a lot. We know it hasn’t been easy for him being a dad and a mom at the same time.”
Through “In My Shoes”, I hope to remove that financial barrier and give every kid in Singapore equal opportunity and access to proper (sports) footwear.