Lauren Maloney said her experience and skills as a former Revere High School cheerleader helped set the foundation for her newest athletic endeavor: amateur boxing.
The 2004 RHS graduate is preparing to enter the ring for a three-round exhibition bout as part of the Punch 4 Parkinsion’s charity boxing show Sunday, Nov. 5 at Big Night Live in Boston.
Maloney raised more than $3,000 for the cause during an event held at Santarpio’s, Peabody, where she works. She is also co-owner of Bizzy, a women’s social networking organization.
Maloney said she had attended previous Punch 4 Parkinson’s boxing shows two years in a row, “and I thought it was an awesome cause.”
“A couple of my friends participated in it, and the energy in the room and all the rewarding experiences that people talked about – I said, ‘I gotta do this, this is for me,’’’ related Maloney.
She said is not worried about taking a punch. “I just have to move my head and keep my hands up,” offered Maloney, noting that the boxers wear head gear for the three, 90-second rounds of the fight.
Maloney, daughter of Mark and Liz Maloney, credits her trainer and coach, Danny Olivar, for her improvement as a boxer.
“I started boxing at Sonny’s Boxing and Fitness three years ago, and since coming here, I’m definitely improved a lot in my skills,” said Maloney. “It’s been an honor to work with Danny Olivar as my coach and trainer.”
Asked if she intends to continue in the sport after Sunday’s debut, Maloney said, “We’ll see how this goes. This is really just my goal for now. I wanted to check that box, and we’ll see what happens from here.”
Maloney said her parents will be at ringside for the fight.
A Four-Year RHS Cheerleader
Lauren Maloney competed in four years of varsity cheerleading at Revere High, helping the Patriots win a USA national title and three state championships. Current Peabody superintendent of schools, Josh Vadala, was Revere’s coach during its reign as a cheerleading superpower.
“All the things Josh taught me over the years, they stay with me now,” said Maloney. “Things like being competing and being five minutes earlier for practices. Early is on time, on time is late, he used to say.”
Maloney said coordination, footwork, flexibility, and movement are skills that she has taken from the sport of cheerleading into the sport of boxing.
“The two sports are very similar in a weird way,” said Maloney.
Olivar Praises Maloney’s Athleticism and Work Ethic
Boxing coach and trainer Danny Olivar, a former boxing champion, will be in Lauren’s corner Sunday.
“I’ve worked with Lauren for about three years, and this is our first USA Boxing-sanctioned bout together,” said Olivar. “I think she’s very talented and competitive and very coachable. She’s an excellent athlete and she has power in her punches. I’d like to see her continue in boxing after this charity event.”
Olivar said that Maloney has been working hard and showing improvement each day in training. “I’ve seen huge improvement in her headwork and footwork, and she’s punching a lot harder. And her work ethic is outstanding.”
