BOSTON —

An annual boxing event kicked off Thursday night in Boston to help raise funds for cancer research, care and survivorship.

The Haymakers for Hope's 12th Annual Belles of the Brawl event showcased 26 women in bouts with a mission to knock out cancer at MGM Music Hall at Fenway Thursday evening.

One of those women was Joy Yang, who had already won a fight much bigger, as this week marked nine years of being cancer-free.

"There were definitely times where I was like, I don't know if I'm going to make it to 40, much less 45. And in a place where I'm going to be hitting someone," Yang laughed.

She trained for four months alongside the other 25 women. The Haymakers for Hope nonprofit was founded by cancer survivor and two-time winner of the New York City Golden Gloves Julie Anne Ke

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