Tuesday, April 2 2019
You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on May 15th, things have started to pick up a bit. Training is getting more intense. They’ve been punched in the face. Most have had a bloody nose here or there, their diets have changed, and boxing is becoming an everyday part of their lives. So we figured it was about time to check back in and see how things have been going. Adam Moulter has been putting in work at Back Bay Boxing and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.
We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along?
Its been intense to say the least but its been going great! I'm training alongside 3 other guys who are on the same card, have an awesome coach, and have some great sparring partners (...who I think might take some joy in landing shots on the four of us fighting 5/15), so the accountability and the support has been there which has been really helpful.
What is your weekly routine?
Between boxing-specific training, sparring, roadwork, and lifting, I've been in the gym seven days a week since I got the call to be a replacement the first weekend in February. I'm getting in at least one workout a day, but working in double sessions or two-a-days a couple times a week.
How has your diet changed since training began?
Oh man, the diet change has been pretty drastic for sure. With the exception of a cheat day for St. Patty's, I've essentially cut out all alcohol and am being super conscious about what I'm eating for the first time in a long time. Lots of brown rice, chicken or fish, veggies, and protein shakes primarily, with fruit as snacks during the day and more water than I've ever consistently consumed. While I feel amazing and am seeing the weight come off, I'd be full of shit if I said I didn't want to get down on a burger and a beer right about now.
Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected?
My first time sparring, to be completely honest, was a pretty massive ego check. I guess Tyson wasn't lying when he said that everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face, and I definitely experienced that on my first day. You think you're going to go in there and move well and be quick and land some shots, but in actuality you end up gassing out, freezing up, and pretty much panicking as you realize its a LOT harder than real fighters make it look. That said, getting humbled on day 1 was the best thing that could have happened to me. The more sparring I've done, the more comfortable and calm I've become in the ring and now feel better at the end of the round than I did when I began.
What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far?
That's simple: getting my miles in running. I HATE running, and always have hated running since I was playing sports back in school, but the cardio side of fighting is so important that I've had no choice but to overcome that. While I still don't love running, its become a big part of my training regimen and I'm now at least not dreading it when I go out every day.
What does your family think of your participation?
It's been kind of cool to see my family's perception and attitude towards my involvement in the event has changed since I initially told them about it. At first they, like most parents I presume, didn't necessarily love the idea of me volunteering to get punched in the head but were definitely understanding of my reasoning why/the cause. As training has gone on since then though, my parents and my sister have been checking in and asking how sparring is going and how the weight cut is coming along with a bit of excitement in their tone. They still think I'm crazy for doing this, but they're definitely on board and have been really supportive throughout the journey. That in itself has been a pretty awesome thing and will play into my motivation on fight night for sure.
It’s amazing how many people’s lives have been touched by cancer in some way - has there been anyone that has surprised you by their story?
While I don't want to call out any one person's story out of respect to those conversations, what has truly surprised me is how many people I train with or who've donated have their own unfortunate experiences with cancer. Hearing people at my gym mention that a friend or family member has battled the disease, or hearing the stories of loved ones that lost their fight, really has reiterated how widespread this disease is and how immensely important researching treatments and finding a cure is.
Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training?
My initial inspiration for fighting has stayed the same since day one: I'm fighting for my family. With that said, however, hearing others' stories of how cancer has affected them or their loved ones has been beyond powerful and inspiring. Additionally, having the support of my gym, Back Bay Boxing, my coach, and all of the amazing people who train there and push the limit every damn day to make me a better fighter is incredibly inspiring. Fight's are technically one on one battles, but this fight won't be: When I make the walk and step between the ropes on May 15th, each and every one of those people and their stories are stepping in there with me. Hope you're ready, Conor.
Donate to Adam here!