Former Boston City Councilor, Josh Zakim, is the type of guy who fights for what he believes; apparently literally!
On June 25th, Josh will jump into the Haymakers for Hope boxing ring to raise money for The Zakim Center at Dana-Farber. We chatted with this favorite Bostonian about his motivation to box, as well as what he tells people they should do when visiting Boston.
1. You’re always such a nice guy, which is why it will be so fun to watch you fight on June 25th Haymakers for Hope Rock n’ Rumble. Tell us about the cause that has this nice guy getting into fights.
Over twenty years ago, my father, Lenny Zakim, lost his battle with multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer. During his five-plus year battle with this disease, my dad worked very hard so that he and other patients could take a more active role in their treatment and fight for survival. These efforts took many forms but ultimately resulted in the establishment of a new center for complementary and integrative therapies at Dana-Farber.
After he passed away in 1999, the center was named the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana-Farber. The Zakim Center has helped thousands of cancer patients and their families live more active, healthier lives, during and after their treatment at Dana-Farber.
After taking up boxing and attending past Haymakers for Hope events as a spectator and coach, I decided to sign up myself in 2020. I am training hard with our team at Back Bay Boxing for the next few months and will be fighting to raise money to support the work of The Zakim Center. These funds are critical to ensure that all patients can take advantage of the center’s services, regardless of their financial status, and to support ongoing research into integrative therapies.
To learn more about The Zakim Center, please visit the website HERE.
2. You’ve stepped out of the political ring and into the boxing ring. Besides the metaphor, have you found any other similarities or skills between the two fields?
In boxing, at least, you always know who your opponent is, and you can usually see the hits coming.
3. When you wine and dine your lovely wife, Grace, what Boston area restaurant do you consider goofproof?
Grace and I both love Select Oyster in Back Bay. It’s close to home, and Chef Michael Serpa always puts out incredible food.
5. In the past decade, you’ve had a lot of exciting accomplishments – you became Boston City Councilor for District 8, got married, and welcomed a son. Can you give us a little hint about what we can expect from Josh Zakim in the next decade?
I hope that you’ll consider donating to support our efforts, and I look forward to seeing you at Haymakers for Hope Fight Night on June 25th!! After that? You’ll just have to stay tuned…
Support Josh in his fight against cancer by donating to his June 25th Haymakers for Hope boxing match. Donate HERE.
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