...because cancer f*cking sucks. 

I fell in love with boxing because it challenges and instills a fighter spirit in me that is often translated to many facets of life. Life is made up of many uncomfortable moments, and for some, they are fights that were not chosen and they are fights that are sometimes lost. Boxing is a way of life; it teaches us to stand back up when we are knocked down. I was first taught this by my boxing mentor, Amy. Amy Ferry is a boxing mentor and friend who is one of the main reasons I continued to practice the sweet science. Amy is a fighter, survivor and winner in her own life, but also for so many others, including mine. Boxing became a relief and a source of strength when cancer became a part of her life in more ways than one. Amy, this fight is for you, your family, for Lara and in honor of your graceful tenacity.

Boxing also reminds you who is in your corner. I am fighting in honor of every family member, every friend and person who has someone close in their lives who they are fighting for. To my Uncles and my childhood best friends and their mothers, Neetu and Kavita, Irma and Indira, this fight is for you.

To Amy, Kavita, Indira and everyone else who is fighting a fight harder than any that is inside the ring - this fight is for you, for the countless lives you have touched, and for the unwritten stories of triumph that lie ahead. 

Let's continue to fight back, to fight for a world without cancer and in honor and memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer. I hope to make you all proud! Thank you all for supporting me on this journey.