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 Sean McCumiskey, fighting out of Urban Boxing DC.

Where are you from?
Vienna, Virginia

Where’d you go to college?
George Mason University

Did you play any sports growing up?
Baseball, Basketball, Football

What do you do for work?
I work for Medtronic in the Spine Marketing division

Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Honestly no! My best friend Erik fought in Haymakers last year, and it was very inspirational. But I never thought I would actually do it.

Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
After being bombarded over the past year with e-mails, links, and pictures from my friend Erik regarding Haymakers, I reluctantly looked into the organization. What I saw was both inspiring, and to be honest, slightly terrifying. But the fundraising potential for this amazing organization was just to good to pass up. And after a little more thought, (and a good shadow boxing session in my living room), I signed up!

You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Hands down beer. Although giving up Anita's Breakfast Burritos is a close second.

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?
Hanging out with my wife and two little boys takes up most of my time (but that's a good thing). Other than that I enjoy hanging out at Lake Anna, entertaining friends at night, and listening to music.

Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Probably not my mother...she's not excited at all! And oddly enough all my friends seem delighted at the prospect of me getting punched in the face. That either says a lot about the people I choose to be friends with or me. Jury's still out.

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