Friday, March 31 2017
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 Pat Rodgers, fighting out of Redline Fight Sports in Cambridge, MA.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Clinton, Mass. I now live in Somerville.
Where’d you go to college?
The ZOO! – I went to UMass Amherst and graduated from the Isenberg School of Management there. It was a blast.
Did you play any sports growing up?
In high school, I was captain of our football team as well as the track team. Now I stick to more outdoorsy activities like snowboarding and hiking.
What do you do for work?
I work at 451 Marketing and work on the new business side of things.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I’ve always wanted to try boxing. I’m a pretty aggressive guy and definitely an adrenaline junky. I’ve pictured myself boxing before but never officially tried, this was a perfect scenario – help fight cancer and get an amazing opportunity to train and fight.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
KO Cancer! But mainly because I know a handful of people who’ve participated in the past and they swear it was a life changing experience. I love pushing myself and testing my own limits.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Cancer affects so many people. For me, it is easy to put myself in this type of hardship because I know cancer patients and families are going through something exponentially harder. Cancer has touched each one of my grandparents. On a lighter note, I had the amazing opportunity to donate bone marrow and got to meet the courageous man who received it, as well as his family – it was an awesome experience.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Balance is the toughest but casually chugging beer while eating a cheeseburger and watching TV is right up there.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I’m big into snowboarding. I went to Lake Tahoe in March to ride a bunch of mountains out there and just finished some avalanche training courses on Mt. Washington.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My fraternity brothers and best friends, for sure! We’re all extremely tough on each other and this is the perfect opportunity for them to watch me get punched in the face. My coworkers are definitely a close 2nd. I know my mom, dad and sister all sub-consciously want to see me get beat up. And finally, my girlfriend, whether she admits it or not, would love to see me get hit!
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck on Instagram! Best of luck, Pat!