Tuesday, August 28 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 Luke Frankson, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.
Where are you from?
Kingston, Jamaica
Where did you go to college?
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Did you play any sports growing up?
Ran track in high school, played rugby in college
What do you do for work?
I am an attorney. I am an associate at Sidley Austin LLP
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Not really. I have always been fascinated by the sport, but never thought I would actually be stepping into the ring to go toe to toe.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight?
I signed up because it is a great cause and one that I care about very much. Also, it is a personal challenge, and I want to see if I can rise to meet it. Finally, I resolved to be more of a doer than a talker this year, so here we go.
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'm drawing inspiration from the memories of the family members I've lost to cancer. My aunt, someone who helped raise me, lost her battle at the end of 2015. Another aunt of mine passed on at the end of 2017. They were both vibrant, dynamic, and beautiful people. I watched the disease sap the strength from their bodies, but throughout it all they were both positive, dignified, and indelibly themselves. Cancer took their health and eventually their lives, but it didn't change who they were as people. If I can take half the strength they had with me into the ring then I'll feel like I honored them, regardless of the outcome.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training?
Probably the time that I would otherwise spend relaxing. I don't have much of that as it is, but for the next few months I'll be devoting it to training.
When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Learning to play the guitar and learning to speak Spanish. I also like to spend my time traveling and cooking.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Probably a toss up between my friends Akshay and Dre. They have my best interest at heart, but you'd never know it from watching us interact.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Luke!