During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VI in Boston on October 5th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether they've had first hand experience, 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 Denise Lavino, fighting out of Jim McNally Boxing.
Where are you from?
Saugus, Massachusetts
Did you play any sports growing up?
Softball
What do you do for work?
Hairstylist
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
People say "When you find something that peaks your interest" you will enjoy what you do & that something was boxing! I fell in love with the fitness aspect of it first & I guess just graduated from that point and eventually I was more involved in the sport of boxing. Yes! I absolutely can picture myself fighting! It's just my personality, I definitely have a little fire inside me.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I often ask myself that same question! To be completely honest, again you really have to have a certain personality to sign up for something like this that's for sure, also the people I surround myself with also have had the same interests as I do. It just felt right!
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 inspiration is Sonny Tropeano a 10 yr old boy who never had the chance to enjoy his life because cancer took that opportunity from him way too soon! It's not fair! & it certainly does not discriminate!
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
My time is the most difficult to balance, first I am a mother of 19yr old twin boys, second I am a wife, third I have a full-time job & last and most important for the next 4 months is my training schedule. I am very passionate about everything I do and I am very focused and that is most importantly the reasons why I hope to succeed in this journey.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I do play softball on a recreational league in Jamaica Plain, Fitness & gym workouts.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My two children probably because of all the punishments through the years! HaHaHa
Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Denise!