Even though mixed martial arts offers fame and fortune, Singaporean police officer Huang Shi Hao, 25, knows that he will need to engage in another source of income as being a professional athlete is not a lifetime livelihood. Prior to his professional MMA debut at the ONE Championship event “ONE: Unstoppable Dreams,” he shared how he envisions himself in the future in terms of career.
“My career as a fighter will not last for a long time,” Huang said. “By the time I reach 38 or 40 years old, I need to retire and have another day job to support my family.”
“Even though I love fighting, there will be a time in my life as a fighter that I will have to call it a day in competing,” Huang said. “I know my old job as a police officer will be waiting for me when that day comes.”
“ONE: Unstoppable Dreams” will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore on May 18, 2018. The man standing in his way is China’s Xie Bin, one of the most talented young combatants to come out of the Tianjin province.
Xie started off his prizefighting run with a victory over compatriot Ma Shuang at “ONE: Dynasty of Champions” in July 2016. The former has since put on several thrilling shows as a professional.
In Xie’s last outing, he submitted Cambodia’s Chan Rothana with an impressive second-round Brabo choke. Currently, Xie is currently riding high on a two-bout winning streak and will look to push it to three when he takes on Huang.
“I am facing a veteran in my debut,” Huang said of Xie. “He already had five pro bouts in ONE Championship. But I am confident that I can give him a good match-up. I am here to prove that I deserve to be here.”
Huang’s sights are now focused on having his hand raised in triumph at “ONE: Unstoppable Dreams” as he keeps his police uniform in his closet for the time being. He said, “Martial arts is my passion.”
“I’m really happy when I share and learn new things about martial arts with others,” Huang added. “I’m surrounded by people who support me in training. It makes me stronger. I am ready for this upcoming bout.”
CONAN Daily 