When you are selected to fight for Haymakers for Hope you can't anticipate the gifts it will bring, how it will change your life, or when it will stop.
My training alone was gift enough. I had never done anything so mentally or physically challenging. The process left me with a profound confidence that can never be taken from me.
Later in life when some others slow down, I have a new passion. Sparring, learning, and improving make me feel alive and happy every day.
My trainer and the women I trained with are now family to me. "Foxhole friends" who I love and trust. I feel very lucky to have them in my life.
Outside the ring, I was offered a job at my gym, and a position on the advisory board of Haymakers for Hope. Previously I had been home with the kids for 12 years so these changes were very exciting.
After my fight, other women followed. One by one I became their sparring partner, mentor, and friend. I was able to help guide them down their own paths to profound confidence and it is such a blessing to me to go through it again and again with each woman.
All of these gifts have changed me, and I am so thankful for each of them. I didn't think there could be more, but now there is.
My brother has joined the Haymakers family!
Mike McGonagle is fighting on May 18, 2017 at The House of Blues in Boston.
Michael is my baby brother. I've always tried to take care of him, but as he grew up he's been someone that I admire very much. He's done a lot of courageous things. I am honored that he would want to do something that I have done.
I'm so excited to share this experience with him. I love that he will have the same bond with my trainer, and shares my friends. I love that I get to see him every day and see my niece and nephew more. I love doing drills with him, watching him spar and improve. I love that he knows what I went through. I love that I can help him. I love that we will have this extra special connection forever.
I'm excited to see the gifts that H4H will bless him with.
Please help me support him. Donate! Come watch him!
