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 Don Huffner fighting out of Buckhead Fight Club.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Georgia, just outside of Atlanta. I have bounced around to a lot of places since - Scotland, Washington DC, Denver, Cape Town, and Arkansas - but Georgia will always be home!
Where did you go to college?
I went to the University of St. Andrews. The experiences I had there - and more importantly, the people I shared them with - will forever make that one of the best decisions of my life.
Did you play any sports growing up?
Well as a freshman in high school I was barely 5'4 - so shockingly I didn't make the basketball team. I tried a bunch of different sports growing up, but was largely a cross country and track runner in high school.
What do you do for work?
I work in private equity and venture capital, partnering with great businesses and management teams to help them grow.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
What I've found I enjoy about boxing is how it forces you to draw upon your mental strength. Quitting isn't really an option when someone is trying to knock you out. I can't say I had pictured myself fighting before, but I can say that most of my family, friends, and coworkers have likely daydreamed about me getting punched in the face!
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Apart from my real inspiration, which I will hit on in a minute - I love having the chance to learn a new skillset and put it to the test. Having a finite amount of time before you have to deploy a new skill forces you to dedicate yourself towards developing that ability.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
There are many people in my life who I love and respect that have been affected by cancer. All of their stories are inspiring - but for me, my mother rises above the rest. She lived a brilliant and beautiful life. I can honor that life by trying to uplift others in the way that she did so well. But I can also honor her life by simply living my own - and by compiling some brilliant, beautiful, (and perhaps in this case, bloody) experiences along the way.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Sleep :(
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I try to pick up something new every year - this year it was mountaineering. On top of that, you can often find me playing guitar and singing while those around me cover their ears.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My Grandma told me the other day, "Donny, if I were younger you would catch these hands". So probably her.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Don!