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 Alexandra Kelleher, fighting out of EverybodyFights.
Where are you from?
Worcester, MA
Where’d you go to college?
Boston College
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played almost every sport growing up, but focused solely on tennis in high school, and played at BC.
What do you do for work?
Consulting
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
After I graduated from BC, and stopped playing tennis, I needed a new challenge. I started doing mitts and I was immediately addicted- the next logical step for me was to make it competitive. I never pictured myself fighting, but I can already tell that I will continue to spar post Haymakers!
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Teaching at EBF, I am surrounded by fighters all the time. I have watched several groups go through the Haymakers training, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that community. Everyone is fighting for something bigger than themselves - it is an opportunity to be selfless and fight for those who can't.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – Where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
I, like everyone else, have friends and family who have been directly affected by cancer. This disease affects everyone regardless of age, race, and gender, and is one of the leading causes of death- with the right treatment, a lot of these tragedies can be avoided. Fundraising and stepping into the ring is the least I can do to raise awareness, and fight for those close to me who fought without a choice.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
The most difficult thing for me to give up during training has been chocolate covered almonds. However, I stopped eating them and immediately lost 2 pounds, which is horrifying. I actually enjoy eating healthy so my biggest challenge will be trying to hit my goal weight while maintaining my strength!
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
When I'm not training, my other hobbies include....working out and teaching fitness classes ha. I am really passionate about helping others reach their goals and have a lot of personal goals I am striving to reach as well. Other interests...going to dinner with friends, spending time in the sun (we don't get enough of it here!), drinking too much coffee...the usual.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I think my sister is probably the most excited to see me get punched in the face. She's my biggest supporter, but I also drive her absolutely crazy and, as her roommate, I know she has wanted to knock me out a few times. Hopefully there aren't too many other people that want to see me take a punch, but if they buy a ticket and support the cause, then its a win win.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Alex!