Contenders Knockout Cancer

In December of 2019, I was 20 lbs overweight, generally lethargic, and suffering from painful bouts of heartburn.  That’s when I was introduced to the Contenders Boxing Gym in Armonk, NY, and the Owner/Fitness Guru Rob “Fastlane’ Forcelli.   I began taking cardio boxing classes called “Speedbody” and on-the-bag classes called “Box to the Beat”.  Initially I struggled to get thru the workouts and my rhythm was embarrassingly poor.  Slowly I built-up my stamina, and my rhythm, while still not exceptional, gradually improved.  When the heart of Covid hit, the Contenders Club did not shut, but rather thru the ingenuity and drive of Fastlane, workouts were moved to the outside parking lot.  In total, over 75 workouts were completed in the 30 degree cold of winter, the 90 degree blazing heat of summer…..there was simply no stopping this group of Contenders!!!

These workouts provided an amazing physical and mental reprieve during a difficult time for all. The Contender's jam-packed high energy workout was an hour break from all the stresses inherent in life, which had been exacerbated by Covid.  But more than the physical benefits of the workout, it was the People that kept me engaged and coming back for more!!!  With ages spanning from 40-70, this Contenders Crew were some of the nicest, most dedicated, and genuine people I’ve met in my life.  Contenders has become my “home away from home”, a happy place that mixes a top-notch workout with friendship.

Every year (sans-Covid 2020), Fastlane hosts a Boxing Exhibition called Main Event.  When the date was announced for Main Event XII on October, 14^th, 2021, I had zero thoughts of entering an actual boxing event.  I played high school football in Ohio and then at Cornell University, but I had zero boxing experience and worst off I have “two left feet”.  I’m a simple Hotel Real Estate Private Equity guy /a family man…….what business do I have boxing???  But spurred on by a ground swell of support from Contenders Regular's, as well as the perseverance of Fastlane, and the support of my amazing family,  I was convinced to step-out of my comfort zone and enter this event.  

Sometimes in life you just have to “go for things”.  So I am training, learning basic boxing techniques, not drinking, or having deserts (after dinner), restraining from my beloved Beascakes Cookies, etc.  No idea how the actual boxing will go, but I am getting into great shape and will certainly make a grand appearance on my way to the Ring!!!

When I decided to do this event, I immediately knew I wanted to hook my efforts into raising money for a Charity.  I decided on the V Foundation for Cancer Research, as so many friends and family have been impacted by Cancer.  Jimmy V was a legendary basketball Coach and ESPN Commentator.  Since the launch of the Foundation, over $260m has been raised for Cancer Research.    100% percent of donations go directly to fund Cancer Research.  Every year I watch Jimmy V’s ESPY speech.  Just remarkable courage with a remarkable message.   I hope you join me in this Contender’s effort to Knockout Cancer, any donation would be truly appreciated.  I leave you with a few of Jimmy V's Quotes:

-If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special.

 -There are 86,400 seconds in a day. It's up to you to decide what to do with them.

- Know where you have been, where you are now and where you want to be