Interview and review by Adrian Vallesteros
In the heart of Macau, local Filipino boxing champion Alvin Salinas (沙爾文) stands as a living testament to what discipline and perseverance can achieve. He has gone through the many pivotal milestones of his journey to success. His transformation into a strong athlete from a shy, introverted child is proof of the value of perseverance and good habits.
In a recent interview with the Post, Salinas was asked to talk about his experiences, his training, and the lessons he’s learnt in order to hopefully inspire those who come across his story.
A humble beginning & inspiration from family
Macau-born Salinas’ path to boxing began during his senior high years, a time when he sought not just physical fitness but a means to forge his identity. Growing up, he described himself as “lazy and shy,” admitting he was not the most athletic. “If you had told me as a kid that I would become a boxer, I would tell them, ‘I must be dreaming [at that],’” he recalled with a chuckle. Yet, he said that he knew that he wanted something more—something that would help him earn respect in a way that felt true to himself. “I really wanted to change myself in order to be someone who I would be proud of,” he reflected.
Boxing provided that outlet, allowing him to have “his own fight.” He contrasted boxing with team sports, where he admitted that the pressure felt overwhelming. “In boxing, it’s just me in the ring. I found peace when I found my own style,” he explained.
When asked if there were any inspirational figures he looked up to in his life, Salinas talked fondly about his older brother who played football for Macau. “He is very charismatic and athletic,” he remarked, emphasising that he greatly admired him. However, when he realised that following in his brother’s footsteps in team sports wasn’t meant for him, it ultimately led him to discover his own individual path in boxing. Despite often poking fun at his own journey, saying, “so sad, always alone,” Salinas found motivation in his brother’s success: “I hoped to be like him and maybe even better,” he joked.
The role of healthy habits
Throughout the interview, Salinas highlighted the pivotal role of healthy habits in his life. He has put great emphasis on highlighting “consistency over perfection,” encouraging aspiring athletes to focus on small, achievable goals rather than getting lost in the pursuit of perfection. His routine, built on discipline and enjoyment, has been instrumental in his journey. “If you’re not enjoying what you do, you won’t enjoy the journey,” he advised.
Salinas emphasised the importance of setting clear goals, no matter how small. He talked about how creating a routine helps you stay on track. “It’s about taking one step at a time.” His approach to training is reflective of this philosophy; he believes that even small efforts, repeated consistently, can lead to significant progress over time.
The fight outside the ring
Salinas’ journey, though marked by success, has not been without hardship. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Macau, it brought his training to an abrupt halt. “Everything stopped,” he recalled. His coach, Macau’s former professional boxer Ng Kuok Kun aka KK walked away from the sport, leaving Alvin to train alone. Without sparring partners, with boxing being a niche sport in Macau, and without guidance, he felt unprepared for looming competitions. “It’s like showing up for an exam you didn’t study for,” he admitted. The isolation weighed on him; the struggle wasn’t just the fight itself, but the gruelling process of staying ready amid uncertainty.
Another persistent challenge was the pressure to choose stability over his dream. This dilemma had loomed over him since the beginning of his career. Reflecting on it, Salinas shared that he never expected his boxing journey to go this far, but his recent victory has reignited his drive to keep pushing forward.
Through these obstacles, Salinas developed a resilient mindset. He reaffirmed that success isn’t about perfection, but consistency. To aspiring athletes, he offers this advice: acknowledge setbacks, but don’t let them define you. “Maybe it’s just a bad day, not a bad life.” This philosophy has been crucial to his growth, a reminder that greatness often demands perseverance through adversity.
Sacrifices for success
For younger people who look up to him, Salinas emphasises the reality of his journey: “It’s not easy. What I’m doing right now, it’s not easy.” He acknowledges the numerous sacrifices he’s made along the way, noting that “you have to cut some things down in order to improve yourself to chase your dreams.” He points out that “the hardest part isn’t the training part,” highlighting the social sacrifices involved he made along his journey.
Despite these challenges, Salinas firmly believes in the worth of his sacrifices. “I can tell you, the sacrifices made are more than 100 percent worth it,” he said. Reflecting on his last match, which was his pro debut fight which took place on March 2 at the Elorde Sports Centre in Manila, he said, “I bore so much stress, so much sacrifice and training. The moment [the referee] raised my hand, I shouted, it felt like such a relief.” This just highlights how this win for him was particularly meaningful; it represented how he overcame self-doubt. “I proved to myself that I could do it as well,” he reflected. “The moment the referee raised my hand, there was no feeling compared to that.”
Salinas’ recent success has also fuelled his motivation for the future. “Thinking about what you’re going to accomplish next has got me more motivated,” he noted.
Advice for aspiring athletes
Salinas, 22, underscores the importance of “building a strong foundation” for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps. According to him, “healthy habits are formed early through strong life foundations,” and progress should be a gradual, step-by-step process, as “every day is a learning journey.” He also highlighted the critical role of mental resilience, particularly for the next generation, observing that “young people often give up too easily.” For him, this resilience is key to overcoming challenges and setbacks.
Fostering confidence is another important aspect he highlighted. He believes that completing tasks you set for the day can boost self-esteem, allowing you to want to work towards your goals more effectively. Additionally, surrounding oneself with a loving and supportive community is essential, because growth often involves stepping into uncomfortable or stressful situations-inevitable parts of the journey. In these moments, he emphasised, encouragement from others can make all the difference.
Finally, Salinas conveyed the importance of humility. He advised people to remember and reflect on how they “got this far.” He also said that staying humble is something that he values greatly. He acknowledged, “The world is too big for me,” recognising that there are countless individuals from whom he can learn.
A message of vulnerability
Beyond discipline, Salinas stands as a symbol of perseverance through vulnerability. In the interview, he spoke up for vulnerability and about how it should be normalised, encouraging others to share their struggles. “It’s okay to be vulnerable,” as he explained how we all have different challenges, and talking about them can help others who may be able to relate.
By being open about his own experiences, he hopes to inspire and encourage other athletes to embrace their individual differences and journeys, and hopefully be open to being vulnerable, no matter how challenging they may be. As he continues to pursue his dreams in the ring, his story serves as a reminder that success is not merely about talent and natural skills, or an overnight happening, but there are countless sacrifices, and relentless perseverance.
Photos recently provided by Alvin Salinas
