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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Saturday afternoon at Boston Boxing
Saturday afternoon, we stopped into Boston Boxing to see some more of Dave Walsh! Dave was looking as goofy as ever, but put his game face on when that bell went "ding!" We heard that Dave and his opponent, Dan, sparred for the first time two days prior, on Thursday, and had everyone in the gym watching and laughing! Trainer Ed LaVache said they sure can put on a real show! Don't wait to help Dave out and buy tickets here for his big fight May 17th at House of Blues for Haymakers for Hope Rock n' Rumble!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Daphne Wang
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether they've had first hand experience, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Daphne Wang, fighting out of Back Bay Boxing in Boston, MA.Where are you from? I grew up in Chelmsford, MA, currently live in Brookline, and moving to the South End in the fall.Where’d you go to college? Boston College - Eagles on the Warpath, Ooh Ahh!Did you play any sports growing up? Growing up I played soccer and tennis later on in high school. I recently picked up golf, TBD if I'm any good.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? In middle school, a friend dragged a group of us to a boxing gym after she saw a boxing reality TV show. It turned out to be one of the most terrifying experiences of my life - picture 3 scrawny middle school girls shadow boxing with grown adult men in the opposite of a boutique fitness studio. I never thought I'd be back to boxing... but I recently re-discovered boxing at Title Boxing Newbury St and have been loving it ever since!Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Getting in the ring was something that scared me and probably still does - I wanted to overcome that fear while also contributing towards an important cause.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? I've seen cancer affect my friends and family either directly or indirectly. What amazes me is their resilience. I'll be drawing on them for inspiration - my journey to Belles of the Brawl 2017 can't compare to what those fighting cancer are facing, but if my fundraising dollars can go towards knocking out cancer, then I'm all in.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Probably time spent mindlessly binging Bravo (#WheresCarl, #NewCraig). Also, the flexibility to ditch a workout when the weather is nice in favor of patio drinks.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love checking out new restaurants with friends. I pride myself on always knowing the hottest new spot in town and having the perfect dinner recs - Coppa in the South End is always a good choice!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Hopefully, those that would rather not see me get punched in the face exceed those that do, but I'm sure there are at least a couple people out there.Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Daphne!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Katie Barry
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether they've had first hand experience, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Katie Barry, fighting out of Redline Fight Sports in Cambridge, MA.Where are you from? I grew up on the North Shore. I lived in Newburyport until I was 14 then my mother moved us to the rival town of Amesbury. It was difficult being at that awkward age in life and having to make new friends, especially when you come from the rival town! It took a little bit of time to prove I wasn’t evil Where’d you go to college? I spent a year at Worcester State, I had big dreams of being a nurse but realized it wasn’t for me. After that, I attended Wentworth Institute because I thought I wanted to be an interior designer… not so much! I eventually landed in Culinary School at North Shore Community College where I found my true calling.Did you play any sports growing up? I played softball. I was a pretty good hitter, my parents would call me Mo Vaughn. Sometimes, if I was lucky, I could catch a fly ball. I also tried to play basketball in grade school but eventually, everyone grew taller and I didn’t, so…eventually everyone grew taller and I didn’t, so…What do you do for work? I am a Personal Chef & Caterer. I am also currently in school to be a Certified Holistic Health Coach. My plan is to bridge the two into a career of helping others eat & live their way to good health. I genuinely love what I do; cooking for my clients and seeing the joy on their faces is why I continue to do what I do with pure love.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? A year and a half ago I hit the highest weight I had ever been and knew I needed to gain control of my health. I changed my diet and lost some initial weight but after a few months, the scale wasn’t moving and I knew I needed to find an exercise that I could get excited about. I happened to stop into a boxing gym around the corner from my apartment and although the first few weeks were absolutely terrible (I threw up a few times), I always left feeling great and looking forward to coming back. It made the scale move which inspired and motivated me.Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? The first boxing coach I had mentioned Belles of the Brawl to me last year and took me to watch the 2016 fight. It ignited something in me and I was determined to do it this year. Now here I am, and I’m not sure what I got myself into!You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? First and foremost, a lot of my inspiration is coming from within. I’ve literally fought for my health over the past year and a half, losing 50 lbs. and gaining a new perspective on what it means to live. I’m not done fighting though and this fight is giving me the push I need to keep going. Cancer has affected my family tremendously. My Nana and my Uncle Billy both passed from cancer in addition to my Mother, who died September 19, 2011, from undetected brain cancer. My mom’s cancer had originated as breast cancer when I was just 11 years old and had spread to her bones when I was 23. It completely devastated my life and through that devastation, I lost control of my life for a few years. One day, it finally clicked that she would want so much more for me. So while I show up for training every day for myself, I’ll be showing up in the ring on October 5th especially for my mom, fighting in her honor.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Being a chef, going out to eat, trying new restaurants, and eating everything on the menu is just what I do. Market research, it’s a necessary thing! Although it will be difficult, I’ve started a list of all the restaurants I cannot wait to indulge in AFTER the fight.When you’re not throwing punches and training – what other hobbies/interests do you have? I really like food photography. I am not a good photographer by any means but I do take lots of photos of my food and post them on Instagram… gotta “do it for the gram”! I also really like doing Sudoku, Crossword, and Kakuro puzzles – I got that from my momma. Hiking is always a relaxing and peaceful pleasure but can’t seem to find the time to do it frequently enough.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Honestly, it will probably be my trainer(s) by the end of this… as long as I fight back.Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Katie!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Why Belles Fight
With 32 different women stepping into the ring for the first time on October 5th you can imagine there must be a lot of nerves and emotions swirling around. Excitement, fear, anticipation, hope, dread, the list goes on. They all have someone they are fighting for, they all have individual things driving them. Their lives have all been touched by cancer in some way. As fight night is approaching get an inside look as to what motivates these brave women who are stepping in the ring to literally knock out cancer. I'm drawing my inspiration from every strand of hair that I lost. From every sore on my scalp. From every family member that has been affected by this unforgiving disease and from every scar that has made me the woman I am today. I could have allowed my diagnosis to harden me or make me angry with the world, but I found a little glimpse of light through all the darkness. We cannot always control what life throws our way, we can only control our reaction to it. If you don't climb that mountain, you'll never see the view! - Stephanie Jandrys, The Way My papa is by far my greatest inspiration. I miss him every day. He was a fighter until the end. He was a kind man with the deepest sense of integrity I have known. He lost his battle to Multiple Myeloma 3 years ago. The medical staff that treated my grandfather and supported my family, went above and beyond to ensure my grandfather was treated with dignity and respect and that we all understood what was happening throughout his treatment. Because of that experience, my inspiration exceeds so much further to all the stories that I have shared with people and their battles and to all those who dedicate their life to treating, caring and fighting this disease. - Maria Scippa, Firicano Boxing & Fitness My grandfather who lost his fight but was one unstoppable man and my hero. And my aunt who is still in the fight, but a bad ass survivor, I am fighting for them! - Payal Patel, EverybodyFights I have had friends, family, my husband’s family and my friends family all battle cancer. I am also lucky enough to be on the other side and have friends working towards a cure – the strides that they have made and countless hours dedicated to researching for a cure with fruitful results has been incredibly inspirational to me. It’s very expensive to conduct these trials and every penny raised goes towards the end result of curing a particular type of cancer. Looking back from the early 1900’s up until present day, the magnitude of our efforts have clearly paid off thus far. - Sam Ory, Redline Fight Sports & UFC Gym I draw my inspiration from my Dad who passed from colon cancer at age 64. He was a Marine Corps Veteran of 