Friday, March 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 Mike Boles, fighting out of Boxygen.
Where are you from?
London, Ontario, Canada
Where’d you go to college?
Suffolk University
Did you play any sports growing up?
Hockey
What do you do for work?
Medical Device Sales/High School Hockey Coach
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I’ve always been intrigued with boxing but never thought I’d actually fight in a real match.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I think it’s a great cause and a truly unique experience.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
My grandfather passed away from Leukemia in 2005. He was a pilot in the Royal Air Force during WWll and spent his 18th through 21st birthdays in a German POW camp after being shot down. He survived those horrible conditions and terrible odds flying a bomber during WWll but it was cancer that got him. Even though he lived a full life passing at the age of 83, I couldn’t help but be pissed off that cancer took him from us because he was still so with it and active. He definitely had a few fun years left to spend with us.
Some of the people I’ll be drawing inspiration from during this are: Lauren Devine, Doug Daigler, & “The Captain” Roy Snow. I’m also fighting for friends and anyone currently battling cancer as well as the nurses and other medical workers who work long hours and often give up holidays with their own families to help patients fight their battle.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
All of that stuff.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Right now when I’m not training or working you can find me at Pilgrim Arena coaching hockey. I’m one of the assistant coaches for the Hingham High School boys varsity hockey team.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Probably Ben Zahner.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Mike!