Thursday, February 28 2019
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies II in Denver, CO 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 Ben "Blade" Speicher, fighting out of Blunt Force Training.
Where are you from?
Boston, MA
Where’d you go to college?
Trinity College (Hartford, CT)
Did you play any sports growing up?
I grew up playing a lot of sports, but I played football, wrestling, and baseball in high school. I went on to wrestle in college as well...but I wasn't that good.
What do you do for work?
I am a Math Teacher at South High School. After school, I also coach the wrestling team and I'm an assistant on the freshmen football team.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I always wanted to try boxing ever since I was little, but never had the opportunity to try it. Growing up with an older brother, I learned that I was pretty good at taking beatings so I figured I'd be good at boxing. As an adult, I realize just taking beatings isn't a very healthy or a very good boxing strategy, so I probably need to learn to dodge punches and protect myself over the next couple months. I've also always loved watching the Rocky movies. The Italian Stallion is a pretty big motivator for me.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I'm fighting to honor my late mother and grandfathers who all suffered from cancer. I have always wanted to do more to help in the fight against cancer, but never knew exactly how. When I learned about Haymakers for Hope, I found my answer.
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 lost my mom and both grandfathers to cancer. I hated seeing them struggle as they got weaker, but felt inspired by their determination to continue to live out their lives as normal possible and never let cancer dictate their lives. They will definitely be on my mind when I am training.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
I'm a pretty spontaneous person. I'm not very good at saying "no" to people when it comes to doing activities on a whim. As a result, I probably eat more junk food and imbibe libations more than I should. At the same time, I probably get less sleep than I should. I think learning to stick to a schedule and being disciplined with my consumption of vices is going to be tough for me.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I enjoy traveling, skiing, going to concerts, amateur eating competitions, and listening to Taylor Swift...a lot of Taylor Swift. I also like to organize events for Bendale, the semi-imaginary municipality I preside over as Mayor. Past events have included the Bendale Olympics, Bendale Culture Night, and Bendale Book Club. I'm really looking forward to Bendale Paint Night this spring, and our summer arts and music festival, Bladefest.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My brother, my sister, my current roommates, my old roommates, basically anyone who's lived with me and had to listen to me sing in the shower.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish his! Best of luck, Ben!