38 years and I watched him battle cancer as hard as he possibly could, never giving up right until the very end. - Rebecca LeSaffre, The Way I was diagnosed with Leukemia about a month after my 4th birthday and spent the following years going through chemotherapy at UMASS Hospital. Over the years, my nana and my aunt Kathy courageously fought and lost their battles with cancer. Although my own fight with cancer is decades in the past, the doctors and nurses that treated me are still helping other little kids through their fights, and that is a huge source of inspiration. - Cara Early, EverybodyFights I'm drawing inspiration from a lot of sources - family, friends, my Belle-mates. You really never know what tomorrow will bring, and I find it incredibly inspiring that my participation in Haymakers today can contribute - even in some small way - to a better, more hopeful future for those who have been affected by cancer. - Marissa Polichene, Redline Fight Sports First and foremost, a lot of my inspiration is coming from within. I’ve literally fought for my health over the past year and a half, losing 50 lbs. and gaining a new perspective on what it means to live. I’m not done fighting though and this fight is giving me the push I need to keep going. Cancer has affected my family tremendously. My Nana and my Uncle Billy both passed from cancer in addition to my Mother, who died September 19, 2011, from undetected brain cancer. My mom’s cancer had originated as breast cancer when I was just 11 years old and had spread to her bones when I was 23. It completely devastated my life and through that devastation, I lost control of my life for a few years. One day, it finally clicked that she would want so much more for me. So while I show up for training every day for myself, I’ll be showing up in the ring on October 5th especially for my mom, fighting in her honor. - Katie Barry, Redline Fight Sports Unfortunately, I think there are few people that cancer hasn't affected in some way. My grandfather, grandmother, and godmother are all cancer survivors! My brother's best friend and best man passed away at 26 years old this past January from ALL. My motivation to participate in Haymakers (which was already high) sky-rocketed after that. The fight is three weeks before my brother's wedding, and his best man will only get to be there in spirit. We need to find a cure for these diseases! - Nicole Bezreh, BoxSmith Everywhere you turn, someone is fighting for something--incredible causes and even their lives. My mother was recently diagnosed with cancer, I want her to know I’m there fighting with her and for her. She doesn’t have to face this alone. - Adriana Kosiba, EverybodyFights I literally can remember the word CANCER from the day I can pretty much remember anything as a young child. Although at the time I didn’t fully understand what it was, I knew it was what my cousin Jamie (2 yrs my senior) had been diagnosed with. Jaime was my best friend and passed away at home from brain cancer right before her 7th birthday. I’d be lying if I said there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her and what it would’ve been like to have her here all these years through life’s milestones. This is why I have asked for all of my donations to be restricted to Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer Center. Jaime spent a lot of time in Boston Children’s Hospital as did my family. I know she’ll be there looking down cheering me on come October 5th!Unfortunately, in my early teens CANCER returned to my life this time taking the life of my cousin Tracy, she was beautiful, successful, engaged and building her dream house as a young adult. I always looked up to her and she was taken from us way before her time. I think it was then I really realized how much Cancer sucks!!! Many other friends & people I know have been severely affected by Cancer, and the more I talk to people about Haymakers the more I learn of people whom have fought the battle or are currently. -- Jacqui Berardi, Nonantum Boxing Club My students are my inspiration. We don’t give our youth enough credit-they are more resilient and capable than we think. We, as a society, do not provide them with enough opportunities to show that they can be change makers in our community. It doesn’t have to be when you’re in college or when you’re an adult. Change happens now. It’s about self-discipline- what you learn in that 1 hr of training is more than you’ll ever know. You’re learning skills, life skills, discipline and above all, you’re learning about you. How you respond and how you can improve. If you apply those same skills that you’ve learned in that practice/training/game—you are learning so much more. You are a lot stronger than you think you are and you can convince yourself of anything with the right mindset. As a teacher, I practice what I preach and I hope to be that example for my students-to show them that we all fight in our own ways and that even when we don’t think we’re ready, we have to just try. - Alice Liao, Back Bay Boxing My interest in boxing slowly evolved to a point where I decided I might