Monday, February 26 2018
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 Kori Brown, fighting out of Nonantum Boxing Club.
Where are you from?
Buffalo, NY
Where’d you go to college?
Hamilton College
Did you play any sports growing up?
At a very young age I was drawn to sports. I played every sport I could growing up. In high school I was a 3 sport athlete. Soccer, Basketball and either Track or Baseball in the Spring. I went on to play basketball in college at Hamilton. Upon moving to Boston in '99-00, I picked up semi-pro football which I played for 16 seasons. The majority of which was spent with the Charlestown Townies of the Eastern Football League. I try to remain as active as possible and sports is a great way to fuel my competitive drive.
What do you do for work?
I'm a Senior Manager for Global Technical Talent Acquisition for SharkNinja based in Needham. We make the Shark vacuums/robot vacs, Ninja blenders/coffee bar, etc.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I've always enjoyed watching boxing matches and thought it would be cool to give a try but never thought it would happen.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Honestly, I wanted to challenge myself. I've heard how grueling the training and the preparation can be so it seems like the ideal way to push the limits of what I'm capable of. Besides, if nothing else, I'll probably be in the best shape of my life.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
I will be fighting in honor of my cousin Bud or Major General AJ Stewart as he was known in the US Air Force, who passed away at the age of 55 from brain cancer. When told he had 3 months he said they haven’t invented anything that can kill me in 3 months and went on to live another 27 months. If he can do that, I can conquer this! I also hope to honor my family members, friends, co-workers, past and present who have either dealt with this horrible disease personally or have seen it's effect on someone they love. Cancer is an awful awful disease. If I can have a small hand in helping someone battle to simply see another day or somehow someway make a contribution to fund a cure, I'm all in. God has blessed me with the ability to do something for someone else and I'm going to do it to the best of my ability.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Ice cream is my weakness. Giving up Coffee-flavored Haagen Dazs will be tough. I may have to build in a cheat day or two if allowed.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, working out, listening to music and simply relaxing.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Ha ha. Great question. No clue but hopefully I don't get punched too many times.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck on Instagram! Best of luck, Kori!