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 Alec Abruzzo, fighting out of Touch of Sleep.

Where are you from?
Long Grove, Illinois

Where’d you go to college?
University of Iowa

Did you play any sports growing up?
Football, Baseball, Basketball

What do you do for work?
Major Account Executive

Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Grew up watching boxing with my brothers - it has been a dream of my to be a part of a boxing event

Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I’ve always wanted to box but only if it was in front of many people. Why go through the pain if there is no glory

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 grandma Sally was the closest person to me in my life. She was my rock and my conscious. My grandma was always questioning my intentions and 99% of the time she had the right to be but we always talked through it. No matter if it was 1pm or 4am she was always there to guide me. I fight for her as well as my grandpa Irv and grandpa Joe. (My grandma Toni doesn’t know I’m fighting she would worry too much)

What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Junk food

When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Watching Horse racing, WW2 history, Baseball. Most people say I was born in the wrong era.

Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My brothers - both booked flights immediately once I told them I was fighting

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