fight. Haymakers for Hope supports such a good cause. I've lost three grandparents and an aunt to the disease, and have watched other loved ones battle with it.What pushed me to apply for Belles was when my friend and coworker was diagnosed with lung cancer in April. It was heartbreaking - how can this happen to such an amazing person? Kind, funny, caring, active, healthy, strong, a new mother - it's not right. Tragically, she lost her fight to this horrible disease in mid-July. She is so missed. This one goes to her. - Jackie Jane, EverybodyFights I've seen cancer affect my friends and family either directly or indirectly. What amazes me is their resilience. I'll be drawing on them for inspiration - my journey to Belles of the Brawl 2017 can't compare to what those fighting cancer are facing, but if my fundraising dollars can go towards knocking out cancer, then I'm all in. - Daphne Wang, Back Bay Boxing Cancer affects millions of people and their families. Cancer has hit my family and hit it hard. Some have survived and unfortunately, some succumbed to this disease. I am fighting for every person that cancer has affected! - Deja Cairns, Elite Boxing & Fitness My inspiration is coming from seeing my grandmother, aunt and uncle all lose their battles to cancer, as well as seeing friends and acquaintances fight. My hope is that my generation can be the generation to cure cancer, and that one day a cancer diagnosis will be as easy to cure as the flu. - Hillary Goodall, EverybodyFights Everyone has their own reasons for getting into the ring and fighting for a cure. My inspiration to fight for a cure comes from my family, my friends and my team. My father’s strength, my mother’s heart and my sisters tenacity provide me with the focus and inspiration to train every day. A few years ago I watched a friend and co-worker fight and win his battle with Cancer. He may not know, but he inspired me to make some serious life changes and clean up my health (I quit smoking 2 years ago…whoop, whoop!). My team, we call ourselves the “Lion Pride” and this is the toughest group of people I’ve ever been a part of. I draw inspiration from them every day as we train together for our own fights. We have seen each other during the highs and the lows, but we will always have each other’s backs, we are always in each other’s corner. - Laura Julian, EverybodyFights My inspiration to fight comes from my mom who is a three-time cancer survivor, and from my friend Rita who lost her battle with cancer this past summer. I’ve yet to meet someone that cancer hasn’t affected in some way, and I look forward to the day I meet someone it hasn’t. It’s time to make cancer something of the past. I figure if my mom can beat cancer three times, I can handle three rounds in the ring (fingers crossed). - Leigh Cassidy, EverybodyFights I really wanted to be able to see if I could positively impact others’ lives and give back using something that was able to vastly increase my quality of life. Everyone I’m surrounded by when training is humble, supportive, and strong. It’s awesome that I’m able to celebrate my newfound passion and give back at the same time. - Mary-Kate Champagne, Union Street Boxing I’m very grateful that I am able to say that cancer has not had any devastating effects on myself or my family , which I realize is a rare thing for a person to be able to say. I guess that’s why its so important to work together to find a cure because unfortunately most people aren’t able to say that cancer hasn’t affected them or their families. I have had a few family members with cancer but luckily they all caught it early and were able to K.O. their cancer relatively quickly. Unfortunately, from working in the hospital, I have seen many people and families that have been affected. I see how hard it is, not only for the patient but for the entire family. The hardest is seeing kids that have cancer and their parents. You can see in the parents eyes just how helpless they feel. That is the absolutely worst feeling as parent, to feel helpless when it comes to your child. You want to be able to protect your child from anything bad, especially something like this. Haymakers is a great way to fight back and not be helpless in the battle against cancer. - Colleen Lawes, Nonantum Boxing Club Specifically, I'm fighting for my best friends daughter, Savanah, who started out fighting at just 9 months old. For the pokes, scans, tests, and appointments far away that her and her family have had to go through. I have watched family and friends close to me struggle to stay comfortable, pain free and live a "normal" life. I have seen family members saddened and heart broken and for them I fight. - Kate Merrill, Jim McNally Boxing Sadly, my story isn’t very different from many other stories. Who hasn’t Cancer touched?I lost my mother Rita 7 years ago to Lung Cancer. It was horribly quick…. 