FCM One-on-One presents: Fredrick Butron

FCM One-on-One presents:  Fredrick Butron – Two Fights, Two Knockout Wins, and Ready for the Third one!

FCM met with Calgary’s boxer Fredrick Butron to talk about his childhood, parents, and boxing.

Born in the Philippines, his family immigrated to Ireland when he was 5 years old.  They then moved to Canada when he was 12.  He’s now 19 and is determined to make it big in the boxing scene.

FCM: How was it growing up in different places?
FB: It was a little hard to leave your friends and have to transition to a different place.  In Ireland I was a bit of a brat.  I got into fights in school and my parents had to go to the principal’s office.  Thankfully I grew up and matured.  I’m trying to be mature now every day.

FCM:  Who was your biggest influence growing up?
FB: I have to say my dad.  When we moved to Ireland, my mom had to go first. My dad, older brother, and older sister had to raise me until we reunited in Ireland.  My dad works hard to put food on the table.  He had a really good job in the Philippines, but gave it up for his a better life for his family.  He thinks about his family first.  He had to make sacrifices.  Both my mom and my dad made big sacrifices for us and I’m grateful.

FCM: Tell us about your boxing journey.
FB:  I started training in February this year.  Since then I’ve had two fights, and won both by knockout.  The first guy I fought I knocked him out in the first 21 second.  I went all the way to Slave Lake just to knock out my opponent in the first 21 seconds of the fight.  But he’s a brave guy.  Anyone who steps in the ring is a brave guy.

Before boxing I was a very shy individual.  Now I can assert myself and speak my mind.  Boxing gave me self-confidence.
FCM:  How about your second fight?
FB:  It took a little longer than the first one.  The doctor had to check him during the fight because he was taking a beating from me.  They had to check and see if he could continue.  But he continued on.  I got him on the chin and downed him.  The referee stopped the fight after that.

Now I’m on my third fight.  I’m planning to wear my opponent down in the first round.  If I see him crack on the second round I’ll try to go for a knockout.  If there’s an opportunity to knock him out, I’ll go for it.

FCM:  What got you interested in boxing?
FB:  Since high-school I’ve been thinking about boxing.  I asked myself, “What can I do that I love to do?”  And that’s boxing.  I fell in love with it and went for it.

FCM:  What do you look forward to with your boxing career?
FB:  My long term goal is to pay-off your parent’s mortgage and have them go travel.  They’ve made so much sacrifices for me.  I just want to give something back to them.

FCM:  Any message you want to give to guys your age?
FB:  Chase your dreams, no matter what others say.  You only live once.  Leave no regrets.

Fredrick fights this Saturday at the Grizzly Cage Combative Centre.