Franklinite a ‘Belle of the Brawl’ on Sept 29

Local, Colleen Manning, a sales director in her professional life, is putting on gloves and entering the boxing ring to raise money for the fight against cancer.

At 37, Manning is one of the older participants in the event; most are in their early 20s. Her opponent in the ring is 23-year-old Olivia Million.

According to the organization web site, Haymakers for hope is a 501(c)(3) charity organization that runs charity boxing events to raise funds for cancer research, care, awareness and survivorship. They work with local boxing gyms and volunteers, and match participants up with someone of a similar experience level (even if that experience level is “none”), ultimately leading to competition in front of thousands of supporters

The organization was founded in 2009 by Andrew Myerson and Julie Anne Kelly when they participated in the New York City Golden Gloves. According to the organization’s website, they decided that competing against the city’s best boxers wasn’t enough, and decided to raise money for cancer research. This planted the seeds for Haymakers for Hope. Today, H4H gives everyday people the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in their first sanctioned boxing event. The experience is impactful, challenging, and life-changing, and the march towards a cure will continue long after the last match of the night. Not every fight ends at the bell.

The Boston fundraiser will be on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the MGM Music Hall, 2 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215 Tickets are available here.