Thursday, August 10 2017
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in New York City on November 16th. 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 Nick Boles, fighting out of Gotham Gym in New York City.
Where are you from?
I grew up in small town outside of Lake Tahoe, California called Grass Valley. It was a great place to grow up. Nestled in the Sierra Mountain Foothills. We had the best of both worlds, great summers at the river and fantastic skiing in the winter.
Where did you go to college?
I attended Seattle University. It was an amazing time to be in Seattle in the 90’s. I got to experience the tale end of the grunge movement and beginning of the tech industry. My college was located in downtown Seattle on Capital Hill. I felt like I was fully immersed in the Seattle scene.
Did you play any sports growing up?
I grew up playing just every sport I could sign up for. Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Football, Swimming, Gymnastics and even Dance. However, as I got older, I concentrated mainly on basketball and dance.
What do you do for work?
I work for the women’s fashion brand Sam Edelman as the VP of Visual. In this role I get to work closely with the founders Sam and Libby Edelman on all creative aspects of the brand which include Store Design, Marketing, Branding and Packaging Design, and many other areas.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I had never considered boxing as a form of exercise until one day my step son mentioned that he was interested in learning. I reached out to Gotham Gym and we started going to the gym together to learn how to box. I found out quickly that it was the hardest workout I had ever done and I became completely addicted to it. Pretty soon I found myself going to the gym on my own to work out on the bags and take classes. My enthusiasm for the sport and for Gotham Gym spread to the rest of my family and now my step daughter and wife have joined in on the action. My wife has definitely become the badass in the family!
Why on earth did you sign up to fight?
I signed up for the fight because I wanted to challenge myself to do something that is completely against my nature. I was in the gym last year while all the Gotham fighters were training for Haymakers and I watched them go through the grueling four months of hard work and I was inspired to take on that challenge for myself.
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 inspiration to get in the ring and fight for a cure stems from wanting to support two great organizations, Haymakers for Hope and Candlelighters NYC. Both of these organizations allow me to do something meaningful and give back to people who need and appreciate the support. When I was introduced to Candlelighters NYC by a close friend, I was so moved by how they support kids and their families going through cancer treatment. Having my own family, I imagined what it would be like to be going through what these families and kids are going through fighting cancer. I immediately decided I would do whatever I could to support their efforts.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training?
The hardest thing for me to give up are cheeseburgers! I belong to a burger of the month club with my close friends. Every month we choose a new restaurant in NYC and try out their burger. This commitment requires me to do a lot of independent study before each meeting. It’s going to be extremely hard to give up those juicy burgers!
When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I love to play golf, but don’t get to as much as I would like. I also love to spend time with family, especially my Lab George. We go everywhere together.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I would say it’s definitely my wife and kids. It will be their reward for having to listen to me talk about boxing nonstop for the next 4 months.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Nick!