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.
Karla Stuewe – Red Team
Job Title: Business Development Manager
Company: Kijiji
Nickname: Stinger
Why did you decide to take part?
In my normal life I practice traditional Ashtanga yoga, but I feel that sometimes it’s important to step outside one’s comfort zone. The chance to train with Olympians is an honour.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Getting yelled at by trainers required some adjustment. Also, I have a small human – my daughter who is almost two years old – so the logistics have been hard.
What do you like about the training?
Until this event, I practiced yoga six days a week. With the training, I don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. to go to the Ashtanga Yoga Center. I’m also addicted to the endorphin high I get from training.
What message do you have for your opponent?
My fight message is, “If you even dream of beating me, you should wake up and apologize.” Another one doesn’t match my personality, but I laughed a lot about it. A pro boxer once said, “I just want to conquer people and their souls.” It’s very scary.
Veann Leps – Blue Team
Job Title: Senior Copywriter
Company: JWT Canada
Nickname: Tas (because I’m a Tasmanian devil. I’m fast: you won’t know I’ve been there, and then I’m gone.)
Why did you decide to take part?
Agency Wars is a perfect outlet for my inner rage and outer strength. And it is an opportunity of a lifetime.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Sacrificing every other part of your life just to focus on this one single event.
What do you like about the training?
The trainers are amazing. Nowhere else in the world would I have the opportunity to train with people like them.
What message do you have for your opponent?
In the ring I’m not going to stop – it’s going to take the bell, the ref, or their red towel being thrown in to get me to stop. I hope I notice those three things. They’re the only things that will stop me.
