The latest
Monday Jul 22, 2019
Boxer in Training: Liz Abbott-Beaumont
You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on September 19th, things have started to pick up a bit. Training is getting more intense. They’ve been punched in the face. Most have had a bloody nose here or there, their diets have changed, and boxing is becoming an everyday part of their lives. So we figured it was about time to check back in and see how things have been going. Liz Abbott-Beaumont has been putting in work at Urban Boxing DC and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? It was going great! Unfortunately, I fractured my rib in a sparring round two weeks ago so I've been slightly stunted. However, I've been doing what I can to retain the strength until I'm ready to jump in again!What is your weekly routine? On average, I do 4-5 days at the boxing gym depending on when the classes fall, and then I would run 3 times a week. Currently while injured, I'm able to walk long distances, I've been trying to do arm weight exercises, and I can do the sitting bike without further aggravating my rib.How has your diet changed since training began? SO MUCH. I downloaded a calorie counting app and it has truly forced me to think about what I put in my body. Because I love food, it's almost like playing a game with myself where I see how much food I can consume within my daily limit in order to hit my target weight.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? Intense... I thought I knew what I was doing until I took a glove to the face. It's really hard to be prepared for your first experience when your opponent (the bag) hasn't been hitting you back.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? The rib fracture... definitely the rib fracture.What does your family think of your participation? They are of course supportive of the cause, but I think are concerned about overall safety, like a parent would :)It’s amazing how many people’s lives have been touched by cancer in some way - has there been anyone that has surprised you by their story? There have been several. I've been very surprised and touched by how many people thanked me for doing this and told me the story about how their dad or grandparent or sibling or friend or even themselves were affected. It's been very inspiring and a little overwhelming when you realize just how many people this impacts.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? I wouldn't say it has changed, but it has definitely widened. I joined this campaign because I wanted to see true change and true impact. Watching everyone's fundraising numbers climb and seeing the excitement this is generating among my friends and coworkers is pretty phenomenal. I can't wait to see where everything is on media day!Donate to Liz or purchase a ticket to The Beltway Brawl on September 19th here!
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Monday Jul 22, 2019
Boxer in Training: Kristin Menconi
You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on October 9th, things have started to pick up a bit. Training is getting more intense. They’ve been punched in the face. Most have had a bloody nose here or there, their diets have changed, and boxing is becoming an everyday part of their lives. So we figured it was about time to check back in and see how things have been going. Kristin Menconi has been putting in work at BoxSmith and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? It's crazy to look back at videos and see how far I've come (but I have so much more to learn!). The training portion has definitely become more of a staple in my life and it's only going to intensify as we get closer to fight night.What is your weekly routine? I currently do a bags class and spar twice a week. I'm also lifting, running, doing plyometrics, shadow boxing and a TON of burpees (I honestly would be fine not doing another burpee in my lifetime!).How has your diet changed since training began? I've always been a super conscious and clean eater so the diet portion of the training so far has been okay. We've definitely scaled back on the carbs though, so that was a bit of a transition.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? Sparring is by far the most humbling experience I have had through this training process. You can hit the bags and think you have all the footwork down but once you set in that ring, your brain goes to mush! You have to think and move quick, while dodging AND taking punches. It's good experience but not my favorite!What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? I'm trying to be as conscious as possible about burning out. There are some days in my training when I'm putting in almost three hours (lifting, bags class and sparring) and that can be draining mentally, physically and even emotionally. Some days you are at 100 percent and some days you aren't. Rest days are so vital in just letting your body catch up and chill out.What does your family think of your participation? By far, my favorite quote from my Dad has been "you know if you break your nose, they will have to reset it." Well, thanks Dad! My family is nervous and supportive at the same time but they won't pass up an opportunity to remind me that boxing entails that I will be getting hit...HARD!It’s amazing how many people’s lives have been touched by cancer in some way - has there been anyone that has surprised you by their story? What has been so touching is seeing the people that are donating to my page and chatting with them about how cancer has impacted their lives personally. It goes to show that you never know what's going on in someone's life and that we should all just be a little kinder to one another.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? I've been constantly inspired throughout this process whether it's from my fellow boxers at BoxSmith, friends and family, the students that I work with, or other people that are going out there doing things bigger than themselves. Every time I feel tired or questioning whether or not I can push through, I am reminded of those who receive a cancer diagnosis that have no choice but to face it. They inspire me and keep me going.Donate to Kristin or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl VII on October 9th here!
