by Blaine Howerton | NorthFortyNews.com
Cancer survivor and former pro boxer Shane Swartz leads third annual event to raise thousands for seven Northern Colorado families
FORT COLLINS, CO — On May 31, the boxing ring will become a place of healing, hope, and community action as Knockout Cancer Boxing Club hosts its third Knockout Cancer Boxing Fundraiser, a special event benefiting seven individuals from Northern Colorado currently battling cancer.
Created by Shane Swartz, a Fort Collins native, cancer survivor, and former professional boxer, the event brings together local fighters of all ages and skill levels for an evening of exhibition bouts where 100% of proceeds go directly to families in need.
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“I created the Knockout Cancer Boxing Fundraiser for a couple of reasons,” said Swartz. “In 2019, I was diagnosed with throat cancer. My family organized a fundraiser for me, and I’ll never forget the love and support the Northern Colorado community gave me. Now that I’m cancer-free, I want to pay it forward the same way they did for me.”
From Fighter to Fundraiser
Swartz’s story is one of perseverance. With over 40 years in boxing, he’s been a six-time national champion, a 1996 Olympic alternate, and a global competitor representing Fort Collins. But it’s his fight with cancer—and the fight to give back—that has reshaped his mission.
“As a cancer survivor and as a boxer, I could never give up,” Swartz shared. “There were many days I wanted to quit. But my trophy wasn’t in a ring—it was my family. I kept going for them.”
A Community United
This year’s event supports recipients from Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley, ranging in age from 3 to 70 years old, with conditions including B-cell leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, and more.
Swartz emphasizes that recipients are free to use the donations however they choose. Past families have used funds for everything from medical bills and mortgage payments to purchasing a new bed to help a child endure chemotherapy more comfortably.
“No matter the age or type of cancer, cancer sucks,” said Swartz. “This is about doing something real for people who are hurting.”
Inside the Ring
The event will feature eight exhibition bouts, featuring fighters from ages 8 to 50, including first-time competitors, seasoned athletes, and even retired boxers returning to support the cause. Most boxers train at Swartz’s gym, Knockout Cancer Boxing Club, with additional support from fighters in Cheyenne, Denver, and Colorado Springs.
“This is a community of love, support, and giving,” Swartz said. “I start crying even thinking about it. It’s not just boxing—it’s healing.”
How to Attend and Support
The event is for all ages and is donation-based for general attendees. A limited number of sponsorship tables at $1,500 each have already sold out, thanks to generous support from local businesses, including High Country Beverage and others. While walk-in donations are welcomed, those unable to attend can still contribute by scanning QR codes on the event website.
Looking Ahead
The May 31 event is part of Swartz’s hope to make a nationwide movement. A tentative show is scheduled in Kentucky later this year. But for now, his eyes are on home.
“Ideally, we sell out the venue with 500 people and raise $10,000 for each of our seven recipients,” he said. “I can’t promise them a specific amount of money, but I can promise love, support, and prayers—and that’s what matters most.”
Event Details:
Knockout Cancer Boxing Fundraiser
📍 Fort Collins – Venue info at https://kocbc.org/events
🗓 Friday, May 31, 2025
🎟 Donation-based entry | All ages welcome
📞 Contact: Karisa Garner (254) 229-0278 | [email protected]
How You Can Help:
- Attend the event and show your support
- Donate online
- Share this story to help raise awareness
For more information or to donate, visit kocbc.org/events.