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 Kyle White, fighting out of EverybodyFights in South Boston.
Where are you from?
I am from Randolph, MA, but currently live in Dorchester.
Where’d you go to college?
I went to Bowdoin College in Maine.
Did you play any sports growing up?
I have always played competitive sports. Growing up, I played baseball and hockey. As I got older and there was no longer a weight requirement, my focus shifted to football. I played 3 years of varsity football in high school and was a co-captain my senior year. After high school, I played football in college and was a three time intramural basketball champion. After college, I played a couple years of flag football before deciding to become a football referee.
What do you do for work?
I work in client service for an asset management firm called Income Research + Management(IR+M).
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Not until I joined EverybodyFights two years ago. Since then I’ve been hooked! As someone who has always been competitive I am excited to bring the skills that I have learned over the past few years to the ring.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
After watching the last group of people train for Haymakers for Hope at EverybodyFights and attending the event last year I became inspired and eager to participate. Also, one of my work colleagues is friends with Mark Avery, who is the Director at Haymakers for Hope. After talking with Mark and learning more about Haymakers for Hope and their mission it motivated me even more to signup.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Both my grandparents have battled and survived cancer. My grandmother is a two time breast cancer survivor, and my grandfather is has survived prostate cancer. Not being around or able to help them out like the rest of my family, I always wanted to be able to pay them back. Participating in Haymakers for Hope is my way of honoring my grandparents. In addition to my grandparents, I also have plenty of friends who have been affected by cancer.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Candy. I am a sucker for skittles and m&ms. I am going to miss my afternoon CVS runs during the week.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I am a big Boston sports fan. I love the Patriots and the Celtics. Besides sports, I'm a dedicated Law & Order SVU and Chicago PD TV watcher.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Definitely all of my friends, my brother and maybe my girlfriend (depending on when you ask her).
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Kyle!