During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies in Denver on June 14th. 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 Seth Alexander, fighting out of the Blunt Force Training.
Where are you from?
Fort Carson, Colorado
Did you play any sports growing up?
When I was younger I always preferred participating in alternative sports when I wasn't playing basketball at the local church. I spent most of my time throwing around a Frisbee, it could have been Ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee Golf, or just throwing the Frisbee around with friends. If I wasn't throwing the Frisbee, I would often try and put together after school events with friends and classmates to participate in sports such as Rugby, Lacrosse, and Football. I spent a few years learning Tae Kwon Do in my early teenage years and have always enjoyed competitive martial arts.
What do you do for work?
I started working with computers at a very young age. I remember when I was eight years old and I wanted to try out a video game on the computer, I have the fondest memory of my father telling me that I had to design a program on the computer before I could start playing video games for the night. He taught me how create a working calculator that night and many more things as time went on. From that moment on I have always had a passion for technology, so I decided to pursue a career in the field. I now work as a System Administration for an investment firm based out of Denver.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I have always enjoyed competitive sports and I really enjoyed competing in Tae Kwon Do tournaments as a teenager. I am extremely excited that I have this opportunity to learn how to box and I can't wait to get in the ring to knock out cancer!
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Learning how to box, supporting an amazing cause, and literally fighting to cure cancer. I don't think anyone would need another reason! Personally, I think this is one of the most creative ideas to get people involved in the fight for cancer and consider myself very lucky to be involved.
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 had 2 Great Grandmothers that were taken by cancer and I never had the opportunity to meet them. Recently I watched a friend drop out of college and move back to live with her family so that she could receive the treatment she needed to knockout cancer. Cancer is around us all the time and I have always asked the question, why don't we have a cure for this yet? When I heard about Haymakers for Hope, I thought what a great opportunity to help find a cure and make people aware of how cancer is affecting peoples lives.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
A good Old Fashioned or Craft Beer. However, I am very excited to replace those things with boxing! Boxing is a much better alternative for releasing some stress and is a good opportunity to start eating right and taking care of my body. Even though I will miss a well crafted drink, I know I won't regret it.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Falconry consumes a good portion of my life when I am not working on my punches or working in the office. If I am not working with the bird, then I am fixing up the house, fly fishing, or taking the dog on a hike.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I told my sweet mother about the event and what I was going to be doing... she was not excited to see me get punched, but was very excited that I was involved with such a great organization. I think the people most excited are probably my co-workers, they can get some satisfaction for all the times I told them to just reboot their computer and call me back.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Seth!