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Monday Jul 8, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Michael Dendas
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Michael Dendas, fighting out of Urban Boxing Bethesda.Where are you from? Branford, CTWhere’d you go to college? Trinity College Did you play any sports growing up? Yes. Football and LacrosseWhat do you do for work? I work for the Government Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I could never envision myself boxing, which was part of the appeal. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To raise money and challenge myself. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Growing up, I had a cousin who was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer. Obviously, it had a dramatic effect on my family but my cousin and family were fortunate to find comfort in a place called the Children's INN. When I moved to DC, I became involved with the INN and have been ever since. It is a fantastic place and I would hope people would somehow become involved, as well-- https://childrensinn.org/ What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Early mornings. Wait, I'm supposed to give up beer and cheeseburgers?When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? My wife and I just bought a house, so I'm painting a lot of cabinets and mowing the lawn. Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? James Maxwell, by a long shot.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Mike!
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Monday Jul 8, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Adam Aljoburi
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Adam Aljoburi, fighting out of Downtown Boxing.Where are you from? Boca Raton, FloridaWhere’d you go to college? University of Florida Did you play any sports growing up? FootballWhat do you do for work? Attorney Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I was seeking a physical and mental challenge that would push me while also allowing me to "unplug" from daily life during the workouts. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To challenge myself while contributing to an excellent 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? My inspiration comes from the people out there who are fighting cancer What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Probably beers and wings during the first part of football seasonWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Cooking; Spending Time with Family and Friends; Reading; TV ShowsWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Doink and DinkCheck out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Adam!
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Tuesday Jul 2, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Kyle Huffstetler
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Kyle Huffstetler.Potomac, MDWhere’d you go to college? Boston College Did you play any sports growing up? Pretty much every sportWhat do you do for work? Food & Beverage in the CPG space Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? No, I definitely did not. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To get in shape, raise money for a great cause, and meet interesting/new people. 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, very closely, as it has for pretty much everyone.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) No single item specifically, however, the formation and continuation of good habits is very difficult and will definitely be the most challenging part.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Cooking (French trained chef), all things food, tennis, platform tennis, a forgotten love for power lifting, not wearing socks, Strategy & Operations, hanging out with my wife/French bulldog.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Likely some of my palsCheck out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Kyle!
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Tuesday Jul 2, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Jesse Stephens
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Jesse Stephens, fighting out of Urban Boxing Bethesda / Beta Academy.Where are you from? Grew up outside of Philadelphia, then lived in NJ and NYC, and now I call DC homeWhere’d you go to college? Villanova, go 'cats! Did you play any sports growing up? I played football and was a lax bro growing up, I even had "flow", which started falling out by the time I was 23What do you do for work? I work for a commercial real estate owner/operator. Specifically, my role is related to development and construction Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Honestly? Yes I did. The Rocky movies were a staple of my formative years. I think pugilism is such a great way to distill human nature. Look at stories like Jack Dempsey, Jim Braddock, Ali. Those are guys who at one point faced impossible odds, or at least a lot of people telling them what they couldn't do. They succeeded anyway. I always wanted to see what I'd do if I stood toe-to-toe with someone else, and prove to myself it's something I can do. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? In order to prove to myself I can do it, eventually, I need to take that first step. There aren't a ton of opportunities for someone my age, with no fighting experience, to compete. The opportunity to do just that, and for a cause that means something to me, seemed too good to pass up. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? My wife’s aunt was battling cancer for a few years, and passed away in the time since I signed up for haymakers. She has two wonderful kids who are about the same age my brother and I were when our mom passed. The pain of watching family suffer is all too familiar. I remember feeling so helpless when she was sick, like there was nothing I could do about it. It reminds me of all those feelings. Being an observer in their fight made me want to “do something” about it, so I signed up for Haymakers for Hope. Like I said above, it's something I've always wanted to do anyway. If the research funded by my fight improves someone's quality of life enough for one more moment with their family then it's more than worth it.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Getting up in the mornings to train instead of cuddling with my dog. He's the best. He's a little 20 pound pug named Wally.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? For better or worse I'm a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. We're not all as bad as the rumors make us out to be, but it's definitely intense enough to be considered a hobby. Although, I can honestly say that I think boxing and combat sports is becoming a new hobby of mine. So far I'm enjoying the training.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? That's a really tough question to answer. I think list of people who want to see me punched in the face is reaaalllly long... that's what I get for having a mildly irritating sense of humor my whole life. It runs in my dad's family *shoulder shrug*Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Jesse!
