During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether they've had first hand experience, 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 Jackie Jane , fighting out of EverybodyFights in South Boston.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Westborough, Massachusetts. I've lived in Dorchester for the past few years.
Where’d you go to college?
Boston University
Did you play any sports growing up?
I ran cross country and track in high school, very mediocrely, I might add. Coordination was a bit of a challenge for me growing up.
What do you do for work?
I'm a Senior Designer at Vistaprint. I also do a lot of freelance design work on the side from logos, branding, and websites to wedding invitations, posters, and more. Check it out: jackie-jane.com
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I joined EverybodyFights (EBF) before it even opened. George Foreman III offered a free month as a promo, so I figured why not do it for just a (free) month. I didn't expect it to impact my life as much as it did. Boxing levels me out and coming to EBF made me happier than I had been in a long time. I'm so grateful for the EBF family and I've met some of my closest friends here. I like having something to train for, working on skill development, and seeing my improvement.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
When I first joined the gym I never thought I would fight, but one thing lead to another and when I announced I would be training to fight in Belles of the Brawl, the general response was, "About time!"
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
My interest in boxing slowly evolved to a point where I decided I might fight. Haymakers for Hope supports such a good cause. I've lost three grandparents and an aunt to the disease, and have watched other loved ones battle with it.
What pushed me to apply for Belles was when my friend and coworker was diagnosed with lung cancer in April. It was heartbreaking - how can this happen to such an amazing person? Kind, funny, caring, active, healthy, strong, a new mother - it's not right. Tragically, she lost her fight to this horrible disease in mid-July. She is so missed. This one goes to her.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Oh, I love food. That's definitely the hardest part. My sweet tooth is huge. Not eating Dulce de Leche (I couldn't control myself) or Peanut Butter (also couldn't control myself) is so sad for me. And donuts. I really miss donuts. And candy. The list goes on.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
My passion is traveling, I love exploring other countries, learning about other cultures, meeting new people, and of course, trying different foods. Other than that I like painting and hand-lettering, anything creative.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Whoever I'm fighting, I guess.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Jackie!