Saturday, July 6 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 Michael Dendas, fighting out of Urban Boxing Bethesda.
Where are you from?
Branford, CT
Where’d you go to college?
Trinity College
Did you play any sports growing up?
Yes. Football and Lacrosse
What do you do for work?
I work for the Government
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I could never envision myself boxing, which was part of the appeal.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
To raise money and challenge myself.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Growing up, I had a cousin who was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer. Obviously, it had a dramatic effect on my family but my cousin and family were fortunate to find comfort in a place called the Children's INN. When I moved to DC, I became involved with the INN and have been ever since. It is a fantastic place and I would hope people would somehow become involved, as well-- https://childrensinn.org/
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Early mornings. Wait, I'm supposed to give up beer and cheeseburgers?
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
My wife and I just bought a house, so I'm painting a lot of cabinets and mowing the lawn.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
James Maxwell, by a long shot.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Mike!