Monday, June 10 2019
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 Harrison Slater, fighting out of Urban Boxing DC.
Where are you from?
Westfield, NJ
Where’d you go to college?
Penn State
Did you play any sports growing up?
A little of almost every sport, but not very well
What do you do for work?
I'm a consultant at Deloitte in our Government Advisory practice. I help Federal clients manage risks.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I've followed boxing for a while and am fascinated by it. Fighting is about as raw and stripped down of a sport as you can get. It's been a part of mankind and in nature pretty much for years.It's brutal, but there's something about it that draws people in. I never pictured myself fighting when I was younger, but as I've gotten older I feel more comfortable with it.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
To raise money to fight cancer, to get in great shape, to refine my boxing skills, and to put on a show!
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've been fairly lucky as far as how much cancer has affected me. I've lost a few loved ones from it and some people I know or friends of friends have been diagnosed. My inspiration more so comes from the stories I've heard of others who it has affected on a deeper level and who it is affecting currently. I'm also inspired to help fight cancer in the future, because as far as I know, it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. If my fortunate run of having my life unaffected by cancer profoundly were to end, I would want to know that there are others fighting for a cure, too.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Beer, pasta, and fries.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I've gotten into golfing recently which I'm enjoying and struggling at. I love snowboarding in the winter, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and reading. I'm currently also spending most of my time studying for the CFA Level 2 Exam on June 15th.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Other than whoever I'm fighting of course, I think all my friends will get a kick out of me taking a few good shots.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Harrison!