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 Stephen Berte, fighting out of EverybodyFights.
Where are you from?
Hingham, MA
Where’d you go to college?
Brown University
Did you play any sports growing up?
Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling....stuck with football and wrestling.
What do you do for work?
I work in asset management.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
When I stopped wrestling, I was looking for something to replicate the physical and mental elements of the sport. The parallels between the two are uncanny and I was naturally drawn to it.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I was going through some pretty significant life changes this fall and I needed a goal to help focus and motivate me. This seemed like the perfect challenge to do that.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
So in December of 2017, I lost my dear friend, mentor and colleague, Bill to a near 10 year battle with cancer. Bill was the most influential person in my adult life. We worked so closely together and were such dear friends that I felt like I walked this journey with him. I was absolutely devastated when he passed.
My dad lost his year long battle with cancer in September of 2018. His decline happened so quickly and the experience was very different however the devastation was the same. I lost the two most influential men in my life to this disease within 10 months. I fight so that my two boys and Bill’s children’s children do not have to experience what this past year of devastation has been like for us.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Liberty Grill pizza (linguica and garlic, crispy) and beer. I can taste an ice cold bud bottle as I write this response!
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I enjoy spending time with my family. My boys are really active and they love playing sports and running around like maniacs. They love going to Boston sports events and we take them back to my alma maters (Brown and CM) for as much as we can. We also hit the occasional Monster Jam when it’s through town. My wife and I love working out together. Lastly, I love experimenting on my Big Green Egg!
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
If my old man was around, I think he would really enjoy this. For those that knew him best, he always loved a good fight. My boys have come to watch me train and although they won’t get to see it live, they are definitely the most excited about the whole experience.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Stephen!