In the high-stakes world of professional combat sports, where personal ambition often fuels every strike and defense, a deeper, more profound motivation sometimes emerges. For Filipino-American superstar Jackie Buntan, her upcoming clash for the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title is not merely another fight for glory. It is a poignant testament to resilience, a powerful tribute forged in the crucible of profound loss.
A Champion`s Path Interrupted
Buntan, already holding the prestigious ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship, was at the pinnacle of her career just months ago. Her unanimous decision victory over the legendary French-Algerian striker Anissa Meksen was a career-defining moment, a joyous culmination of years of relentless dedication. Yet, this peak of professional triumph was swiftly followed by an unimaginable personal valley: the untimely passing of her father, Jessie Buntan, in December.
The juxtaposition of these two monumental life events — one a public celebration, the other a private heartbreak — has undeniably reshaped Buntan’s entire approach to life and competition. What was once a personal quest to prove her mettle on the global stage has now transformed into something far more meaningful, imbued with an unseen strength.
The “Selfish Sport” and a New Reason Why
Combat sports, by their very nature, are intensely individual. “When it`s just you in there,” Buntan reflects, “it`s a very selfish, selfish sport. You have no one else to blame but you, and you`re honestly doing it for yourself.” This candid observation highlights the solitary journey of an athlete. However, her father`s passing fundamentally altered this perspective.
“That`s kind of how I was up until a year ago when I lost my father. And that`s my reason why now.”
This statement encapsulates the profound shift. Her drive is no longer solely about personal achievement but about honoring a legacy, channeling grief into a potent source of power that transcends the physical demands of the sport. It`s a rare and compelling irony when a pursuit traditionally labeled “selfish” becomes an act of selfless devotion.
Navigating the Waves of Grief
While Buntan’s determination is palpable, she is refreshingly honest about the persistent presence of grief. It is not a switch that can be simply turned off. “Grief is – the best way I can explain it – is it`s a trip. It`s ongoing, and it comes in different waves. It comes in different emotions and, again, I don`t think it`s ever going to go away. It comes up randomly at the weirdest times,” she admits. This raw acknowledgment of her struggle adds a layer of relatable humanity to her extraordinary athletic endeavor.
Initially, Buntan maintained her characteristic privacy, preferring her actions in the ring to speak for themselves. Yet, after months of silence, she felt compelled to share her story, transforming her platform into a beacon of solidarity for others experiencing similar pain. It was a conscious choice to connect, to let fans know they are not alone in their journeys of loss.
A Father`s Evolving Pride
Jessie Buntan`s journey as a father watching his daughter enter the brutal world of combat sports was one of evolving understanding and immense pride. Initially apprehensive, he struggled to grasp why she would choose such a path. However, as Jackie’s career soared, particularly after her breakout win over Nat `Wondergirl` Jaroonsak in 2021, his perspective shifted dramatically.
The moment her fights began making headlines in the Philippines, especially appearing on national news channels like ABS-CBN, cemented his pride. “For me, it was like: `Oh my God, this is big. I`m in ONE.` But for him, he`s like: `Oh, my God, I saw you on ABS-CBN`, this news channel in the Philippines. That`s when he realised: `she`s a star,`” Buntan recounts. Despite rarely watching her live — unable to bear the thought of her getting hurt — his support was unwavering and his pride undeniable.
As Jackie continued her winning streak, rattling off three straight victories in 2021, her father`s initial fears gave way to confidence. He understood that she wasn`t just surviving in the ring; she was thriving. This recognition, this quiet pride, forms a powerful undercurrent to Jackie`s current motivation.
Fighting for More Than a Title
As Jackie Buntan prepares to step into the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok to face Stella Hemetsberger, the fight represents far more than just another championship belt. It is a profound act of remembrance, a demonstration of strength forged not just from physical training, but from emotional fortitude. It is a testament to the enduring power of familial love, and a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with grief. In every punch and every defense, Jackie Buntan will be fighting not just for herself, but for the memory of her father, making his legacy an integral part of her own.
