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.
Steven Lau – Red Team
Job Title: Associate Search Manager
Company: Reprise Media
Nickname: Twinkle Toes
Why did you decide to take part?
I’ve always imagined what it would be like to live the life of a world champion. This seemed like a really fun opportunity to get a glimpse of that, to experience firsthand the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that come with success.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
The toughest part of training has been staying motivated to train on the days where you’ve had a long day at work, you’re tired, hungry, sore from the last training session, and overcoming it knowing that you can’t let your opponent outwork you.
What do you like about the training?
The most exciting thing about training are the moments where all your hard work, hours of practice and dedication starts to come together inside that ring piece by piece.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Be sure to visit your loved ones. Come Dec. 5, we’re going to WAR.
Shane Holmes – Blue Team
Job Title: Account Manager
Company: Grip
Nickname: The Maltese Falcon
Why did you decide to take part?
For years I’ve been trying to deal with stress and personal issues in my life. As a young man I practiced kung fu for seven years, it was a saving grace for me. However since leaving the art I lacked a physical outlet. This opportunity presented itself and I didn’t second guess it. Boxing is humbling. It keeps you centred, and above all it prevents fighting outside of the ring. These are huge benefits for anyone who has found themselves (or put themselves) in preventable situations like I have in the past.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Pushing myself outside of my perceived limitations. Training in the ring can be tough especially when you think that you can’t throw another punch, or take another body shot. The hardest part about training is learning to never quit and to never back down.
What do you like about the training?
I love the constant learning. As a group we’ve been at this for 3 months and have learned techniques that are drawn from mental and physical strength. What amazes me is that our coaches and trainers are still learning even after 30 years of experience. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn the sport after the Agency Wars event
What message do you have for your opponent?
Hey Steven, curious to know how this fight will go down?
The bell goes off and Shane takes flight. He jabs with his left and he swings with his right.
Twinkle Toes takes a step, he hops and stumbles. His defence is fading and it begins to crumble.
He tries to recover but it’s already too late. His fight has left him and so has his date.
The Falcon is too fast, swooping in with a hook. Look at Steven now, he’s off balance, he’s shook.
The combos continue, he can’t see them coming. Twinkle Toes is confused at the speed that he’s running.
I’ve decided to end it, it’s gone on far too long. I listen to the crowd as they sing his outro song:
BAM. BOOM. POW….DOOOWWWN GOES LAU!!
