Monday, July 30 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 Jenna Taylor, fighting out of Grealish Boxing.
Where are you from?
Naples, FL
Where’d you go to college?
University of Central Florida (NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, BABY!)
Did you play any sports growing up?
Cheerleading / Gymnastics
What do you do for work?
Private Equity Executive Assistant
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I've always admired the sport, but I saw it as more of an intense hobby where I got to punch a heavy bag and sweat my ass off without judgement... I definitely never pictured myself ACTUALLY fighting. (I have a tendency to surprise even myself sometimes. :)
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Honestly? I don't have a single solid answer for that. I know it's primarily for my grandfather, for my family and for my friends whose hearts have hurt over the loss of a loved one... but it's also for me. I need this experience, on so many levels. I need to know I'm giving back, I need to know I can still push myself to the limit and not give up, and I need to know that are still good people doing good things for others. These days it seems everyone is out for themselves... we've forgotten that we're all in this life together and we NEED one another. This is my way of reminding those who are paying attention that we're all capable of giving back, regardless of how we do it. We just need to be better humans. All of us. I will take a million punches to prove that.
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 Grandfather, Ken Taylor. That man worked his 9-5 job up until the day before cancer took him... he REFUSED to let the disease break his spirit. He literally fought until the very end and he NEVER gave up. That mental and physical strength, combined with every positive life lesson that he taught me as a child, is inspiration in itself. I'm a Taylor - regardless of the outcome, we fight.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Quality time with my Golden Retriever, Walter. No joke. The after work snuggles have been put on hold. :P
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I live at Home Depot. I'm so in on the whole DIY craze and love building furniture from scratch. (Yes, Walter comes to Home Depot with me too... ;)
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Oh boy... this is tough because there are multiple people. haha Out of everyone, top of the list has to be my baby bro, Dane. Most of his childhood was spent trying to defend himself against myself and our other brother, Drew, so it should be fairly satisfying for him to see me get rocked a few times.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Jenna!