10 months from diagnosis to her passing. And what made it even worse was that she wasn’t even living in MA when she was diagnosed. She was in Florida at the time, and the day in July of 2009 when she called me and told me her biopsy came back malignant – I made a phone call to Dana Farber and had her scheduled for an appointment within 7 days. They were wonderful! All she needed to do was have her records copied for them. Unfortunately, my parents chose to have treatments where they lived and finally conceded to come back up for treatment at the Farber in December of 2009. At that point, the cancer despite her chemo and radiation prior had metastasized to her bones and her internal organs. She lived with my husband and our kids while she was going back and forth for treatments. After one round of chemo here in Boston that didn’t shrink anything, she opted to choose hospice. That was the last week of March; my mom passed on May 8th, the day before Mother’s Day 2010 in what was truly an emotional blur.This past weekend, a girl I graduated high school with passed away from a squamous cell skin cancer that affected her throat and tongue. Sadly, she lost her battle leaving behind her husband and two children who are far too young to be without their 46-year-old mother. One of my trainers, Jim McNally – his brother Bernie is battling Brain Cancer. And just today, one of my best friends was told that she has Thyroid Cancer. I’m so scared for her. Cancer is no longer a word you whisper in conversations; it’s in our faces, larger than life and we need to do something about it.These are just some of the many stories that I draw my inspiration from. Because in the big picture, my training and 6 minutes in the ring pale in comparison to the literal fight for their lives that far too many people are in. - Rebecca Beraldi, Jim McNally Boxing I am fighting for every person who is battling or has lost their battle - they are the strongest people I know and the most courageous fighters. I can get in the ring and take hits, for that is no comparison to rounds of chemo, surgery, radiation, or the devastation of losing a loved one.I am also drawing inspiration from a few specific people. I lost my best friend and my grandmother a day apart from each other when I was 15. That was my first real experience with loss - and a double whammy at that. Those losses changed my life, and I fight every day to honor the fight that they showed during their illnesses. I would give anything to tell them I love them one more time - but I draw inspiration from the fact that my work here might give someone else that chance, one more chance to smile, laugh and hug their loved ones.Another person that I draw inspiration from is Sandy Hoffman, a friend and colleague from Bentley University. After a lengthy process of misdiagnosis, Sandy was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer- adrenal cortical carcinoma - and was given only months to live. Being one of the toughest and most selfless people I have ever met -Sandy coached and worked tirelessly throughout her cancer treatments, giving a new meaning to the term “strong.” She gives me inspiration to this day to “Get Tough” as she liked to tell her volleyball players. During Sandy’s battle, her volleyball players raised money for rare cancer research through a campaign called “Dig Lavendar.” Their funds were subsequently donated to Dana Farber, where Sandy had been treated. It is my honor to continue this fundraising journey with Dana Farber in search of a cure.The following quote was listed in Sandy’s obituary:“It’s impossible”, said pride. “It’s risky” said experience. “Give it a try” whispered the HEART.” This quote sums up both Sandy, and my inspiration to tackle this journey. - Adrian Wright-Fitzgerald, EverybodyFights
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Mary Kate Champagne
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether they've had first hand experience, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Mary Kate Champagne, fighting out of Union Street Boxing in Woburn, MA.Where are you from? Plattsburgh, NY- I grew up on a beef farm 20 minutes south of Canada and graduated with 35 people in my high school class.Where did you go to college? Providence College- I was an English major and a scholarship athlete on the women’s cross-country and track and field teams.Did you play any sports growing up? Track and cross-country- I was a multiple-time All-American in distance events and ran my way to a college scholarship. After college, I competed semi-professionally, made a few US teams, and traveled internationally for running.What do you do for work? I work in sales for Black Duck Software, a cybersecurity company that helps organizations manage risks associated with the use of open source.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I’ve always wanted to box, but I haven’t always wanted to fight. I took up boxing for fitness earlier this year after a low period in my life and fell in love with the culture and positivity it instilled in me. My friend encouraged me to sign up for H4H when he saw how much I was enjoying it. Having a meaningful goal has made it so much more fulfilling.