During the coming months, we’re highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble VII in Boston 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 Brian Morrissey, fighting out of Firicano Boxing & Fitness Center in Stoneham, MA.
ROUND 1
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Melrose, MA. Still live there today.
Where’d you go to college?
I went to College at the New England Institute of Art in Brookline, MA.
Did you play any sports growing up?
As a kid, sports were a big part of my life. It’s where I met most of the friends I still have today (they can’t wait to see me get punched in the face btw.) Growing up it was all about football and baseball. Played throughout high school. The main sport at New England Institute of Art was ultimate freebee, but I am not about that life.
What do you do for work?
I work for the TD Garden control room, where I am the Director of Game Presentation for the Boston Celtics Jumbotron show.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
To quote Rocky “Cause I can’t sing or dance” well, maybe I can dance a little. I was playing old man slow pitch softball and a couple of guys on the team started taking boxing lessons. I knew I had to try it. So I did, halfway through my intro class I almost blacked out from the workout. It was in that moment that I knew this was the sport for me.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
About two or three years ago I worked for the camera crew that was hired to shoot the H4H event. I saw what went into that night and I knew at that time that it was time to get that first fight. There is no better stage for an amateur fight. Everything that this night stands for I am behind. Why not get in there and fight back against this terrible disease.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
This one is easy for me. Over the past ten years, cancer has affected my friends and family. It hit first in high school where one of my friend's mothers lost her battle with cancer. From there it was year after year. So many good people lost their battle too early. So for me, it is easy to get in the ring and work my ass off to honor these great people. So to the Pietrantonios, Hallet's, Milligan's, Glaser's, Marenna's, Turner's, Galotti's and my family, the Morrissey’s… This one is for you.
What is going to be the most difficult part of your training?
People are going to hate me for this one but the hardest part for me is the eating. I am not a big guy and I can lose weight quickly. So, while training I have to make sure to eat a lot. Trying to keep my weight right around the 150 mark. Other than that the 5am workouts can kick your ass too. Working till 10pm and getting up at 4:30am can take its toll on the body, but we are getting it done.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I don’t know if these are things that I should admit to or not but here goes. Growing up I used to work with my grandfather on model trains. As I got older I got really into it, from track layout to the creation of the city and landscapes. Just a few weeks ago thought it would be cool to get a fish tank and boy did I not know what I was getting myself into. Thought you just got some fish and put them in water and that’s that. Boy was I wrong. Am I 31 or 71? Old man hobbies.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
This one is easy, has to be my friends. Most of them I talk to say the same thing, “you better not get knocked out, but it sure would be funny if you did” Hate to say it but they might be right on that one.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here or send him some encouragement on Instagram . Best of luck, Brian!