Most of the boxers are Atlanta professionals, and for many of them, this is their first official boxing match. In the ring, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a grad student, a lawyer, or a housewife; all that matters is how hard you’ve trained and how well you can overcome the choking fear of fighting that threatens every boxer.
My third appearance at ACFN
Atlanta Fight Night promoter and two-time strawweight world champion pro fighter Terri “The Boss” Moss was the one who gave me my very first opportunity in the boxing ring at ACFN 1, which took place in October of 2010. I had the most amazing experience of my life at that fight — an incredible event, a fantastic opponent, and my first win — and couldn’t wait for more.
My second fight in Atlanta was six months later, and a much bumpier ride. I didn’t have a home gym, so I trained with former Atlantian Jay “Fury” Abraham, working weekly in gravel lots and behind chicken coops. I faced the undefeated Golden Gloves national champion for that fight, and was proud to do as well as I did, given the circumstances. Again, it was an incredible, life-affirming experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
My third official fight was a win here in NC; another good experience and my first fight with my home team at Second Round and my own coach in the corner, but it was vastly different from the ACFN “black tie” events.
Our Charity
The fundraising is yet another way that ACFN is very different from your standard amateur fight night. Proceeds from our match will go to the Ben Cohen Standup Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping parents and their kids stand up against bullying.