There was more than just fighting going on at the Local 103 Union Hall in Boston. Over forty of the most talented mixed martial art amateurs and pros gathered on June 25, 2011 to step into the cage at the Cage Titans: Vendetta event. Most fought for a title and self-pride, some for money and fame, but one especially fought for more—for a friend, for more awareness, for an undoubtedly great cause. Enter young Davis Roast, amateur fighter from Team Sityodtong in Somerville and a genuine inspiration to all.
Hailing originally from New Jersey, 23-year old Roast is a recent graduate of Northeastern University. As a high school hockey player, Davis was familiar with the Boston-area collegiate sports teams and therefore, in turn had heard of Travis Roy and even read Eleven Seconds. But Roast’s connection to the Travis Roy Foundation begins long before the Cage Titans event where he raised over $1,300 on behalf of the Foundation; his story begins with a childhood friend, Jack Shadduck.
“My dad and Joe Shadduck (Jack’s dad) were college roommates so Jack and we grew up visiting each other as our dads tried to stay in touch,” Roast explained. “Jack and I were very close when we were younger, but grew apart as time went along and less family trips were made.”
During this time, when he was just 13 years old, Jack caught a virus called Transverse Myelitis, which attacked his spinal cord and left him a quadriplegic. “I hadn’t seen Jack for a long time until he showed up, out of the blue, to my last fight to support me,” Roast continued. “It was amazing to have Jack there and I wanted to give that same support back to him.” Roast took it upon himself to get in contact with Joe to see what he could do to help. When Joe mentioned that the Shadduck family was very involved with the TRF, Roast declared that this would be the perfect connection.
Even though he is just an amateur fighter (whom typically do not make much money fighting), Roast decided to donate all of the money he made from selling tickets and fundraising to the TRF in honor of Jack. “It feels good to be fighting for something more than just a win on your record,” Roast said. “It gives you extra motivation during your training.”
Roast sold about forty tickets to friends and family and implemented Facebook tactics to get the word out about the TRF and his fight; all the money from ticket sales went directly to the TRF. He noted that many of his family members and friends came to show their support (some even traveling up from New Jersey), buying tickets and making further donations after that. Joe and Jack Shadduck were even able to attend Roast’s Cage Titans Media Day a couple of weeks prior to his fight and did an exceptional job fundraising themselves.
In coordination with the Cage Titans, especially the very talented Brandie Light, TRF t-shirts were sold, alongside silent auctions filled with sports memorabilia packages and gift baskets, and 50-50 raffles all throughout the evening, all benefiting the Foundation. Prior to the fight, Roast was also given the opportunity to speak with the crowd, tell his connection to the TRF and the reason why he was fighting for a cause.
No sooner the tickets graciously went, the t-shirts sold out, the scene was all set, and all there was left to do was fight. The 135-pound amateur bout was announced and Roast walked out to the cage proudly representing the Foundation by donning a TRF t-shirt with a record of 1-0. Roast was about to verse arguably his toughest opponent to date: Josh Flores of the Blue Devils Fight Team, also 1-0. The atmosphere became electrifying with tension and pride as both fighters had a strong support system present. One of Roast’s notable attendees was none other than Joe Shadduck, who switched around his schedule to attend. Three rounds later Roast left the cage victoriously, with score of 30-27 against Flores knowing that he had done his job well, still undefeated. But still, there was more celebrating to be had.
After all of the amateur fights had wrapped up, there was an intermission before the pro bouts began. Roast was called back into the cage to pick the winning 50-50-raffle ticket and to announce the $1,300 raised for the TRF. “When I heard the amount of money we raised, I was elated,” Roast said. “A lot of people came together to make that happen and I cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts.” Roast was greeted rapturously by all of his family, friends, and fans afterwards with hugs and high-fives; a huge crowd formed around the proud amateur fighter, truly illuminating the connection and awareness to the TRF that was formed due to Roast’s dedication, generosity, and efforts.
Muhammad Ali once said that, “Champions aren’t made in the gym. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision…” Roast emulated such a vision on that night in June at the Local 103 Union Hall in Boston when he fought and won for more than just a title. Roast’s story and connection to the Foundation began with Jack but it won’t end there. “Hopefully this money can be used to positively affect someone’s life, even if just in a small way,” Roast said. “It was a great experience and I definitely recommend it to anyone.”
Roast’s fight is just one of many extraordinary stories out there. Everyone has a story and everyone has a connection; what’s yours? Visit the 24 Club, create your own fundraising page, and get creative in ways to use your connections to spread the word and inspire others, while creating hope for all affected by paralysis. Remember: it takes 11 seconds to change a life and your connection to 24 people to make it better.
Check out more pictures from Davis Roast’s victorious win on behalf of the Travis Roy Foundation here.
