
On Wednesday November 6, MSC’s Deputy Vice President Lenny Arcentales will step into the ring at the Beverly Hilton. He joins a card of 13 other fighters to raise money for Operation Smile. Find out how Lenny went from complete beginner to ring-ready in just three short months. If you’d like to support, you can donate here.
By Lenny Arcentales, Deputy Vice President, MSC USA
“There are no timeouts! You’re fighting!”
I was covered in sweat, my muscles ached, and my head was ringing. I’d just been tagged with a left hook to the temple. I needed a timeout — just to regather myself. But my trainer was yelling at me.
“No timeouts. You have to survive the two minutes”
And so, I bit down on my mouthpiece, sucked it up, and finished the round. As I caught my breath, and my head throbbed, I started to wonder whether I’d made the right decision.
Fighting for a better life
14 months earlier, I’d attended the MSC USA seminar in San Diego, California.
During the conference, I saw a video of my colleagues participating in their first mission with a charity called Operation Smile and I was blown away.
Operation Smile provides life-saving reconstructive surgery for children suffering from cleft lip or cleft palate issues, all over the world. I saw how their work transformed children’s lives and I decided then “I want to support this wonderful cause.” (You can also support by clicking here)
Months later, at the West Coast Operation Smile introductory dinner, I learned that instead of the usual fundraising gala, this year they would raise money in a different way.
Operation Smile “Fight Night” would be a boxing gala event that would see beginners step into the ring to box their way through 3 x 2 minute rounds in front of hundreds of people.
Always up for a challenge, I jumped at the opportunity.
The fight is now just one day away.
“Len, you understand you’re going to get hit”
Until three months ago, I’d never even hit a heavy bag.
Which is probably why when President of MSC USA Fabio Santucci found out about my upcoming fight, he asked me “Len, you understand you’re going to get hit?”
12 year old me — inspired by Rocky Balboa — dreamed about fighting for glory in the ring. He didn’t, however, dream about the 5am spin classes, punishing jump rope and bell-ringing punches to the head. No, that was for present Lenny to endure.
Let me clear this up now — the training has been intense.
To go from complete beginner to an actual fight, in a real ring, in front of hundreds of people, in three months hasn’t been easy.
Balancing work, travel and family commitments with shadow boxing, jump rope, spinning, technique and sparring has taken focus, drive and commitment. And I haven’t even stepped into the ring yet!
But the most rewarding part of the experience so far has been the level of support I’ve received from friends, family, colleagues and clients. It hasn’t been easy to eat clean and drink water instead of wine at dinner with clients, but it’s been worth it.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far and I’m proud to say that I’ve already raised over $28,000 for the cause.
Let’s get ready to rumble!
Now, with only one day before I step into the ring at the Beverly Hilton, I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. It’s a great cause and you’re making a big difference.
If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late. You can make a donation here and help transform children’s lives.
It’s been an exciting journey so far and a great beginning for MSC in Los Angeles.
With that said, I’m looking forward to getting my hand raised tomorrow.
Bring it on!
#WelcomeMSCtoLA
