Thursday was an action packed day for the Haymakers team. First off, we went to see Jamie McDonald (pictured left). Jamie's first training session was laugh out loud funny, but this time, things got slightly serious. Jamie was doing drills, hitting the mitts and the bag, and complaining the whole time! He even posed with his trainer (who is about four times his size) for a laugh for his friends and family across the pond. After that, we went over to Mendez Boxing to check in with Grant Hewit, who we only got to see warm up before we were off again on the subway.
Our next stop was Trinity Boxing to see both Joe Mele and Eric Goldfisher. Joe hopped in the ring to spar for a round, with Eric going in a few rounds later. Both guys looked great, and were totally fierce once they got their head gears on. After that, it was back to the subway, and back to Mendez to see Johnny Ayers, Jeff Gelband, Claudio Ochoa, and Tom Hedus. Johnny was in full Mendez-mode, not even taking breaks in between rounds. He was all over the gym- in the ring, on the speed bag, wherever! Jeff, who has been training on and off for a few years, looked very natural and did a little shadow boxing in the ring. Claudio had one of his first sessions at Mendez, and was working with a trainer in the ring, moving around, and getting hit in the face! Meanwhile, Tom was getting some cardio in, and then started hitting the heavy bag.
All eight guys were looking sharp, and more intense than the last time we saw them. Be sure to come and see the culmination of all their hard work on November 8th at Roseland Ballroom for Haymakers for Hope's inaugural NYC event!
To support any of the fighters in their goal to knockout cancer: DONATE HERE