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Monday May 6, 2019
The Final Countdown: Bobby O'Brien
We’re less than 2 weeks away from fight night and as the fighters are in the final stretch we wanted to get in their head and see how they’re feeling about the upcoming bout on May 15th. Bobby O’Brien is ready for fight night. Learn a little more about his training, and what he’s looking forward to after getting out of that ring!What has been the most surprising thing so far about your journey to fight night? How bad I am at boxing LOL I'm serious though, yo.Tell us about your trainer… My trainers are incredible. Both are badass fighters. So knowledgeable. So tough. Hoping some of that rubs off on me on fight night.Have you had any injuries so far? How have you overcome those? Yes. Nose was keeps moving in a weird way and making funky sounds. Ribs hurt whenever I breathe, move or sleep. I strained my calf sparring with Mike cuz he's so athletic and moves so damn much. I just usually go and weep all by myself.Have you hit your fundraising goal yet? What has surprised you most about fundraising for an event like this? No. I'm hurting. Even with my hilarious Instagram posts. $7,500 is a lot for a lone wolf like myself.How do you imagine the day leading up to your fight? Same routine. Breakfast. Coffee. Stalk pretty girls on Instagram. Work. Nap. Then fight. That last part will be a little different obviously. Although I am trying to workout at night to get my body ready.Are you nervous? What are you most nervous about? Hell yeah, dawg. Uhhh, most nervous about everything! Duh.What do you think you’ll do immediately after your fight? What’s going to be your first meal? Breathe. Just breathe. Just like Ann Nalick sings :"'Cause you can't jump the track, We're like cars on a cable, And life's like an hourglass, Glued to the table, No one can find the rewind button girl, So cradle your head in your hands, And breathe, Just breathe, Whoa breathe, Just breathe."What is your boxing nickname if you have one? How did you get it? The Bruiser. Except when I'm napping, then I'm The Snoozer. And if I'm just hanging out with you I'm The Loser! Just joke nicknames that date back to my Chestnut Hill days.Do you think you’ll continue to box/train after Haymakers is over? I used to think I definitely would. Now I'm thinking nah dawg. Back to surfing, running and playing tennis. My inner hippie has reared its non-fighting head, homez.What advice would you give anyone who is interested in signing up to KO cancer? Definitely go for it! Incredible organization! Tremendous cause. You'll raise money for a badass charity. And learn a ton about yourself. Just be ready to get punched in the head. A lot!!Good luck Bobby!
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Monday Apr 22, 2019
Boxer in Training: Aaron Bible
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 June 6th, 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. Aaron Bible has been putting in work at The Corner Boxing Club and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? I feel like my fitness is getting closer but still have a lot to work on.What is your weekly routine? First, try to survive as a dad and business owner, setting as much aside as possible so that I can train as much as possible each week, and just try to eat healthy and stay healthy.. I hit at least 4-5 training classes at my gym per week and work out with my trainer at least once a week. I also ski multiple times per week and trail run and train at home on my heavy bag. If there's still time, I'll go to my other gym and lift weights and sit in the hot tub.How has your diet changed since training began? I started eating meat again after being primarily vegan/vegetarian for 2 years. Bottom line is, upped my calorie intake by a lot.Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? It was definitely something I couldn't have expected. It elevated my appreciation for the sport and my coach Carrie Barry to a whole new level.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Staying healthy and carving out the time...it's all a challenge every day.What does your family think of your participation? They are being very patient with me. They are scared that I'm going to get hurt.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? The sheer number of people affected always continues to amaze me. It means so much when people reach out and share their story with me.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? No, the inspiration remains the same. Just a big learning process.Donate to Aaron here!
