During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 15th. 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 Adam Berke, fighting out of Church Street Boxing Gym in New York City.
Where are you from?
I was born in the Philippines but moved to the US when I was 3 or 4 and grew up in San Francisco!
Where did you go to college?
UC Santa Barbara
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played just about everything, but Baseball was my favorite and most serious sport.
What do you do for work?
I'm a residential real estate agent on the Serhant Team, you might've seen me on Bravo's TV show, "Million Dollar Listing NY"!
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I've loved boxing ever since I was a little kid watching the big fights with my dad and rooting for fighters like Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. Not to mention, Stallone's "Rocky" movies were some of my favorites growing up! I used to imagine myself in the ring and fighting in the Golden Gloves or the Olympics, but I'll settle for one night with Haymakers 4 Hope!
Why on earth did you sign up to fight?
I enjoy a challenge and I enjoy supporting a good cause. I think training for four months to fight a total stranger in front of thousands of people in NYC while raising money to battle cancer is a great way to accomplish both.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Members of my extended family and my friends are currently battling or have battled cancer. I'm drawing inspiration from them, knowing that any pain or stress I'll be going through with my training is nothing compared to what they are dealing with or have dealt with.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training?
I LOVE FOOD. I won't be able to give up all of my bad eating habits entirely, but I'll definitely be cutting back on the desserts, pizzas, and specialty burgers (Bar Sardine, Emily's, and Minetta are a few of my favorites) to maybe just once every other week :)
When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have?
When I'm not closing real estate deals, I'm taking acting classes, catching improv and comedy shows, and exploring new places to eat in the city.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Ryan Serhant. I drive him crazy sometimes, so he's probably going to be living vicariously through my opponent.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Adam!