Friday, February 1 2019
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 Conor Harris, fighting out of Nolan Bros Boxing.
Where are you from?
Hanover, NH
Where’d you go to college?
Boston College
Did you play any sports growing up?
Baseball, Soccer, and Skiing
What do you do for work?
Lawyer for a Biotech Company
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I've never pictured myself as a fighter, but challenging myself to do something completely new and against the grain was part of the appeal. Plus, I wanted to step up my fitness, and knowing I will be in a real boxing match at the end of this is a huge motivator to train hard.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
It's a really unique opportunity to do good both for others and for myself. Everyone has been hit by cancer in some form or fashion, so H4H literally provides an opportunity to hit back. I also had a friend do Belles of the Brawl a few years ago, and watching her train and fight inspired me to do the same.
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've lost both my grandmothers to cancer. My paternal grandmother, whom we called Ging, always encouraged us to engage in life - she would tell us to "do at least three active things a day." So I can't think of a better way to honor her than to get active by training for this fight against cancer.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Wait, we have to give up beer and cheeseburgers?? Seriously, the toughest thing will just be the time commitment. Giving up free time with friends, family, my dog, etc. will be hard. But celebrating with all of them, and some pizza and beer, after the fight will be sweet.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Spending time with friends, hiking with my dog, and getting slightly insane about the Red Sox and the Patriots.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I'm an in-house lawyer, so I have plenty of coworkers who have probably dreamed about punching me in the face.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Conor!