Friday, August 4 2017
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 Laura Julian, fighting out of EverybodyFights in Boston, MA.
Where are you from?
Originally from Berlin,CT.
Where’d you go to college?
Assumption College. Go Hounds!
Did you play any sports growing up?
Growing up I was the shortest, scrappiest little volleyball player on the court and I also was a ballet dancer for more than a decade.
What do you do for work?
For the past four years, I’ve been working at a tech company called Motus in downtown Boston. I manage our Customer Care team, where we work together to ensure our customers are satisfied and continue to bring value to their organizations.
We have an amazing culture, full of vibrant individuals that make coming to work every day so much fun!
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Last year I watched as my friend and co-worker Lara Gibbons dedicated her heart and soul to training for Belles 2016. On fight night she came out a winner and I knew at that moment that I wanted to do the same. Boxing is the hardest sport I’ve ever done. It requires both mental and physical strength and I enjoy the practice of training each day to become better. I never pictured myself a fighter and I’m pretty sure my parents highly dislike that I’m fighting….I’m following in Lara’s footsteps because I can.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Everyone has their own reasons for getting into the ring and fighting for a cure. My inspiration to fight for a cure comes from my family, my friends and my team. My father’s strength, my mother’s heart and my sisters tenacity provide me with the focus and inspiration to train every day. A few years ago I watched a friend and co-worker fight and win his battle with Cancer. He may not know, but he inspired me to make some serious life changes and clean up my health (I quit smoking 2 years ago…whoop, whoop!). My team, we call ourselves the “Lion Pride” and this is the toughest group of people I’ve ever been a part of. I draw inspiration from them every day as we train together for our own fights. We have seen each other during the highs and the lows, but we will always have each other’s backs, we are always in each other’s corner.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Doughnuts. My weakness is any and all sweets, so cookies and ice cream and milkshakes. I traveled with my team to NYC and had a “farewell” milkshake from Blacktap…it was amazing. I’m already booking my trip back for October!
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I love to travel and experience new places around the world. I try to travel to a new country or city every year and I’ve already got my eye on a trip for after Belles!
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My family is definitely not excited to watch me get punched in the face! They are nervous for the fight, but beyond excited that I’m participating in an amazing event that raises money for a cure. My co-workers are pumped to watch me fight! The Motus office rolls pretty deep to the Haymakers events and since they have to constantly hear about my 5am workouts and dieting, I know they are going to be excited to watch me fight and to celebrate when it’s over.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Laura!