From Laborer to Champion: Salatiel Amit’s Inspiring Rise in Boxing

Posted on Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:27 am

TACLOBAN CITY — From humble beginnings in Naval, Biliran, to fighting on professional stages and eventually becoming a boxing coach abroad, Salatiel Amit’s journey is a powerful story of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering passion for the sport.

Carrying a professional record of 12 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws, with 8 knockouts, Amit’s path to boxing was far from easy.

“I loved boxing since I was young,” Amit shared, “but there were no opportunities back home.”

Instead, he pursued baseball during high school, earning a scholarship that temporarily shifted his focus away from the ring. But fate had other plans.

A Chance Encounter in Cebu

In May 2012, Amit moved to Cebu and worked in construction. After months of labor, a turning point came when his brother-in-law told him about a boxing gym in Mabolo, known as a training ground for fighters like John Riel Casimero.

With no experience at age 20, Amit hesitated, but his determination pushed him forward. Initially dismissed by a gym guard due to his age and lack of background, he refused to quit. The next day, he returned and was finally given a chance by a conditioning coach.

By October 2012, he began training. Just a month later, he had his first amateur bout. By January 2013, he turned professional, and made an immediate impact by winning his debut via knockout.

Early Success and Harsh Reality

Amit quickly built momentum, stacking victories and showcasing his knockout power. But without strong promotional backing, he faced a difficult road, often taking fights wherever opportunities arose.

His undefeated streak ended against Jade Bornea, a more experienced opponent from the national team. The loss was devastating.

“I cried out of frustration,” he recalled. “I felt like I couldn’t do anything in the ring.”

Still, he pressed on.

A major opportunity came when he fought veteran Rey Loreto Taconing for the WBC International title. However, the lack of proper guidance proved costly. Without a coach during fight week and poor preparation after the weigh-in, Amit entered the bout in bad condition.

In the final round, he was dropped, suffering his second defeat.

Life Outside the Ring

In 2017, personal challenges emerged. His girlfriend became pregnant, forcing them into a difficult situation as they tried to keep it hidden while she continued her studies. The pressure affected his focus, leading to inconsistent performances.

Eventually, he was released by his promoter and returned to construction work.

But boxing found its way back into his life.

Through his partner’s family, Amit joined a newly formed boxing club. In September 2018, he achieved a major milestone, winning the PBF Super Flyweight Championship, his first title.

Setbacks and Comebacks

In 2019, Amit fought in Thailand but lost by unanimous decision. He stepped away from boxing once again.

Later that year, he signed with ALA Promotions, one of the country’s top boxing stables. With only two weeks of preparation, he entered another fight, not expecting victory, but hoping to earn money and return home. The bout ended in the seventh round, marking another setback.

Despite the loss, Amit stayed connected to the sport. He later met coach Jessie Casas, who gave him the opportunity to work in a local gym. While training clients and mentoring young fighters, Amit quietly continued his own preparation.

In 2022, after three years of inactivity, Amit was offered a final opportunity to fight for the PBF Bantamweight title by PMAJ Niño A. Mataro (Ret), owner of Haiyan Punch Boxing Promotion.

Against the odds, he delivered one last victory, winning by split decision.

It would be his final fight.

Today, Salatiel Amit is in Beijing, China, working as a boxing coach, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.

His journey may not have been perfect, but it is undeniably inspiring, a testament to resilience, heart, and the enduring love for boxing.

“I never gave up,” Amit said. “No matter how many times I fell, I kept going.”

(Photo credits: Salatiel Amit)