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Monday Apr 22, 2019
Boxer in Training: Meagan Montoya
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 June 6th, 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. Meagan Montoya has been putting in work at Blunt Force Training and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? I think it’s going well so far, 2 months ago I would not have been able to preform at all on Media day, and I did it! Time to turn it up though, fight night is right around the corner.What is your weekly routine? 4-5 boxing and sparring classes, 3 days of heavy cardio sessions on top of classesHow has your diet changed since training began? I am very consistent with my diet normally, I have “counted my macros” for a few years now and found that is what works best for me and my weight goals. I eat 100% gluten free and have a few stomach issues/allergies so that forces me to eat good, clean, whole foods every day.Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? I sparred a girl named Candy(she won her fight and got fight of the night last year) and it was much more difficult then I expected, she is so good!! . With the speed, footwork, and learning how to take a hit it felt very overwhelming, 3 minutes felt like forever but I got through it ?What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Getting enough rest has been hard, some mornings I am so tired, I want to try and get a few more hours of sleep but I know that my schedule is so tight and the times I can go are limited if I skip a day, then I will just be one more day behind. So I pull my ass up and stick to the schedule I plan out at the beginning of the week. So far it is working.What does your family think of your participation? My husband has been so supportive, loving, and has talked me off the edge more then once. He has made me watch old matches with Mohammad Ali and Mike Tyson to almost nightly to me GET PUMPED UP and inspired for another day ahead. My close friends are also like my family and they are genuinely interested and are pushing me to do my best as well.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? No, I always had my family in mind when I went into this but I am just in awe of how many people are touched by cancer and how everyone rallies around as family for the people In need, even if they are strangers.Donate to Meagan here!
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Monday Apr 22, 2019
Boxer in Training: Mike McElaney
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 May 15th, 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. Mike McElaney has been putting in work at Jim McNally Boxing and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Training is going well, we're working hard but still have A LOT to learn. Training has been a humbling experience and I have new found respect for boxing as a sport and for how hard real fighters are able to push themselves...mentally and physically.What is your weekly routine? In the gym 5 days a week after work until close, then on Friday mornings...Saturdays off with the family, sparring on Sundays.How has your diet changed since training began? We'll often do Friday night pizza nights in our house...prior to Haymakers I did not know that cauliflower was a pizza crust option. It's actually not bad, but needless to say my diet has changed significantlyTell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? I didn't know what to expect the first time sparring. Actually asked my trainer what the rules were..wasn't sure how hard we're allowed to hit the other guy, but my sparring partner was kind enough to hit me first, and often, and it went form there. Getting punched in the face is a lot more disorienting than I expected.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? This is a great question as we hit the halfway point. The hardest part of sticking to the training is the training itself, I've enjoyed every minute of it but it's a real grind....some great days and some bad, and some when I ask myself why the hell I'm doing this. And that grounds me back to the routine, we can't lose sight of why we're doing this - to help beat cancer and that's been a great source of motivation to fight through the tougher days.What does your family think of your participation? My wife's been hugely supportive, my whole family has, but I've asked a lot of my wife over the past 3 months and she's never hesitated to carry the extra load at home. She's been a source of constant encouragement and I can't thank her enough. My kids think it's pretty cool too...my oldest is 8, she's come to the gym a few times and has a pretty mean left hook.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's a bit of a family growing in our Haymakers group and everyone's story is inspirational. The stories themselves, unfortunately aren't surprising because cancer is everywhere, but what I've been surprised and impressed by is how passionately each and every fighter tells their story.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? My inspiration has only changed in that it grows stronger each day. It's important to reflect on why we're doing this and the collective effort shown by the group is added motivation to do our own individual part.Donate to Mike here!
