Twelve weeks, 27 fighters, 12 match-ups, one night: Agency Wars is back. The third annual boxing tournament is set to rock Arcadian Court in Toronto on Dec. 5 to help raise money for Ronald McDonald House Toronto and NABS. A crowd of brave volunteers from Canada’s marketing and media industry endured a rigorous training regimen and strict assessments from some of Canada’s top boxers. That initial group was cut down to 27 “lucky” combatants, who were broken into two teams – Red and Blue – to take part in a grueling three-month program, readying their minds and bodies for the big night.
Leading up to the event, Marketing is profiling the men and women who’ve shed blood, sweat and tears to help out two charities. What makes someone step in the ring? Read on and find out.
Jenny Kim – Red Team
Job Title: Digital Manager
Agency: Innocean Worldwide Canada
Nickname: The Fighter
Why did you decide to take part?
The first and last reasons are that it’s for a great cause, in that we’re supporting the Ronald McDonald House and NABS. All the reasons in between are for me, to see what I could push myself to do mentally, physically and emotionally.
Had you ever boxed before?
No. But apparently boxing runs in my family and no one told me until I started doing this. When I told my mom I was doing Agency Wars, she was like, ‘of course, it’s in your blood.’ [It turns out] my mom was the kickboxing champion in her university, my uncle almost went to the Olympics for boxing and my mom’s boyfriend was a professional boxer in Germany. I never knew. My mom said, ‘if you don’t win, you’re a disgrace to the family.’ So, no pressure.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Getting over the frustrations. It’s learning everything and not being able to apply it once you’re in the ring. Once you get hit in the face, you forget everything.
What do you like about it?
The fact that I physically and emotionally surprise myself every day. I’m always the girl that eats nachos and [drinks] beer at two in the morning and goes to sleep. I couldn’t run for more than two minutes and now I can run 30 minutes easily.
What do you think will give you the edge in this match?
My sheer obsession, determination and desperation to win. Losing is not an option.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I hope you’re training as hard as I am.
Rehana Virani – Blue Team
Job Title: Account manager
Agency: Brightworks Interactive Marketing
Nickname: Roughhouse
Why did you decide to take part?
The overall experience they offer was so exciting to me, including the fact that we get to train with professional Olympic coaches. And then just knowing that it’s a really interesting and cool way to get into shape and do it for a good cause.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
The sparring, so actually getting in a ring and getting punched in the face. The first time I got punched in the face and tried to remember everything they’ve been teaching, it all disappeared and made me realize how much I have to work for this.
What do you like about it?
It’s definitely been challenging me physically and mentally and I am noticing the change [on both fronts]. One of the best parts is doing it with the team. Knowing other people are going through the same thing you’re going through has been really helpful and great.
Do you think you’ll keep up with this level of physical activity when it’s over?
I hope I do. Because we’re doing it for 10-12 weeks, it’s enough time to establish a completely new routine. A lot of the big changes from a nutritional standpoint and being able to find that balance at work and leave the office and make this a priority have been really good.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Get ready to bring it.
