During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 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 their mom is battling, 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 Mike O'Malley, fighting out of TKO BoxFit.
Where are you from?
North Easton, MA
Where’d you go to college?
University of Rhode Island
Did you play any sports growing up?
Baseball, Golf
What do you do for work?
Manager of a global financial technology business.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I am still not sure. I have always had an interest in boxing, but never made it further than a few group classes. I can visualize myself getting in the ring, but never really thought it would happen in any serious way. Not like this.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
The stars aligned. I have had a lot of life change which took me away from a healthy lifestyle, charitable work and doing things which are impactful, especially on a daily basis. As I was searching for a motivator for change, we kept having family, friends and loved ones impacted by cancer. Some friends dealing with cancer are the exact same age as us with the same age children. It seemed like on a daily basis, my wife and I were discussing a new situation we heard about and could not imagine what we would do if faced with that scenario. Putting myself in their shoes, hit me at my core. When I heard about HFH, I instantly knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.
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 have been extremely fortunate that I have not lost any immediate family members or close friends to cancer, yet. However, people close to me have recently lost loved ones or have family and friends battling the disease. The past few months have been overwhelming with the number of new incidences we have heard of.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Definitely the family and the food. Working in Boston, training in Dorchester and living an hour south of Boston with young kids is going to keep me away more than usual and that will be tough. Also, I love the worst food on the planet, specifically loaded nachos, (Americanized) Chinese food, more specifically crab rangoons, and sweets, so yea, its going to be the food because I don't think those things are part of many healthy diets.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Outside of family and work, its golf. That is where I spend all of my free time and I am looking to compete in state tournaments.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Pretty much the whole office.
Be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Mike!