My advanced age, a multitude of old war wounds, and the simple fact that I am fat and slow, may have you asking - Why? Add the fact that I chose to enlist Boston’s best fitness team led by Chi Bang of CLIENTEL3 whose specialty is functional training and the martial art of Wing Chun to prepare me for the boxing ring might also have you questioning my approach. I thank you for your concern.

I lost my 59 year old father to cancer in 1996. It ripped my heart out of my chest. Some of my dear friends and their families likewise have fought or are currently fighting cancer. Throughout I have sat - often without words or in prayer - with a deep hope and resolve that those I care about will have a full and complete recovery. I am humbled and inspired by their courage to fight and overcome this insidious illness. At times, my faith is tested by the pain and loss of others. Still, my faith is strong. I believe in miracles. I believe in spontaneous remission. I believe in alternative treatments as well as advances in modern medicine and science. I believe in the healing power of prayer and love.

I will fight for the Bamford family, the Moody family, the Neely family, the Schmitt family, Loraine Stupakoff, Tom Murphy et al. I will train and compete hard to honor these families and others for whom I care deeply. They are an inspiration of courage, determination and perseverance to me. I will fight on a foundation of gratitude toward those unnamed many who have loved me during my darkest times since the loss of my Dad.

And I will fight to connect with all that is strong and noble inside of me in order to feel a soul connection with my late father who loved boxing in his youth and who was the most tender-hearted man I have ever known.

Your sponsorship and contributions will go to benefit The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care. I will wear Number 8 in honor of my friend Cam Neely who continues to throw strong left haymakers and score points to KO cancer. Cam, his wife Paulina and their amazing staff at the Neely Foundation work tirelessly to offer a beautiful home-like setting for Cancer patients and their families in the Neely House at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

I eagerly await a clash of titans against a noble and worthy opponent on May 18 at the House of Blues in Boston. I ask for your attendance and financial support. No amount is too small.

May God bless you,

Paul L. Palandjian