Now well-established in Boston and New York City, 2018 saw Haymakers for Hope host a successful launch in Denver, Colorado. This year, the event moves south with a brand new fight city: Washington, D.C.

H4H Co-founder Andrew Meyerson is thrilled about the latest expansion. “We’ve been in Boston and New York and that network is really strong, so a third East Coast city makes a lot of sense. We already have a strong alumni community with ties there, so we’re really excited for them to help out. It’s a transient population, young, tons of athletic activities going on. It’s a great fit.” D.C. is also a great fit for furthering H4H's mission to knockout cancer. "Washington is the center of so much change and progress," Andrew says. "To bring awareness and fundraising for cancer research to D.C. feels like a natural next step."

Fighters in D.C.’s freshman class are in for a great experience. The city already has a thriving boxing scene and fight culture with tons of gyms to choose from, including former welterweight world champion Lamont Peterson’s. Boxers won’t have to navigate the scene alone, though. Haymakers Regional Fight Manager Mike Cassesso will be on the ground helping everyone get settled into their gyms and training routines.

The Beltway Brawl will be hosted at The Anthem, a brand new music venue and auditorium in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. Andrew and his team know the venues play a huge part in a city’s Fight Night success. “In Boston, our fighters’ fans really like to be in individual seats, to feel like they’re part of a crowd. In New York, everybody always wants a large venue with more big tables.” The H4H residence at The Anthem is a match made in heaven. Not only is it a new, beautiful spot for Haymakers ring, but it’s large, with lots of flexibility to adjust to how Washington fans want to support their fighters.

Andrew says the Haymakers team looks forward to interacting with the new gyms and meeting the brave fighters who’ll set the tone for years to come in Washington. After last year’s launch in Denver, though, they know that launching in a new city comes with challenges. The biggest hurdle to success? “Getting the word out there.”

Help Haymakers for Hope get the word out about The Beltway Brawl on Thursday, September 19th in Washington D.C.. Sign-ups are now live and will be open until Tuesday, April 23rd. Don’t want to fight but want to attend? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified when tickets go on sale.  

Thinking about signing up yourself but want to learn more? Check out our program details here. No experience necessary.