By Grace Allen

On October 9, Norfolk resident Dawne Galetta will climb into the ring at Boston’s MGM Music Hall to take part in Belles of the Brawl, an all-female boxing event that raises money for cancer research through the non-profit Haymakers for Hope. 

This won’t be her first time. In 2021, Galetta made her debut at the same event and walked away with a second-round technical knockout. But more than the victory, it was the cause that stuck with her.

“I just became such a huge supporter of Haymakers,” she said. “Since that fight, I’ve known even more people who have been diagnosed or who passed away from cancer. That’s why I’m glad I have the chance to do this again.

Among those losses were her uncle Doug and her close friend Paul, who she says was like a brother. Their memories are central to her decision to fight again.

After that first fight, Galetta has stayed involved with boxing and with Haymakers. She has trained other women for Belles of the Brawl and now teaches boxing at Title Boxing in Norwood. 

“Boxing has become a big part of my life,” she said. “It’s not just the sport itself—it’s the community and the way it allows me to support a cause I care so much about.”

Galetta, 56, trains at Elite Boxing & Fitness in North Attleborough, working with coaches Paul Locke and Dave Versailles. This time around, however, her training looks a little different than it did four years ago. 

“I’m really fine-tuning the basics—footwork, defense, long-range punching,” she said. “The first time I was so nervous I barely remember the fight. This time I want to take it all in and really work on boxing technique.”

Founded in 2010, Haymakers for Hope is a nonprofit that gives everyday men and women the chance to step into the boxing ring while raising money for cancer research, care, and survivorship. To date, the organization has raised more than $35 million through events in multiple cities, including Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Belles of the Brawl is its all-female showcase, pairing fighters by age, weight, and ability under USA Boxing rules. Each participant trains for several months before fight night and commits to a fundraising goal. Galetta’s is $10,000.

“I feel lucky to be able to do this again and help Haymakers,” she said. “It’s going to be a little bit different now, because I have come to realize how much this organization does. It’s really important to me to continue to be a part of it.”

Tickets for Belles of the Brawl are available at www.haymakersforhope.org, where donations can also be made to support Galetta’s campaign.