Monday, January 27 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 Kirill Bensonoff, fighting out of Nonantum Boxing Club.
Where are you from?
I live in Brookline, but was born in Belarus.
Where’d you go to college?
Connecticut State
Did you play any sports growing up?
Martial Arts
What do you do for work?
I build technology. This is my 3rd startup, and we are building a tech-enabled private lender.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I loved martial arts as a kid, and did a little boxing before. This is for a great cause, so totally worth it.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
My son Sam was diagnosed with leukemia a little over a year ago, this is how I learned about it. He is now in remission thanks to immunotherapy and the great care team at Boston Childrens and Jimmy Fund Clinic, doing what I can to give back.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
My youngest son Sam was diagnosed with leukemia over a year ago, and I have since met lots of kids and adults that were affected by cancer. We are close to curing some forms of cancer and I want to do what I can to help.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
I hate running, will have to run more.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I love news and politics, somewhat of a politics nerd. I love technology and innovation, spend a lot of time thinking about how tech can improve the world. And of course I love spending time with my family - we travel locally and further out, cook together, play outside.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My sons.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Kirill!