During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble VII in Boston, MA on May 18th. 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 Nathaniel Short (mostly known as Nano), fighting out of EverybodyFights in South Boston.
ROUND 1
Your accent gives you away a bit, but where are you originally from?
South West England, from a little town called Taunton. Funny enough, I now reside in Taunton - Massachusetts that is.
What brought you over to the US?
I was playing football (soccer) for a Semi-Professional Club while studying in school. I was scouted during a cup final to go to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida on a full scholarship. After I graduated I managed to fulfill a lifetime dream of becoming professional and played for the Rochester Rhinos. Moving to the States was by far one of the hardest and best decisions of my life. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Did you play football (soccer) your entire life then? Did you play any other sports growing up?
Growing up I played a lot of different sports. Our education system has mandatory physical education classes that encompass all sports. I have played Football (Soccer), Rugby, Basketball, Cricket, Golf, Tennis, the whole ten yards. But my focus was Football.
Sports have clearly always been a big part of your life, what about your career. What is it you do for work?
I am currently the Director of Operations at a Merchant Account Specialist company. I have been working here for six years and thoroughly enjoy the daily challenges, whether that be trying to hit monthly sales numbers or building personal relationships with employees to fulfill their full potential. Juggling the personalities of fifty recent college graduates is a massive task but one that I love.
Awesome! Alright, now to the good stuff. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Great question - that I don’t know the answer to. I never pictured myself stepping in the ring but growing up playing soccer I always enjoyed a good scuffle.
So why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I signed up for Haymakers after watching numerous people embark on this incredible, life changing journey. It was amazing to see them put all their efforts into this amazing cause and help give back to those who are less fortunate. I wanted to be part of that, I wanted to feel that sense of pride.
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 would say that we all know someone who has been affected by Cancer, so everything that I have experienced is nothing new. When I was 16, I lost my only grandmother to lung cancer. When she was first diagnosed, she was given a short period of time to live. Thankfully she managed to hang on for a lot longer than expected. She was a strong and amazing lady.
Then, a few years ago, my Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer and all I thought to myself was how does this happen? My aunt is as healthy as they come, dedicated to her fitness and healthy lifestyle, but she now has to deal with this shit. I have watched her overcome cancer, I have seen her beat the disease and I am amazed at how truly strong of an individual she is and has become through her battle.
My true respect for her came full circle just last year when I had my own cancer scare. I have never felt fear, loneliness, and helplessness in this magnitude - ever in my life. It helped me start to realize what my family members and anyone else who has battled or is currently battling has been through – and will continue to go through. I am drawing inspiration from anyone who has battled cancer and anyone who has been affected by the disease in some way. If they can do that – if they can fight their fight, then I can stand in the ring with a stranger and duke it out.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV…?)
I think the hardest part about training will be giving up spending time with my wife and dogs. I work long hours every day so the additional time spent training will take away from them. I am very thankful for my wife and her support during these next four months.
So, when you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies and interests do you have?
I love to play Football (soccer) and golf in my spare time and hanging out with my friends. I like to be as active as possible whether it's physically or socially.
Last question – and it’s a big one - who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I would say that my employees and co-workers will get the biggest kick out of seeing me get punched in the face. It's a win-win for them to come and watch me. If I do well then, they are happy I put on a performance, but if I lose, then they have a life time of banter they can throw at me. No pressure, right?
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here or send him some encouragement on Instagram & Twitter. Best of luck, Nano!