During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble VIII in Boston on May 17th. 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 Adam Hollis, fighting out of the Manchester Police Athletic League.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Abington, MA but have been living in New Hampshire since I returned from a brief stint in Los Angeles back in 2004. Live Free or Die, baby!
Where’d you go to college?
I graduated from Plymouth State in NH.
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played the typical little kids sports like soccer and tee ball. I also played a bit of football in junior high and high school and some rugby in college.
What do you do for work?
I’m the Senior Vice President of Business Development for a SaaS company called Vindicia.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I’ve always been drawn to boxing. Something about the fact that when you’re in that ring you’re totally exposed. Either you trained or you didn’t. Either you rise to the challenge or you whither. That said, I got involved with the sport when I joined the board of the Manchester Police Athletic League. The MPAL has an excellent boxing program and before I knew it I was socializing with the coaches and getting to know the kids. Once I started training I was hooked.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
My friend Joe O’Brien fought last year and I came to the event to cheer him on. From the first bout I knew it was something I had to do. I was just so proud of Joe and inspired by the event that if I had the chance to participate I had to do it. I consider this a great privilege.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Growing up I spent every Sunday after church at my Nanas house. I am one of 24 cousins so Sunday at Nana’s was always busy. My parents, aunts and uncles would gather in the kitchen drinking coffee and my cousins and I would play. She was diagnosed with cancer and ultimately lost her battle. Those Sundays were never the same after that. I also lost my uncle Carleton to cancer. He was the kind of guy that when you talked to him it didn’t matter what else was going on in the room you were the most important person to him in that moment. He was special, kind, thoughtful and a real role model. I still miss him. These are just two examples of what Cancer has taken. I aim to take some of that back. If a dollar I raised helps fund research that leads to an extra day for a mother to have with her child it will be worth every moment.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Beer. It is delicious and I will miss it.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I have three amazing kids Anna, John & Sam and am fortunate enough to have married a woman who is truly my best friend. Being the best husband and father I can is my most important hobby.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
The list is long but distinguished. :)
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Adam!