Sunday, April 2 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 Brian Curran, fighting out of The Way in Woburn, MA.
Where are you from?
I am from Delco, PA outside Philadelphia, PA
Where’d you go to college?
U.S.M.C. Parris Island
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played baseball for a number of years
What do you do for work?
I am a Boilermaker and hold my 1st Class Fireman license to operate High Pressure Boilers
Why Boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
The boxing aspect is easy. My brother from another mother and fellow USMC veteran, Brandon Montella, is a professional boxer and owns the THE WAY LLC. The discipline required for the training, dieting, and mental preparation is something that has always intrigued me. I would say that I always dabbled in the thoughts of fighting. In the Marine Corps there was plenty of testosterone and altercations, but this type of fighting requires much more thought, discipline, and is a respected martial art in its own right.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight?
This is a layered question for me. First, to honor my Mother and to prove to myself that no matter what one is dealing with that anything is possible. I attended the Haymakers for Hope last year and was highly impressed at the entire event. I would say the proverbial seed was planted then.
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 am drawing my inspiration from the memories of my Mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 40, and passed away March 3, 2006. The cancer spread throughout her body, ending up in her brain. Cutting edge drugs and eventually brain surgery were not enough. She donated her body to the University of Pennsylvania so the cancer could be researched. She was a faithful Catholic, and when I asked her why she was donating her body instead of the traditional funeral, she told me “It’s the right thing to do if it can help save someone else down the road, then my fight has not been for nothing.” If getting punched in the face in front of a few people is the only price I have to pay to help raise money to find a cure; how can I walk away from that? Cancer crushed my world the time of her passing. The effect of it was felt by my entire family. For years, I battled anger, resentment, depression, etc. My family was equally devastated. Reflecting back, I now see some positives amongst the wretched pain. A family that was strong grew stronger. My sister Meghann does 60 mile” Walk for a Cure” every year and the entire neighborhood comes out and supports the family still. My bother Sean, continues to stay strong and successful, always holding true to the ways of our Mom. I saw my father, Brian Curran Sr., never leave her side, hold down two jobs, and saw (as sad as it was) that true love starts with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear. I can only hope to love a woman that strongly one day.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training?
I got the call approx. 10 days ago that a spot opened up and I had the chance to fill in so, I would have to say the most difficult thing to give up would be excuses to not train.
When not throwing punches and training what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I am in a Chess club (love the game), volunteer time at the Veteran Affairs hospital, and do a lot of reading; eastern philosophy, Douglas Dietrich, and anything to expand the knowledge that is limitless in our world.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Hahahaha this list could be a long one! Veterans are a rough crowd, which I wouldn’t have any other way, but truth be told I’d have to say Julie. (That’s another story)
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here! Best of luck, Brian!