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.
Christina Mirabelli – Red Team
Job Title: Manager
Company: Mindshare
Boxing nickname: The Deli (handing out nothing but cold cuts)
Why did you decide to take part?
For years, I’ve been a huge fan of MMA and combat sports. I practiced here and there, but never on a competitive level. This past August I completed Tough Mudder; I hadn’t done anything that mentally or physically challenging before. When the opportunity to try out for Agency Wars came along I jumped at it; I needed a new challenge.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Everything! Staying motivated, staying dedicated. People often see how far they have to go, but never how far they’ve come. It’s easy to get discouraged and think, “I can’t do this.” But you can, you just have to want it and you have to work at it.
What do you like about the training?
I love that it frees my mind from all other thoughts. When I’m training I’m only focusing on what I want the outcome of that session to be. Training isn’t a place to worry about the day’s stresses.
What message do you have for your opponent?
It’s not about her; I’ve wanted to step into the ring for a long time. I’ve always dreamt of it and in my dreams I always win.
Jennifer Watts – Blue Team
Job Title: Account Director
Company: Brandworks
Boxing nickname: Big Shots
Why did you decide to take part?
I was at Brandworks when Michael Clancy first started the event and had the opportunity to experience his passion for the sport and event. I always knew this was something I was determined to be apart of. It’s really a once in a lifetime opportunity.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
I honestly love it all, but trying to come down from the high after working out is difficult. It’s hard to relax and sleep after training–both physically and mentally. Your mind is constantly thinking about what to work on next. I have so much energy that it’s hard to fall asleep at night. And carrying my gym bag with me everyday (on my one-and-a-half-hour commute each way) is tough because I have a laptop bag and purse, too. Also, I miss Beer Cart Fridays at work, but it’s getting easier to resist…I think.
What do you like about the training?
I could never push myself this hard on my own, nor would I ever have access to the trainers and experts that Agency Wars has provided us. I love the team support, but I also like how we are required to do additional training at home. It makes you responsible for your own training and how far you really want to take this. You are accountable for your own success in the end.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I know you are training hard, too, so let’s bring it! P.S. I dare you to get past these arms!