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? I really wanted to be able to see if I could positively impact others’ lives and give back using something that was able to vastly increase my quality of life. Everyone I’m surrounded by when training is humble, supportive, and strong. It’s awesome that I’m able to celebrate my newfound passion and give back at the same time.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Yes, cancer has affected me and countless people I know, both friends and family—namely my grandparents.What’s is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? I’m not an all-or-nothing kind of person, so I’ll have to say sleep. Training before and after work most days can leave little room for rest, but I try to sneak naps in whenever I can.When you’re not throwing punches and training, what other hobbies/interests do you have? I guess before this I would have said boxing was my hobby. I’m interested in comedy, mental health advocacy, playing darts, doing elaborate hair and beauty routines, and just doing my thing, whatever that happens to be at the moment. I am pretty restless and don’t like having too much downtime. My personal motto is STAY HYDRATED AND SUFFER NO FOOLS—as long as I’m doing that, I’m good.Whow do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face? The last guy I knocked out.Be sure to check out her fundraising page he re and wish her luck! Best of luck, Mary Kate!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Sunday sparring at Peter Welch's Gym
Sunday afternoon, the Haymakers team went to South Boston to check-in with our guys there. We saw Chris McGuirk, Brian Ludwig, Matt Crane, and Mike Connolly. Although some of these guys are nursing minor injuries, they were looking lean and mean! Brian Ludwig only went a few rounds, but this kid is like lightning! My camera can barely catch him (as you can see here!) Click here to buy tickets to see Brian fight! Chris McGuirk brought a fan club this week, with the leader being former Haymakers for Hope fighter Keith O'Connell! Click here to buy tickets to see Chris fight! Big Mike Connolly was looking as big as ever (which is still about three inches shorter than his opponent!). Click here to buy tickets to see Mike fight! We also got to see Matt Crane go for a few rounds, and land some nice looking punches! Click here to buy tickets to see Matt fight! We can't wait until the big night, May 17th at House of Blues for Haymakers for Hope Rock n' Rumble! See you all there!!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Monday Night at Combat Sports
Last night the Haymakers crew made their way down to North Station to check in on the team training at Combat Sports Boston. We caught up with four of the five fighters and they all looked great. The improvement from all of them is remarkable, and they all are chomping at the bit to get in the ring on May 17th at the House of Blues: Buy tickets here. Nick has been a gym rat the past few months and it's really starting to show. He obviously has a lot of power, but we are amazed by how quick and athletic he is. Nick, a former BC Football player is fighting one of his BC teammates, which should bring fireworks on May 17th. To help Nick fight the good fight check out his onlinefundraising page. Max's hard work and dedication have really been paying dividends. Every time we see him he his leaps and bounds ahead of where he was the week before. Check out Max's training album on Facebook, and click here to help Max raise money and awareness for cancer research. My Favorite part about watching Doug work out his the great faces he makes (see photo). Doug is everyone's favorite sparring partner at Combat because he's not too big for the little guys, yet not too small to work with the big guys (see Max and Nick), so he's getting punched by everyone! Luckily Doug is a good sport. If you want to support Doug in his fight against cancer, you can check out his fundraising page. Jamie has been one of our most improved fighters throughout the training process. Last night he was refining some of his combinations and technique, and the attention to detail has paid off for him. If you want to check out some of Jamie's training pics take a look at his training album on Facebook or to donate to Jamie's cause click here.
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Checking in with Peter Goodall at Fitness Advantage
Last night we made the trek out to Medfield to Fitness Advantage to check in on Peter Goodall. Peter is our oldest participant this year, but is arguably the most in shape fighter we have. He could run circles around some of our twenty-something fighters. The trainers at Fitness Advantage put him through the ringer. We witness Peter power through the class like it was nothing, then strap on the gear for a couple rounds of sparring, which went great! We are really excited to see Peter step in the ring on May 17th at the House of Blues! To buy tickets to come watch Peter and all of the other fighters click here. Check out Peter's Facebook album to see all of his training pictures. Also take a look at this video of Peter doing a frog crawl, which we wouldn't want to do ever! Please support Peter in his efforts to raise money and awareness for cancer research by donating here.
