Wednesday, July 25 2018
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 Claudia Rosenblatt, fighting out of Grealish Boxing.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Andover, MA and now I am living in South Boston.
Where’d you go to college?
UConn (Go Huskies!!)
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played softball while growing up into freshman year of high school and continue to play the sport recreationally (with or without beers included..)
What do you do for work?
I work as an accountant on the Global Finance team at Bain & Company in Boston.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Boxing has always been one of those activities that intimidated me, but was intriguing enough that I had to give it a shot! No way I ever saw myself getting into the ring, but I also just completed a half marathon last month, and a year ago, I couldn't even string together more than 3 miles. "Never say never" has become somewhat of a motto these days I guess! Signing up was just the next step in my journey to living a healthy, active (and somewhat crazy) life.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I find that the best way to improve my life, my health, and my personal well-being is to pursue things that challenge me, and that force me to step outside my comfort zone. I've had the words "Mind over matter" ingrained into me by my trainer for the past few years (Heeyyy Melis) and this couldn't be more applicable to boxing. Coupled with an amazing cause to benefit Dana Farber, I can't imagine a better way to take on my newest challenge.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – Where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Cancer is all around us, unfortunately. Everyone can tell a story about a time that cancer has affected their lives. I know that I'll experience setbacks and doubts throughout this experience. These challenges are nothing compared to the battle that cancer patients, survivors/(or thrivers as I like to think of them), and families go through on a daily basis. I have power and control over my journey, and I will continue forward knowing that with each punch thrown and taken, I am literally fighting for a cure.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Oy... summertime is brutal! With barbecues galore, and patio season in full swing, it's going to be difficult to pass up after-work drinks, pizza, and all of those tempting treats... The spontaneous venture to Fenway Park for a weeknight game is no longer an option and I'll certainly miss a chocolate dipped waffle cone filled with coffee oreo ice cream... I should probably stop before I start drooling.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I'll just piggyback of my answer to the last question.... I am a huge Red Sox fan, and as expected with someone who loves to eat, I also love to cook! Besides the gym, the kitchen is my happy place, and I'm known to friends and family as "chef Claudia" (a friend even had an apron made for me). It's really hard to hashtag #chefclaudia on my Instagram posts because there's actually a professional chef that is out there really showing me up....gotta step up my game.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
It's hard to say... but I know the person who is LEAST excited is my Mom. The day I told her I was going to participate in Belles, her first comment was "No. Not that face!!" She has come around a bit (but not really), and is likely going to watch the fight from behind her hands, but I know that she is fully supportive of my journey and will show up no matter what!!
Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Claudia!