Wednesday, August 1 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 Emily Harney, fighting out of Tomasello’s.
Where are you from?
Salem, MA
Where’d you go to college?
Lesley University
Did you play any sports growing up?
Swimming and golf.
What do you do for work?
Visual Arts Teacher, Photographer/Photojournalist
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I've worked in and around boxing for eighteen years as a photographer and consultant to promoters but I have never stepped into the ring to fight. From the first day of working in boxing I have been asked; do you fight? Do you want to fight? My answer has always remained the same, when the time is right, and for the right reasons I would get in the ring. This is also the one part of the business of boxing that I am not familiar with, meaning what it is actually like to train, fight, hit and be hit. I have covered some of the greatest fighters to ever step into the ring, from all angels of their lives, respecting their dedication, work ethic and privacy. Just in the few short weeks I have been training, my respect for their knowledge, dedication and lifestyle choices has elevated.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
To knock the F out of cancer!!!! And I just need to do it once to fully understand the business I love and respect so much. In 2016 I attended my first Haymakers for Hope event and was blown away by the energy and support for a cause that means so much, to so many of us. I knew if given the opportunity to fight it would be a great honor and truly is.
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: Susan Harney, Honorable Judge Sam Zoll, Danny Jacobs, Mason Silva, Dior Stavros.... There are so many reasons why I am stepping into the ring to knock out cancer. I knew when I first heard of Haymakers for Hope, having family, friends, co-works, clients, former students and my friends children battle cancer; some who have lost their battles was reason enough. This past December I was asked by my friend to come and photograph his children for their Christmas card. His daughter was in Boston Children’s battling Leukemia and getting the kids into a studio was not going to be an option so we transformed her room into a studio and the pictures were spectacular. While I was at the hospital I saw how many children were in this enormous building fighting cancer. This experience alone was reason enough to want to fight!
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Tredwell's Ice Cream Sunday :(
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I love spending time with my son, whether playing basketball, hospital or going on adventures he is my partner in crime. I spend many weekends on the road photographing and making films about boxing so I am always working to catch others throwing and landing punches.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My Sister
Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Emily!