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Monday Jun 24, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Adrian Howe
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Adrian "AD" Howe, fighting out of Downtown Boxing.Where are you from? Right here in Chocolate City baby Where’d you go to college? Princeton University (Vocational studies) Did you play any sports growing up? Well sure. Hide and Seek, Scarecrow Tag, What's the time, Mr. Wolf? Honestly, lots.What do you do for work? Many of my friends would say I've never worked a day in my life Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Wait, this is a boxing event? Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Oh no You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Cancer can eat a plate of shitWhat is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Someone will pay dearly for the missed happy hours aloneWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I play a lot of Pogs, spend a bunch of time indoors. A million other things too I'm just blanking at the moment!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Me, the sick fuckCheck out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Adrian!
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Monday Jun 24, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Katie Jennings
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Katie Jennings, fighting out of Urban Boxing DC.Where are you from? Windsor, CTWhere’d you go to college? American University Did you play any sports growing up? I *attempted* to play several sports growing up, including hockey, softball, swimming, and tennis. As a kid I was the only girl on the boys' hockey team and it's a miracle they let me play in a single game! I still enjoy tennis and play for fun every now and then. But in general, I was much more of a musical theatre and drama club nerd!What do you do for work? I work to end homelessness at a small federal agency called the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. We work with 19 federal member agencies to ensure we are maximizing the federal response to homelessness. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I took my first boxing class 2 years ago and knew pretty much immediately that I was going to be hooked. I was a shy, quiet kid and have always struggled with confidence. Boxing has done for my mental health and self-esteem than anything I've ever tried. It has allowed me to tap into a strength and a side of my personality I didn't even know existed. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? After boxing primarily as a hobby for a couple years, I was eager to take my training to the next level. Not going to lie, I really wanted to know what it was like to hit and BE hit. At the same time, I had lost my Dad to cancer, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get some revenge on this terrible disease by raising money for cancer research and other cancer-related organizations. I knew I couldn't pass it up. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? My Dad - and the thousands of other people who die from this disease each year - are my inspiration. If they could fight as hard as they did and endure the immense physical and emotional pain of cancer, then surely I can get in a ring and take a few hits. If we're going to find a cure, we need more research, we need more clinical trials, and we need more hope. I am so grateful to have an opportunity to make a small contribution to that. I would like to think my Dad would be proud. Either that, or he's up there fretting about me getting hurt!What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Definitely beer. Beer and free time!When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I volunteer at a mental health crisis line once/week and it may not sound like a "hobby" but I enjoy it so much. We get local calls as well as calls routed to us from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It's a humbling experience. I also love documentaries (especially true crime) and stand-up comedy (watching, not performing!)Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? That's a tough call! Probably my boyfriend, who has been one of my biggest supporters. Or my Mom. Based on my sparring experience thus far, anyone who wants to see me get punched in the face will likely get their wish! ha!Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Katie!