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Monday Night Visit to Combat Sports
Last night the Haymakers team was all over the place, and one of our stops was North Station to check in on the team at Combat Sports. I have to say that North Station on game night is one of my least favorite places to go, but on a non game night (like last night) it is actually quite nice.Anyway we met up with four of the five guys working out at Combat, and they all looked great! Make sure you are following all of their progress on our Facebook page, where you can see all of the latest pictures and videos of Team Combat. The highlight of the night was Nick trying to compete with "Shirtless" Ray from Nonantum on how many shirtless pictures they can get for the ladies... Make sure you get your tickets for this years event on May 17th at the House of Blues! Last year's event sold out, so don't wait.Jamie went though the conditioning class run by our friend Lee, before hopping in the ring to work on his technique. I got to say, I would never want to go through one of Lee's classes. They're BRUTAL! I think you should Donate to Jamie's cause just because of what he is putting his body through...Doug did a lighter workout yesterday after really pushing it over the weekend. Usually the janitors have to kick Doug out while they're trying close up the place! He did get a full workout in, it just wasn't a typical Doug workout that is usually 3 times what a normal person does. Please support all of Doug's hard work by going to his fundraising page and donating.Max has shown tremendous progress over the course of his training, and he is getting pretty slim! We almost didn't recognize him. Max got some sparring in with fellow participant Nick, and it was a true heavyweight showdown. Make sure to go to our Facebook page to check out the clip. Also, don't forget to Donate to Max, as he literally fights for a cure!As I said earlier, Nick is competing for the most shirtless pictures, and although he isn't quite at the level of "Shirtless" Ray, he is gaining on him. Nick looked as athletic as ever yesterday moving around with Max, and is going to be a force to be reckoned with on May 17th at the House of Blues! Please support Nick's efforts by making a Donation to help fight cancer.
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rock ‘N Rumble VII: Ryan Coffey
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble VII in Boston, MA on May 18th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Ryan Coffey, fighting out of Nonantum Boxing Club in Newton, MA.Where are you from? I am from Needham, Massachusetts and now live in South Boston.Where’d you go to college? I went to St. Lawrence University.Did you play any sports growing up? I played Hockey, baseball, and tennis.What do you do for work? I am an account executive at the Boston Globe. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I had always been a fan of boxing and had gone to classes on and off for a few years. I never really pictured myself boxing. I really wanted to do Haymakers after I saw my brother do it a few years ago.Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? After I saw my brother do it, and how he talked so highly of his experience, I knew that I wanted to challenge myself like that. I had always played a sport, even in college, so I wanted to get into that routine again. I also wanted to do something charitable, especially given how many people I know who have battled cancer.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Nearly 5 years ago, my mom Ann was diagnosed with cancer. This is not a sad story, but a story of courage, combativeness, and fight. I was not around during those long, exhausting days when she had her treatments, as I was at school 6 hours away. It was hard to not be present to comfort her the way the rest of my family could. She never would hold this against me, but in my mind I always knew I would pay her back. I think that doing this is tribute to her on my part. I also lost my cousin Emma, who was only 10 months old, to cancer in high school. I wear a wristband for her everyday so without a doubt I am fighting for Emma and her family as well.I am honored, and privileged to announce that I will be participating in the 2017 Haymakers for Hope Rock N Rumble Boxing Event this May. Through this emotional and physical battle, I not only hope to raise money for Cancer research, but also pay tribute to my mom for all that she went through. Just like her, I am going to fight like hell, keeping her and everyone else who has battled or continues to battle this awful disease.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Beer. I love bud lights so giving up those for an extended period of time won’t be easy. But that is the whole point of this, to challenge yourself.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love golf and playing hockey. I also love the Bruins, Sox, and Patriots so I try to go to as many games as I can.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My sister Jaclyn, for sure. She and I are really close in age and have had our fair share of battles. I know she wants me to win more than anyone, but she definitely wouldn’t mind seeing me take a few shots.Be sure to check out his fundraising page here. Best of luck, Ryan!
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