Friday, May 17 2019
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for The Inaugural Beltway Brawl in Washington DC on September 19th. 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 Pranav Vora, fighting out of Downtown Boxing.
Where are you from?
I grew in the Midwest - South Bend, Indiana - but have been living in Washington, DC now for over a decade now, it’s become home. Because that answer doesn’t always address what people want to know - I’m ethnically Indian - my parents immigrated to the US in the early 70s.
Where’d you go to college?
I went to undergrad at Indiana University and graduate school at the London School of Economics. I was a visiting scholar at University of Pennsylvania.
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played a bunch of sports growing up but the only one that really stuck and that I became (relatively) good at was tennis.
What do you do for work?
I am the founder of Hugh & Crye, a men’s apparel brand for lean and athletically built guys. I also advise other entrepreneurs, mainly in e-commerce, consumer, and retail.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I’m learning that boxing is an incredible sport in so many ways, one that I wouldn’t have otherwise even tried if it weren’t for Haymakers For Hope.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I’ve learned that for me to make big changes in my life, I need a sort of public declaration. As an example, I don’t really run or ride my bike much these days but I always run a 10k here in Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and ride in a 25-mile race benefiting the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Good causes and they have become events that I really look forward to. Signing up to fight was a similar feeling.
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’m a cancer survivor myself, as is my mother. I can also think of other extended family members and friends who are survivors. Needless to say, this is a very personal battle and journey that I’m on.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
I have an enormous sweet tooth, so I think giving up just casually getting that 400 calorie cookie is going to be tough. That, and I’ve had unhealthy stints with Mountain Dew. Thankfully that’s in the past.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I’ve got two young kids at home so they keep me pretty busy in the mornings before daycare and evenings for dinner, bath time and bedtime. I’ve got a ton of other interests and hobbies, but I don’t mind putting them to the side to really dig into something - like fighting for Haymakers For Hope.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Not my wife, that’s for sure. I’m still working on getting her to want to be there. Probably my closest buddies - I’m sure they’ve wanted to do the same at some point in our lives, ha!
Be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Pranav!