Westford Punch-a-Thon is a hit

From left, Micky Ward, New England Patriots defensive end Chase Winovich, The Z-List and Box2Burn owner Sean Eklund

By Dacey Zouzas, The Z-List | daceyzlist@gmail.com

April 27, 2021 at 3:07 p.m.

Maya Johnson of Lowell looks like she means business.
'Irish' Micky Ward, CEO of Team Micky Ward Charities, has dedicated his life to boxing and now dedicates his time to helping local families in need.
Michelle C. loves the gym.
Robin Harrington of Chelmsford is ready to go a round.
Boxing buff Bobby Breuer of Chelmsford looks for divine inspiration.
You don't want to mess with Pam Breuer of Chelmsford.
Micky Ward Charities President Rick Dupuis, right, with, from left, Chrystal, Jessica and adorable Sienna Dupuis, all of Hudson, N.H.
Volunteer Leslie Serrano of Tyngsboro and Emily Denhoed of Hopkinton have a great time.
'Irish' Micky Ward of Lowell and Lauren Cusano of Westford
Gloves up for 'Irish' Mickey Ward of Lowell and his fans.
Micky and his daughte, Kasie Ward of Lowell
Micky and The Z-List
Team Micky Ward Charities
From left, Josh Decort of Carver, Tony Lagreca of Duxbury and Mike Dempsey of North Carolina
Participants warm up before hitting the bag.
Mike Brown, owner of th eBrickhouse restaurants and pizzeries, and his lovely wife Laurie
Lee Gitschier of Lowell and Donald Cusano of Westford
From left, Corey Robinson, Box2Burn owner Sean Eklund and Micky Ward, all of Lowell
From left, Micky Ward, New England Patriots defensive end Chase Winovich, The Z-List and Box2Burn owner Sean Eklund
The beauties of Revitalize Rx Med Spa in Billerica
From left, George Kacavas and Justin Robinson, both of Lowell, and Mike Sullivan of Westford

“You give to get, whether it’s helping someone or training a kid. I believe you will be rewarded in some way.” — Micky Ward

Once again, the ever-so-popular and humble boxing legend and former junior-welterweight champion of the world “Irish” Micky Ward, donned his gloves outside the ring, when Team Micky Ward Charities and Box2Burn of Westford teamed up and hosted a grueling and intense Punch-a-Thon on April 18 at the high-end and impeccable gym.

Ward’s story was, of course, the basis of the Oscar-winning movie “The Fighter,” in which he was played by Boston’s Mark Wahlberg.

At the Punch-a-Thon, the invigorating, strong and eager boxing fans literally punched their way to raising a ton of money not only to help support Micky’s charities, but also to have an awesome opportunity, learning from the best as he sparred, boxed, trained and helped teach all three classes.

The charity workout consisted of three 45-minute classes taught in a friendly, state-of-the-art, LED-lit studio with upbeat music blasting, which helps you get lost in your workout and find maximum results, burning up to 1,000 calories per class.

The Z-List’s tough yet easygoing trainer, former two-time Golden Glove champion, New England champion as a pro and owner of Box2Burn, Sean Eklund, Micky’s godson, packs a mean punch himself.

Sean was on his game that day, using punch-tracking technology that allowed participants to see how fast and hard they punched, the total punches and, best of all, how much money each raised.

Box2Burn is a fitness boxing gym for everyone, specializing in cardio boxing workouts, as well as a variety of other classes, kids’ classes and forms of holistic exercise. Their motto is, “Don’t get hit, get fit!”

This outstanding event raised $35,000, with all proceeds going to Team Micky Ward Charities, which helps change the lives of local families in need and, in the last 13 years, has raised more than $1 million.

See all of you at Team Micky Ward Charities Golf Classic on June 11 at Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut.

For more information, visit www.mickywardcharities.com and Box2burngym.com.

Dacey Zouzas is a Lifestyle correspondent, founder and creative director of The Z-List, highlighting nonprofits, and host and producer of the “Dacey’s Divas” TV show, featuring “Women Making a Difference.” Follow @Mass_Women on Twitter.