During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble X in Boston on October 13th. 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 Michael Peters fighting out of BoxSmith.

Where are you from?
Putnam, CT

Where did you go to college?
Providence College

Did you play any sports growing up?
I played soccer and basketball through high school.

What do you do for work?
Financial Advisor

Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I’ve never been in a fight in my life so this is definitely something new for me. One night I was watching Rocky IV and thought I should see if there were any boxing gyms near me. I found a great one in BoxSmith and have been learning more about the sport ever since.

Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I went to both Haymakers events in Boston in 2019. After feeling the electricity in the building I knew I had to get myself on that stage some day.

You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Both my dad and my brother are cancer survivors so I saw firsthand what they went through during treatment. Training’s not so bad by comparison.

What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Pizza has definitely been the most difficult. Taco Bell isn’t making things any easier by bringing back nacho fries now too.

When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I’m a big basketball fan. I’ve had season tickets to the PC games for years. I’m also trying to improve my golf game from bad to slightly below average.

Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Probably the guys in my fantasy league. Winning a lot generally has that effect.

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