Known for her quick wit, kind heart, and unwavering support of those around her, ABD Franklin student Oona Harrington embodies the spirit of America’s Best Defense.
Whether offering encouragement to a training partner or volunteering in her community, Oona brings energy, empathy, and authenticity to everything she does. Now, she’s channeling that same spirit into something bigger—stepping into the boxing ring to fight for a cause that hits close to home.
On May 3, 2025, she’ll be competing in A Ring of Their Own II, an all-female charity boxing event sanctioned by USA Boxing and benefiting Punch 4 Parkinson’s. It’s a three-round match with a powerful purpose: raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease.
For Oona, competing in a boxing match is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a chance to give back in a meaningful way.
“The idea of being in a charity boxing match seemed like a great combination of a fun time, bringing awareness to an important cause, and raising money for it,” she says. “It’s aligned with my goals of giving back, challenging myself, and always trying something new.”
From Krav Maga to the Boxing Ring
While Oona’s no stranger to throwing a punch, boxing is a different discipline entirely from Krav Maga. She says her boxing training has pushed her in new ways—starting with one major adjustment: “It was hard remembering not to kick at first!”
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The stance, the combos, even the punch numbering system have all required rewiring some muscle memory. Still, she’s found boxing and Krav Maga to be complementary.
“It reinforces a lot of the hand striking we do in Krav, and I’ve learned new tricks to bring back to sparring,” she says. “And the extra time training has helped me work out some bad habits, too.”
One of the toughest shifts? Learning to hit hard.
“I’m used to technical sparring. It took me a while to get comfortable hitting with power. But the mindset shift has been so valuable—I’m learning and fighting at the same time.”
A Cause Close to Home
Oona’s motivation goes far beyond the physical challenge. This cause is personal. Her uncle lived with Parkinson’s for many years, and her children’s grandmother is currently facing the disease.
“It’s incredibly tough—for the individual and for their support system,” she shares. “What’s so powerful about Punch 4 Parkinson’s is that they use non-combat boxing to improve physical and mental health for people with Parkinson’s and MS. It’s proven to slow symptom progression and improve quality of life.
Through her fight, she hopes to make those services more accessible for others.
“Helping even one person access those services makes a difference,” she says.”
Stepping into the Spotlight
Oona will step into the ring on fight night with the support of her family, her friends, and the entire ABD community. And maybe a little help from her favorite Mott’s fruit snacks.
“My three kids are walking me out to the ring, which is pretty awesome,” she says. “I am excited to make all my amazing supporters proud and just have a great time.”
Oona jokes that the experience has definitely boosted her reputation with her kids and their friends, but it’s been transformative for her personally, too.
“It’s helped me be okay with my age. I know I can keep getting better at anything as long as I try,” she says.
How You Can Help
Oona is currently fundraising for the event and hopes to earn the coveted “big fundraising belt” (and keep all her teeth). Support the cause by making a donation to Punch 4 Parkinson’s—or buy a ticket to cheer her on in person on Saturday, May 3rd at Royale Night Club in Boston!
From all of us at ABD, we’re beyond proud of Oona for her courage, compassion, and commitment to making a difference. She’s a fighter—in every sense of the word.
