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.
Baylie Langelier – Red Team
Job Title: Assistant Account Manager
Company: PHD Canada
Nickname: The Bull
Why did you decide to take part?
First and foremost for the families of Ronald McDonald House as well as for NABS. I am blessed with health and happiness, and it means so much to me to be able to give back. Of course I would be lying if I said training with professionals didn’t encourage the decision! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I absolutely had to be a part of as soon as I heard about it!
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Halloween! The training is very intense as it is, and the diet is very strict. Halloween is one of my favourite holidays, with all of the candy and treats floating around the office, it was so hard to stick to the meal plan! All of the travelling is very difficult too, living in Hamilton, working in Toronto and training in Toronto and Mississauga makes for very long hours!
What do you like about the training?
I love the challenge. I have surprised myself time and time again throughout training, pushing myself further and harder than I could have ever expected. It feels so good to be a part of a team, and the coaches are so supportive and want to see us all succeed. It’s not every day you meet a group of strangers and become a family over the course of a few weeks.
What message do you have for your opponent?
You mess with the bull, you get the horns!
Shahla Eghbal – Blue Team
Job Title: Digital Supervisor
Company: Carat
Nickname: Fury
Why did you decide to take part?
I first heard of Agency Wars last year from a friend who participated and it sparked my interest. The more I learned about it the more I wanted to be involved. I am being trained by professional athletes and coaches while raising money for RMH and NABS. I can’t see myself not wanting to take part.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Not eating dessert before and after every meal. It’s all about the food with me.
What do you like about the training?
Waking up every morning and feeling amazing because I know I’ve given it my all. It has given me discipline and I enjoy testing my limits. I’m pushing myself mentally and physically everyday and the results are showing. It definitely helps that Team Blue/Team Nat is a strong, solid team and we support each other every day, we are living like warriors to die as legends.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I haven’t got anything to say to her, I’ll let my fists do the talking.