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Monday Apr 22, 2019
Boxer in Training: Bobby O'Brien
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 May 15th, 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. Bobby O’Brien has been putting in work at TKO BoxFit and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Slow, yo. Getting my a** kicked. BAD. It's ugly, homey! But I'm trying. Gotta keep plugging away. Keep fighting. Baby steps.What is your weekly routine? Run. Pull-ups. Diet. Group sessions with the TKO crew. Spar. Get punched in the face repeatedly cuz I never keep my hands up. Go home and cry alone. Weigh-in on Monday. Repeat.How has your diet changed since training began? I'm about 95% plant-based right now (it's the eggs that keep getting me, dawgz ... and the occasional slice of pizza courtesy of the cheat meal that the lean and mean Mike O'Malley introduced me to!) which is up from about 67% before. Plus, I've been hitting the intermittent fasting hard. Like 20 or so hours/day on the weekends. I rarely eat after 2 PM anymore. I kinda love it.Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? Way different. In my head, I was Rocky Balboa. Then I sparred with my coach. And he beat me down. I was pathetic. I couldn't do anything right. Couldn't throw a punch. I was exhausted. Got a bloody lip. Got knocked down. I even tripped over my own feet ... twice! I didn't cry til I got home though!What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? There are definitely some evening classes that I don't want to go to but the sparring sessions have the hardest for me. Getting fired up to spar regularly has been challenging. I thought I would love the competition and the cerebral aspect of sparring more than I do right now. It's coming though. It's just a slow go.What does your family think of your participation? They're silent mainly. I send my sisters my sparring videos and they coach me up and critique me which is fun. They'd be kickass fighters! My mom and dad haven't really spoken much to me about the fight to be completely honest. Maybe if I tell them that this is my final fight and that I'm going to retire from boxing on May 16, 2019 they'll be more enthused?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? Yes. Duncan Finigan. I randomly met her in my hometown of Milton. She's a hero. A true fighter. She has Stage IV Breast Cancer and a tumor in her brain. Incredible attitude. So positive. So friendly. What an inspiration! She just keeps plugging away, fighting, working her office job, living her life, loving her kids and being flatout amazing. She loves Julie too (but like who doesn't?! ... she's super tough and a total badass like Julie too)!Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? No. But the more I get beaten down in the ring the more I love Haymakers for Hope. Cray Cray, I know. Makes no sense. I'm just a total weirdo! I loved H4H when I applied but now I like love love LOVE H4H!! I'm honored to fight on May 15. I really gotta work on my boxing skills though.Donate to Bobby here!
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Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
Boxer in Training: James Arredondo
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 May 15th, 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. James Arredondo has been putting in work at EverybodyFights and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Making good progress, trying to keep injuries to a minimum. So many things are clicking and when they do it feels great.What is your weekly routine? 2 days of technique, 3 days of cardio, 2-3 days of conditioning and strength training, ramping up sparring. Stretching and foam rolling twice a day to stay loose.How has your diet changed since training began? Trying to limit bread and dairy. Cut out alcohol at the beginning of March. Consuming 100% more TB12 plant protein and electrolytes than ever before!Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? It's about what I expected, always tires me out quicker than I think it will.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Dealing with minor injuries and sorenessWhat does your family think of your participation? Where's the facepalm emoji?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? I've been humbled by the number of people that have reached out and have offered support. Collectively, that's probably the biggest surprise and it's a great source of motivation to keep going, especially on those days when it feels like there isn't anything left in the tank.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? No, still the same.Donate to James here!
