Local entrepreneur stepping into the ring to fight against cancer

Rehoboth Beach father and small business owner Shay Honaker will enter the boxing ring to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer Thursday, Sept. 25, during the Beltway Brawl VI at the Anthem in Washington, D.C.

National nonprofit Haymakers for Hope gives everyday people the opportunity to train and compete in a sanctioned boxing match while raising funds for cancer research and patient care. Participants commit to months of intense training and fundraising before stepping into the ring to fight for a cause that has touched millions of lives.

For Honaker, the fight is fueled by love, loss and legacy.

"I’ve faced a lot of challenges and fought many personal battles," he said. "Some you could see. Most you couldn’t. Through it all, my friend Ryan Ennis was in my corner."

Ennis passed away this year on Father’s Day after a courageous battle with stage 4 cancer. More than a friend to Honaker, Ennis was a source of strength, encouragement and accountability.

"Ryan fought with more grit, love, and purpose than I’ve ever witnessed," said Honaker. "He pushed me and everyone around him to live with more intention and to make every moment matter. Now I’m stepping into this ring for him."

Honaker is also dedicating his fight to his grandfather, who lost his life to cancer. He said the weight of that loss, combined with the heartbreak of Ennis’s passing, is what drives him to keep showing up on the days he’s tired, sore or overwhelmed.

"I fight because I can," Shay says. "So many others didn’t get to choose their fight. I choose to carry their names, their stories and their hope."

Honaker is currently training and pushing himself both physically and mentally in preparation for the big night in September. The event will feature dozens of first-time fighters, each with their own story of resilience and determination.

Haymakers for Hope has raised more than $25 million to date in support of cancer research, treatment centers and support organizations. Fighters like Honaker commit to raising a minimum of $10,000, with all proceeds directly supporting the mission to knock out cancer.

Honaker is actively seeking sponsors, donors and community partners to join him on this journey.

"I’m asking local businesses and individuals who have been impacted by cancer to get involved," said Honaker. "Sponsorship is more than a name on a shirt. It is an investment in hope, in healing and in honoring those we’ve lost."

To learn more, find Honaker’s fighter profile at haymakersforhope.org.

"This isn’t about titles," Honaker said. "It’s about testimony. It’s about turning pain into purpose, showing up when it’s hard and giving God the glory through it all."