Tuesday, January 21 2020
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble X in Boston on May 14th. 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 Ken Pickering, fighting out of EverybodyFights.
Where are you from?
Medfield, MA
Where’d you go to college?
University of Virginia
Did you play any sports growing up?
Soccer, Track were the primary ones.
What do you do for work?
CTO @ Hopper.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I started boxing to do something more interesting than strength and conditioning... And, it just sort of stuck. I generally did not think I'd turn 40 and be prepping for a fight in front of a lot of people, though.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
To honor those who I've lost to cancer, and to feel like I'm doing something real to help those still struggling/surviving.
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 got a long narrative to answer this one. It's complicated. But, I'm drawing my inspiration from someone we lost recently, taken from the world far, far too soon.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
I'm going to miss craft beer the most. I'll miss french fries and a really large burger, but craft beer is my achilles.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I have two daughters who I love to spend time with, when I'm not training or working. My job and training schedule are demanding, but if I'm not there, I try to be a good dad. Sometimes, I bring my mitts and work with them in the gym after my workout or bring them to watch me spar... share what you love, right?
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
There are a huge amount of people who are really eager to see me get punched. I can tell you who's least excited: My mom. She'll be there, but she's upset I'm doing this.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Ken!