Friday, July 27 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 Michele Wescott, fighting out of TKO Boxfit.
Where are you from?
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Where’d you go to college?
Colby-Sawyer College
Did you play any sports growing up?
Softball
What do you do for work?
Intensive Care Registered Nurse as well as a kickboxing instructor
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I NEVER pictured myself starting kickboxing, let alone see myself boxing and/or FIGHTING! I started kickboxing after I graduated college as a way to stay active and try something new, but most importantly, it was something that help me gain my confidence back. I became an instructor to do the same - it's easy to help others when you are passionate about what you do. I NEVER pictured myself getting in the ring and FIGHTING - but I think it's a sport about self discipline and working hard, and fighting for what you love and what you are passionate about - so WHAT NOT fight to KNOCK OUT CANCER?
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Every time I tell everyone I am fighting this coming October, their immediate response is, "are you CRAZY?" Of course I'm crazy, but I wouldn't change my decision for anything in the world. My main reason to sign up to fight is for my Nana - Marlene Murray. She passed away 10 years ago after losing her battle against breast cancer. This coming October would have been her 80th birthday. I am fighting for her and for everyone and anyone who FIGHTS everyday just to survive. My Nana was one of the strongest women in my life and on top on fighting to knock out cancer, I know she would want me to be the strongest, most independent woman I can be and this is just another way I can show myself as well as many other young woman that boxing isn't just a men's sport and that woman can do ANYTHING - you just have to set your mind to it and WORK HARD!
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – Where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
It is still a shocker to say that I'm "stepping into the ring." When training days get hard and there are days I get frustrated, I keep reminding myself that this is all for my Nana. My Nana was the foundation for our family - she held everything together. After losing her battle with breast cancer about 10 years ago, our family fell apart. She was such a hard working woman and if I can be half of what she was, I will have succeeded.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Where to begin... I think the hardest thing to give has definitely been the sacrifices with my friends and family. It's been hard to multi-task and get everything accomplished. As it was, I didn't have much "spare time" in my life between my hectic 2 jobs - but now add in training, I really have no time. The food and beverages are just an adjustment and it hasn't been hard, but seeing all your friends and family out on vacations or going to concerts and such is difficult when I have to either adjust my work schedule to work so that I can train on my other hours of the day.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
When I'm not training and kicking ass, I'm usually in the gym or working. But when I do have the time, I love to just relax at home with my husband and my 2 kitties. I don't have the chance to relax a lot, so when I do get the chance, it's nice to just sit down, relax, and watch movies.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My mom has to be the most excited to see ME punch others in the FACE, but I honestly feel like my members from my kickboxing gym are the most excited to see me get punched! They are pumped to come out and watch!
Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Michele!