Agency Wars, the industry’s annual boxing fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Toronto and NABS, is back.
Dozens signed up for the chance to take part in the fourth edition of the big night of fights. Over several weeks, they tested their mettle against professional coaches, strict trainers and their own physical limitations. Twenty four of those brave souls have been chosen to enter the ring at Toronto’s Arcadian Court on Nov. 27.
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? Meet the fighters for the Red and Blue teams to find out.
Sheldon Abreu – Red Team
Job Title: Account Manager
Agency: TraffikGroup
Nickname: Apocalypse
Why did you decide to take part?
I did this to represent my agency, to showcase the art of boxing, put on a great show for the 700-plus people in attendance, and let’s not forget – charity! I’m a people pleaser and what better way than getting in a ring and going toe-to-toe with the hopes of DentsuBos, blood and sweat flying everywhere?
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I’ve done Muay Thai for a number of years, so getting hit and hitting people isn’t anything new to me.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Not being able to enjoy the perks around the office – the booze, the beer fridge, the snack drawer, the random leftover food in the kitchen and Friday lunches (Traffik buys lunch for the entire office every Friday). Another tough part is the “judgment” eyes from the entire office as you deviate from your healthy eating habits.
What do you like about it?
I love the competition. The push. The team dynamic. The mind games. The smack talking.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Do you even lift bro?
Kris Roberts – Blue Team
Job Title: Editor
Agency: DentsuBos
Nickname: The Newfie Knockout
Why did you decide to take part?
I got introduced to Agency Wars by my good friend and coworker Filip Wantuch who was a fighter in Agency Wars II. Seeing him do it made me want to be a part of it. I then tried out to be a part of Agency Wars III to not only do something awesome and get in shape, but to prove that I could be a fighter; to maybe show off some of the old fighting Newfoundlander spirit. I got really into it and enjoyed it more than I expected in Agency Wars III, but I was an alternate without a fight. Now I’m back in Agency Wars IV with a little extra training time and looking forward to getting in the ring.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I have never done anything like this before. I’ve never even been in a fight. Do late 90’s mosh pits count?
What’s the toughest part of training been?
The time commitment that’s involved. Everything becomes about the training. Whether it’s workouts, boxing sessions, food prep, running or getting to and from the training sessions, your personal life takes a backseat to getting ready for Agency Wars.
What do you like about it?
The release that comes when you’re boxing is great. Throwing punches like you mean it and the total focus that you have when you’re in there. Nothing else matters but that moment, keeping your guard up and looking for the opening to unleash. Also, being in shape for possibly the first time in my life is kind of awesome.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I know Sheldon will be a tough opponent, but all I would say to him is never underestimate a Newfoundlander because there’s tough, and then there’s fighting Newfoundlander tough!
Learn more about Agency Wars IV, its boxers, coaches and training program at the event’s Facebook page.
