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 Mike Brown, fighting out of the ToS Boxing Gym.
Where are you from?
Midland, TX
Where’d you go to college?
US Naval Academy
Did you play any sports growing up?
Swimmer
What do you do for work?
Entrepreneur
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I try to live by the quote "Do one thing everyday that scares you." As a competitive cyclist, let's just say that combat sports definitely qualify. After having to take a mandatory boxing class in college, it has always remained high up on the list as one of the hardest things I have ever done. While I have always sought out the toughest challenges as an endurance athlete (Ironman, ultra-endurance mountain bike racing, etc), signing up to fight is so far out of my comfort zone that I knew I had to do it.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
My father is currently six months into an immunotherapy treatment for Stage IV kidney cancer. I also have three close friends all currently either undergoing treatment or who are recent survivors, so cancer has affected my life in a very direct way this year. I can't wait for all of these brave people to have a ring side seat as I fight to honor them.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
I am generally always in some phase of training for cycling - so that part is easy to adapt to. However, the upper body conditioning is incredibly tough for someone used to only training with their legs!
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
As you may have gathered, cycling is a huge part of my life. I am a dedicated amateur road and mountain bike racer, so I can't wait to see gains from cross training manifest in my cycling this season.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I have a whole cast of neighbors and friends and family who all can't wait to see this thing, probably because it is so out of character for my normal challenges.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Mike!