Monday, March 2 2020
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies III in Denver on June 11th. 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 Ian Marcheschi, fighting out of Bring it Back Boxing.
Where are you from?
Chicago-LA-Denver
Where’d you go to college?
CU Boulder
Did you play any sports growing up?
Soccer
What do you do for work?
School Psychology Student
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I think boxing because it is literally a fight. What else could get you more out of your comfort zone? I tell my students all the time, you have to fight for your life everyday and with everything you have. I'm going to literally take my own advice in this process. I can't say I pictured myself fighting, but I love training and I love the process of learning new things. Four months of intense boot camp that leads to a final bout? I'll take it.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I'm fighting because I want to give back. I watched so many people support my mom in her battle with Ovarian Cancer, and now I'm watching my sisters go through the same. I'm fighting to raise awareness of this silent killer.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
The fight night (June 11th) is the 3 year anniversary of the end of my moms fight against ovarian cancer. I'm tired of dreading that day every year. I'm taking June 11th on with everything I've got. This one is for you, mom. I miss you so much, and I'm ready to put those feelings into action.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
I think my time will be the most difficult to give up. I'm a grad student, I have a little boy due April 3rd, classes, work at an at-risk youth program, a dissertation to write, and an amazing wife to love. I've been an athlete my whole life so I'm always training. This is just different training. I've got to unlearn some of my soccer habits and listen to my trainers at Bring It Back Boxing, an amazing gym.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I enjoy anytime I get with my wife, Emily, who has been my number one supporter on this journey. I also love any opportunity to play soccer, the game I love and the place I feel most free. I've always said I'm happiest at a full sprint attacking the goal.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My sisters. No question. They love me but hate that I got my mom's nose.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Ian!