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.
Mike Thoang – Red Team
Job Title: Senior Production Artist
Company: Traffik Group
Nickname: Took Yo’ Lunch Money
Why did you decide to take part?
Because we’re fighting for charity. Ronald McDonald House has helped countless families and NABS has helped many individuals.
Do you have any previous experience in martial arts or combat sports?
I watched a ton of kung fu movies growing up. I go into my room and isolate myself and train for hours just as the kung fu masters did in the mountains.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Being away from family. I have a one-year-old daughter and being away from her and my wife has been pretty hard.
What do you like about the training?
The fact that I’m learning a new skill. I’m learning how to use my hands as lethal weapons and that’s cool.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Come at me bro.
Reed Sacharoff – Blue Team
Job Title: Production Designer
Company: Brightworks
Nickname: Rude Boy
Why did you decide to take part?
I feel like because of my size – I’m pretty small – people underestimate me. I figured it would be a good way to prove myself.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
The boot camp our nutritionist put us through.
What do you like about the training?
Having the coaches – Natalie Brown and Chris Johnson – as resources. Both are really great instructors and having the feedback and constantly having someone to talk to and guide you forward has been great.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Good luck and hopefully he brings his A game.
