Tuesday, August 14 2018
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 Slater Traaen, fighting out of Church Street Boxing Gym in New York City.
Where are you from?
San Diego
Where did you go to college?
University of San Diego
Did you play any sports growing up?
Basketball
What do you do for work?
I work for a Munich based fund management company named GLL Real Estate Partners sourcing new acquisitions as well as managing our northeast office and retail portfolio.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I wanted to challenge myself with something completely out of my comfort zone as I've never boxed before. Losing a gallon of water weight, lungs on fire and rendering my arms useless after each gym session is a challenge in and of itself. Stepping into the ring to fight is something on another level I'll have to wrap my head around.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight?
H4H is something I've been wanting to do for quite some time. I know a number of alumni all of whom say it was one of the best experiences of their life. The discipline, physicality and focus is something that was more appealing to me than a cancer 5K fun run.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Cancer has affected my family and my wife's family in a deeply meaningful way having lost loved ones to both ovarian and colon cancer. I'm fighting for them. I'm also fighting to ensure research is properly funded and advances are made to eradicate this horrible disease.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training?
That feeling of relaxation and free time. I think about the fight constantly and when I'm in on something, I'm all in. On the other hand I'm not very restrictive with my diet which may be my undoing but hope to counter that with plenty of gym time.
When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I'm a big hoops fan and play a lot of basketball; try to get out of New York a few times a year either internationally or even if it's just taking a weekend trip somewhere; Heading out to shows or festivals to see a favorite band play; making my daughter belly laugh.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I have an unintentional habit of punching my best friends in the arm or slapping them relatively hard on their back as a show of endearment if I get laughing hard, so I am positive they are absolutely giddy about the payback I am about to receive.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Slater!