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 Mark Costello, fighting out of BoxSmith.

Where are you from?
West Roxbury, MA

Did you play any sports growing up?
Hockey & Basketball

What do you do for work?
I’m a Carpenter

Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I chose boxing because I recently got custody of my two nephews and I was trying to find a way to relate with the 14 year old so we both signed up for a class at BoxSmith and we fell in love with the sport.

Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I signed up to fight to raise as much money as I possibly can for the people that didn’t choose their battle, but are stuck fighting through it with everything they have and more.

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 get my inspiration from my wife mostly, she has beaten cancer once and shortly after that she was diagnosed with a blood cancer called essential thrombositosis. I watch her get up go to work and be a mother regardless of how tough it is for her to muster up the strength to get out of bed and lace up her shoes.

What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
The toughest thing for me is going to be the time I spend away from my family and friends due to the extensive training I’ll be putting in, but at the end of the day I’m doing this for my family and anyone who has suffered from cancer, so in the end I know it’s going to be worth all the blood sweat and tears

When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I enjoy hockey, hiking, woodworking, spending time with my loved ones and hanging with my dog

Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My brother and sister

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