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Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
Boxer in Training: Adam Moulter
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 May 15th, 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. Adam Moulter has been putting in work at Back Bay Boxing and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Its been intense to say the least but its been going great! I'm training alongside 3 other guys who are on the same card, have an awesome coach, and have some great sparring partners (...who I think might take some joy in landing shots on the four of us fighting 5/15), so the accountability and the support has been there which has been really helpful.What is your weekly routine? Between boxing-specific training, sparring, roadwork, and lifting, I've been in the gym seven days a week since I got the call to be a replacement the first weekend in February. I'm getting in at least one workout a day, but working in double sessions or two-a-days a couple times a week.How has your diet changed since training began? Oh man, the diet change has been pretty drastic for sure. With the exception of a cheat day for St. Patty's, I've essentially cut out all alcohol and am being super conscious about what I'm eating for the first time in a long time. Lots of brown rice, chicken or fish, veggies, and protein shakes primarily, with fruit as snacks during the day and more water than I've ever consistently consumed. While I feel amazing and am seeing the weight come off, I'd be full of shit if I said I didn't want to get down on a burger and a beer right about now.Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? My first time sparring, to be completely honest, was a pretty massive ego check. I guess Tyson wasn't lying when he said that everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face, and I definitely experienced that on my first day. You think you're going to go in there and move well and be quick and land some shots, but in actuality you end up gassing out, freezing up, and pretty much panicking as you realize its a LOT harder than real fighters make it look. That said, getting humbled on day 1 was the best thing that could have happened to me. The more sparring I've done, the more comfortable and calm I've become in the ring and now feel better at the end of the round than I did when I began.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? That's simple: getting my miles in running. I HATE running, and always have hated running since I was playing sports back in school, but the cardio side of fighting is so important that I've had no choice but to overcome that. While I still don't love running, its become a big part of my training regimen and I'm now at least not dreading it when I go out every day.What does your family think of your participation? It's been kind of cool to see my family's perception and attitude towards my involvement in the event has changed since I initially told them about it. At first they, like most parents I presume, didn't necessarily love the idea of me volunteering to get punched in the head but were definitely understanding of my reasoning why/the cause. As training has gone on since then though, my parents and my sister have been checking in and asking how sparring is going and how the weight cut is coming along with a bit of excitement in their tone. They still think I'm crazy for doing this, but they're definitely on board and have been really supportive throughout the journey. That in itself has been a pretty awesome thing and will play into my motivation on fight night for sure.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? While I don't want to call out any one person's story out of respect to those conversations, what has truly surprised me is how many people I train with or who've donated have their own unfortunate experiences with cancer. Hearing people at my gym mention that a friend or family member has battled the disease, or hearing the stories of loved ones that lost their fight, really has reiterated how widespread this disease is and how immensely important researching treatments and finding a cure is.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? My initial inspiration for fighting has stayed the same since day one: I'm fighting for my family. With that said, however, hearing others' stories of how cancer has affected them or their loved ones has been beyond powerful and inspiring. Additionally, having the support of my gym, Back Bay Boxing, my coach, and all of the amazing people who train there and push the limit every damn day to make me a better fighter is incredibly inspiring. Fight's are technically one on one battles, but this fight won't be: When I make the walk and step between the ropes on May 15th, each and every one of those people and their stories are stepping in there with me. Hope you're ready, Conor.Donate to Adam here!
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Wednesday Apr 10, 2019
Sibling Rivalry in the Ring
Brothers Lou and Evan Miller have always had friendly competition in their relationship. They both played football at Columbia and grew up proving feats of strength (like who could do the most tricep dips, earning the esteemed title of Mayor of Dip City). When Lou competed in 2013’s Haymakers for Hope Fight Night in New York City, Evan knew he had to follow suit.Lou, who works in financial services missed competing in college athletics and was inspired to sign up after attending a fight night. The whole Miller family came out for the event (fellow 2013 fans might remember them as one of the loudest boxes in Hammerstein that year), and younger brother Evan, who works in ad sales at Google, got the boxing bug that night. Two years later, he climbed into the ring at Madison Square Garden.Both guys trained at Mendez Boxing Gym, and while they’ve never sparred, there’s a healthy bit of debate as to who would win if they ever went toe to toe. “I would give myself Spence to Garcia odds I would him,” says Evan. Lou politely disagrees. “Evan has better hand eye coordination,” Lou admits, “But I would win because of the brute force.” “That’s assuming you could cut the weight,” Evan laughs.Their Haymakers experience wasn’t all competitive, though: they were united by a common goal to eradicate cancer. Together they raised over $36,000 to knockout cancer. “Everyone was super generous,” Lous says. “We both found that friends want to give money to charity, but only if you’re in pain.”“Part of the reason Lou originally signed up was his friend’s mom was going through a fight with cancer,” Evan says. “The day of the fight was actually her bone marrow transplant and later on, at his wedding, that friend gave a speech at his about much that meant to his family. Sadly, she lost her fight two years later, but we both fought with the same person in mind. It was a unifying factor for both of us while we fought, and one of the most important parts of our Haymakers experience.”Written by: Stephanie Kent
