During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VI in Boston on October 10th. 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 Brittany Wilton, fighting out Combat Sports Boston.
Where are you from?
Garden City, NY
Where’d you go to college?
Boston College
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played Lacrosse at Boston College! Soccer, Basketball, and Lacrosse in High School
What do you do for work?
I work as a Trainer at Barrys Bootcamp and Flywheel Sports.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Boxing is so athletic, I'm excited to learn something new and for the challenge.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
One of my friends from BC, Chris Venti, had done Haymakers and said it was a life changing experience. When I heard what Haymakers was all about I was blown away by the mission and what they've accomplished. A few weeks ago my client said sign ups for Belles was live and said I should sign up, so I went for it and am so excited and humbled to be a part of 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?
Seeing what this disease can do and doing what I can to help find a cure. In my own family both my Dad and my Cousin Danielle are cancer survivors, my Uncle Roy and Aunt Phillis lost their lives to this disease. Seeing what they went through and their immediate families is what is driving me.
During my time at BC I met two people that changed my life. Judith and Larry Theriault, twins born with Pediatric brain Tumors. They were paired with sports teams at Boston College through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Judith is in remission and was part of our team (BC women lacrosse) and is now a teacher. Larry was part of the baseball team and has become a close friend. Larry is battling a tumor and working with Dana Farber to get on the newest trial available to fight this.
My family and friends affected by this disease are my inspiration. Knowing that outside my own world this disease affects the lives of so many will drive me every day.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Sweets! I have a crazy sweet tooth, but I want to commit to eating real whole clean foods while I train to get myself in the best place possible come fight night!
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
So many, its hard to list! I love good food, I love to spend time with the people I love, and I love to be active. I'm Italian so I love good food. I love to try good restaurants in Boston or cook a good meal. Recently, I have been loving golf. I've been playing with my boyfriend almost every week or we go to the driving range. I love Granite Links, the view there is so amazing. I try to get to New York to spend time with my family as much as I can, most of my family is still on Long Island. I love the beach and my hometown. Its always nice to spend time there with the people I love... the list is endless I could go on. Excited for most of my energy to go towards learning boxing these next few months.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Definitely not my mom.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Brittany!