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 Jeremy Jenkins, fighting out of Church Street Boxing Gym.
Where are you from?
Winthrop, MA
Where’d you go to college?
Framingham State (bachelor) and Suffolk (master)
Did you play any sports growing up?
Basketball
What do you do for work?
Consultant Relations - Fixed Income
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I've always been a fan of boxing and combat sports in general but I never pictured myself fighting and definitely never pictured myself fighting in front of a big crowd.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I've been inspired by some people I know who have participated in H4H and I've been inspired by H4H's mission.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
It will be 18 years this coming May that my family lost my uncle to cancer. Also, a couple years ago my mother-in-law battled breast cancer and is now in remission. My uncle and mother-in-law are my main motivations. They're fight and spirit will inspire me to push myself as hard as possible when it comes to fund raising and training.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream! I've long had a habit of ice cream as a night time treat before bed. I've now transitioned to cottage cheese for that snack during training - as you might guess, it's just not the same. After May 14th, I'm going on quite an aggressive binge of ice cream!
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Any free time I have left after work and training goes to my family. Dance class with my 20 month old daughter, walks/hikes with my dog, going out to dinner with my wife and daughter and sometimes just all of us hanging out in my daughters play room.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I have to imagine some of my friends and work colleagues, but thus far everyone has been so supportive. Wait...maybe that means all of them are excited to see me get punched in the came!
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Jeremy!