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Monday Apr 8, 2019
Boxer in Training: Mike O'Malley
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 May 15th, 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. Mike O'Malley has been putting in work at TKO BoxFit and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Training is going really well. It’s very intense but the effort is paying off. My trainers, Chris and Ryan from TKO Boxfit are seasoned pros, so I am trusting in the process to prepare for this fight. My main goal is progressing everyday, in some way.What is your weekly routine? Right now it’s about 6 days a week with a few double sessions. We are lucky that TKO Boxfit has paired up with Morin Stength & Conditioning so we get a comprehensive program covering boxing technique as well as strength and cardio. “Work Wednesday’s” are the most intense with double sessions and a bit more... Saturday or Sunday is sparring so it’s great to know you’re getting smacked over the weekendHow has your diet changed since training began? Massively. In a word. I have focused on nutrition as much as anything else which was a big change from what I was previously doing. I have started meal prepping on the weekends to stay away from temptation. Actually, right now, I am in a death stare competition with a large bag of Swedish fish. In all seriousness, this has been huge in allowing me to achieve a schedule I want and have the right amount of energy for the training. Can’t wait for my egg whites and avocado at lunch!Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? I just imagined pain and more pain, so yea it was different. Life continued, but it was just a wild experience. It’s just something the average person doesn’t do on a weeekly basis, so to take a swing at another human was nuts. Especially when one of them was in your wedding party lol!What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? It’s one thing to get excited for a cool boxing session or training which clearly has benefits. But getting excited for eating healthy and “not drinking so much” has been easily the most challenging. It’s crazy how much food plays a role in your life and how hard it is to eat really healthy. Especially with kids, busy lives and work travel.What does your family think of your participation? They are proud of me, but are starting to get worried of how into it I am. Admittedly, not talking about H4H is difficult. Also, though I have tried to use the hours they don’t expect to see me, I have missed them much more. Through it all, they have been my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without their added effort. They are amazing.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? I was riding the train to work and talking to the guy next to me. We started discussing Haymakers and he immediately donated $200. He wasn’t able to tell me how his life has been affected, but he clearly had a major connection and was searching for a way to help. I found it amazing that a stranger would donate on a whim, but that’s clearly how far reaching cancer is.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? Unfortunately, 5 months is a long time and we hear terrible stories everyday of cancer impacting people. I wouldn’t say the overall inspiration has changed but it has certainly been compounded after discussing cancer stories. A few friends have reached out to tell me their story and than just continues to fuel the drive. There is really no lack of inspiration.Donate to Mike or purchase a ticket to Rock 'N Rumble IX on May 15th here!
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Monday Apr 8, 2019
Boxer in Training: Joshua Rosenthal
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 May 15th, 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. Josh Rosenthal has been putting in work at Back Bay Boxing and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Training is great, I feel changes in both my cardio and muscular endurance and my sparring has gotten noticeably better. How do I know? Well, I get hit in the face a lot less these days.What is your weekly routine? 3 days a week are "two-a-days" with sparring on Saturdays. The "two-a-days" consist of conditioning training in the morning at Crossfit Invictus and Boxing training in the evening at Back Bay Boxing. Saturday is sparring day at Back Bay.How has your diet changed since training began? I've cut out all alcohol, fried food, processed food and 99% of sweets. Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? Sparring was a lot different than expected, I was way too anxious. My footwork was all over the place and I was expending a ton of energy by keeping my body tight.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? The most challenging part is dragging myself to the gym in the evening no matter how long my day has been.What does your family think of your participation? My family is stoked. They admire the commitment and courage it takes to participate in something like this. At the end of the day though, I know it doesn't compare to the courage it takes to fight cancer.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? The daunting amount of stories is what has actually surprised me. Every single person I know has someone in their circle that has been touched by cancer.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? My inspiration has grown tremendously through this process. The efforts of my fellow fighters, their stories, the stories of their friends and families, they've all inspired me to train, fight, and raise money to help out.Donate to Matt or purchase a ticket to Rock 'N Rumble IX on May 15th!
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