Wednesday, September 1 2021
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies III in Denver on October 27th. 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 Alexis Keeney fighting out of Fly Kickbox.
Where are you from?
Virgil, NY
Where did you go to college?
University of CO Boulder
Did you play any sports growing up?
Soccer, slopestyle skiing, surfing, lacrosse, mountain biking
What do you do for work?
Physical Therapist
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I had an incredible trainer in high school, Bob Gambitta, who used boxing as a way for me to rehab from the plenty of injuries I had while growing up. He had a boxing gym in his garage in the middle of the country and would kick my butt day in and day out. He is an absolute inspiration to me and I know he is proud that I'm finally putting my skills to the test.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I want to put my skills to the test in the ring, create a reason to raise a ton of money, and make a difference through a sport I've never been able to test out for real.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
I lost my father Ralph to cancer this past fall, it is devastating and heartbreaking. However, the advancements in cancer care gave us one incredible year with our father and I don't think that would be possible without funding, so if I could give other families the opportunity to live with their loved ones just a bit longer I wouldn't hesitate!
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Frozen pizzas and mountain biking!
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Mountain biking, Skiing, River Surfing, Camping, Playing with my pup Kanga
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My hometown trainer, Bob Gambitta
Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Alexis!