Monday, August 28 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 Ekin Oflazer, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.
Where are you from?
I'm from Turkey originally. Came to the states for college and ended up staying.
Where did you go to college?
I went to college at the University of Chicago.
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played soccer, basketball and volleyball growing up.
What do you do for work?
I work in venture capital, investing in startups to lead the next generation of innovation.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I chose to help the cause through boxing because it's a sport that requires both mental and physical discipline and strength, and both of those are necessary when fighting cancer. Never pictured myself fighting.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight?
Cancer has taken a toll on my family and friends over the past year. Lost a friend at a very young age two months ago and had a very close family member battle stage 4 lymphoma by getting chemo treatment for almost 9 months.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
The answer to this question is sort of answered in the answer for (6). I saw the pain the people around me had to endure, whether they were the patient or a loved one and I wanted to make sure that I supported a cause that will one day make sure no one else has to go through that pain.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training?
Most difficult thing to give up during training is probably sleep, having to wake up early to train.
When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have?
When I'm not training for boxing, I generally play soccer, cook a lot and enjoy the outdoors.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I'm hoping that I don't closely know the person who is excited to watch me get punched in the face come fight night. If I do know them closely, I probably need to re-asses my relationship with them. :)
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Ekin!