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Monday Jun 17, 2019
Belles of the Brawl VII: Annie Corbet
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VII in Boston on October 9th. 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 Annie Corbett, fighting out of Hard Knocks / UFC Gym.Where are you from? Andover, MA!Where’d you go to college? Fairfield University - GO STAGS! Did you play any sports growing up? I was a year around swimmer from 5 years old through high school.What do you do for work? I lead our product and UX research team at DraftKings. If you are a user - reach out to me! always looking for more people to talk to :). Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I started boxing in 2014 in NYC. I began boxing to build self-confidence and manage the anxiety I had been struggling with since high school. Through my years of boxing, I gained strength, confidence, courage, empowerment, and determination. I didn't ever picture myself fighting until a few years ago, when I started training with my boyfriend Rob at C1 MMA in Brooklyn and started really focusing on technique over cardio boxing. Since then it has always been a long term goal of mine to step in the ring, specifically for Haymakers. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I've always wanted to fight, but have been afraid - of getting in the ring, getting hit, and going through the grueling training process. Haymakers was the perfect opportunity, an opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do, but have been a afraid to act on, and an opportunity to fight for something I believe in and has impacted me so closely. 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 draw my inspiration from my mom, and from every other person that is currently or has battled cancer. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, and thankfully, has been in remission for over 7 years. I fight to celebrate her and honor her battle and for my family and all of the families that have been affected by this disease.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) First and foremost, I'll struggle with the lack of downtime that I typically use to play with our rescue pup Bullet and rescue kitten Yoda. Red wine + Annie's Mac & Cheese will be a close second!When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Our rescue pets Bullet & Yoda are my biggest hobby, and I wish we could spend every moment with them (we are trying to leash train the cat, but it's not going very well). When I'm not with them, I'm baking, drinking red wine, watching horrible TV like the Bachelor, and spending time outdoors with friends and family!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Definitely NOT my family, my mom will probably sit with her hands over her eyes for the entire fight. I'd have to say my boyfriend, not because he wants to watch me get punched in the face (I think...), but because he's an amateur MMA + Muay Thai fighter and is incredibly excited and proud of me for doing this.Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Annie!
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Monday Jun 17, 2019
Belles of the Brawl VII: Jocelyn Keider
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VII in Boston on October 9th. 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 Jocelyn Keider, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Los Angeles, CaliforniaWhere’d you go to college? UCLA Did you play any sports growing up? Yep! I loved most team sports, and played volleyball, softball, and lacrosse. That is actually one of the things I'm most excited about with Belles; I'm looking forward to training with the other women from my gym and finding ways to support each other through this journey.What do you do for work? I'm a lawyer. I currently work at a large firm and do a variety of business-related litigation including securities litigation and antitrust litigation. Another rewarding part of my practice is pro bono work, which has allowed me to work on immigration cases, a civil rights case, and to represent survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Hah! No, I did not picture myself fighting. I started boxing about a year ago, when I was going through a really stressful period of my life. Boxing was really therapeutic and was a wonderful way for me to get out some of that negative energy. It also helped me feel more strong and confident, which was HUGE because I was struggling with bad anxiety and depression. One of the reasons I stuck with boxing was the mental aspect -- it is incredibly physically challenging, but also requires your full concentration in a way that is really freeing! Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Over the last year, boxing has helped me find a strength I didn't know I had, or at the very least a strength I had lost sight of years ago. I signed up to fight in order to take that training and dedication to a new level, and to do so for a cause and a purpose that is bigger than myself. Haymakers for Hope has a saying, "not every fight ends at the bell." That rings so true for me in the context of mental health, but I feel so fortunate that my physical health allows me to use boxing as a coping mechanism, as an outlet, and as way to participate in a community that supports me and motivates me. For anyone battling cancer, that may not be the case. I don't take my physical health for granted, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be ABLE to train and fight. I want to help raise awareness and raise money so that someday, cancer won't be able to take anyone's physical health from them. Let's #KOCancer! 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 have several close family members who have fought cancer, including my mother in law and brother in law, and multiple grandparents. I can only imagine the strength it took to fight their battles, especially my brother in law who was diagnosed in middle school...I mean come on universe, being a teenager is hard enough! Because both my husband and I have had family members with cancer, I'm also fighting for our futures and our future kids, because you never know when you'll be on the other end of that life-changing news. For all those out there who have battled this ugly disease--you are the true fighters and I am so inspired by your determination and strength. I'm fighting for Nana Ronnie, Kim, John, Gitch & the Pritchett fam, WR, and last but not least, for Jim, who I continue to see in the gym almost every day putting in the work, and whose big heart and compassion for others inspires everyone at EBF.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) White Claw Mango hard seltzer...lol. JK, jk. In all seriousness, it will probably be hardest to give up precious down time with my spouse and pup in order to spend more time training.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love hiking and camping, landscape photography, and traveling to visit friends and family (particularly those still in CA).Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Probably my fight fam: Danny, Rob, Laura, haha. And then my husband David...definitely David.Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Jocelyn!
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