During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in 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 Christopher Mullins Tipler, fighting out of Downtown Boxing.

Where are you from?
Birmingham, Alabama

Where’d you go to college?
Sewanee: The University of the South

Did you play any sports growing up?
Soccer

What do you do for work?
International Trade & National Security law at Jones Day

Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I boxed briefly when I was 15 and have wanted to get back into it ever since

Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I always wanted to be a professional athlete. I guess this is the closest I’ll ever get.

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 Grandmom, Betty Mullins, lost her battle with Cancer when I was in elementary school. She was the kindest person I (or anyone else) ever met. If cancer can target her, it is truly indiscriminate.

What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Scotch, eventually.

When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Soccer, barbecue, and travel

Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My wife, because I’m fighting a week after her due date.

Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Chris!