MISFITS BOXING star Salt Papi was fighting BLIND until a £6,000 surgery – having also dramatically transformed his body.
The TikToker got lasik eye surgery in 2023 and ditched his trademark rimless glasses after at last getting his vision fixed.
And the Filipino – real name Nathaniel Bustamante – no longer has to rely on just fighting instincts when facing opponents.
Salt Papi told SunSport in Doha: “I could only see a statue. I couldn’t see their facial expressions. Just a statue, I had to hit whatever I can hit.
“I kind’ve got used to it. But it’s much better now, I can see my opponent’s facial expressions. If they’re tired, if they’re scared.”
Salt Papi is 5-2 as a boxer and had even professional world champions signing his praises.
And his natural talent was so remarkable rumours swirled that he had a secret amateur record back home in the Philippines.
But Salt Papi said: “I never had an amateur background. I only started boxing two-and-a-half years ago.
“Andy Warski, my first fight on Misfits, that was my second fight only.”
Salt Papi has lost a stunning THREE STONE from chubby 15st 7lb beginner to ripped 12st 1lb middleweight.
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And the secret?
“Training and eating less!” he says with a cheeky grin.
Salt Papi now returns on Thursday in Qatar against YouTuber King Kenny.
It will be his second fight since losing to American Slim Albaher, who fights AnEsonGib in the Middle East main-event.
And Salt Papi said: “I feel like King Kenny is one of the best, up there with Slim, Gib. I can’t underestimate this guy. I have to beat this guy.
“If I beat him, I don’t care who I fight next but I want to fight Slim. If Gib decides to take a break, I’d still fight Slim even if he’s the winner or loser.”
