Sunday, February 17 2019
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies II on June 6th. 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 Nikki Chernick, fighting out of The Corner Boxing Club.
Where are you from?
New York
Where’d you go to college?
Penn State
Did you play any sports growing up?
Basketball, Volleyball and Lacrosse
What do you do for work?
Graduate Student at CU Boulder studying Environmental Sustainability
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Actually... yes! This is something I have always been interested in trying and never got around to. I'd love to try Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga as well.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Selfishly, I want to challenge myself and prove to myself that I can put my all into this journey and come out a stronger and better person for it. People with cancer don't have this choice - they HAVE to fight every single day whether they want to or not, and I want to fight alonside them.
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 seen so many people suffer through this horrifying disease, and many haven't made it. People I love have been broken because of it. Cancer doesn't have a preference - it comes for the young and the innocent, even those who haven't learned to walk yet. Simply put, it's not fair. I am fighting for the people who didn't have a chance to fight themselves.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Time! As a graduate student with four jobs, time will be my biggest challenge.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Mostly, I love to learn. I love learning about human behavior, ecology, nature, economics, and most of all cool innovations happening around the world in order to make it a better place. I love to travel and explore new places, especially when I get to go hiking and camping. Bonus points if I can bring my dog, Russell. When I have time, I like to do crafty things like paint, knit, and make things out of wood!
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My mom, so she can say "I told you so".
Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Nikki!