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.
Zeb Barrett – Red Team
Job Title: Strategic planner
Agency: Anomaly
Nickname: The Butcher
Why did you decide to take part?
It’s a great cause, and I was an alternate for Agency Wars II and didn’t get a fight, so it felt like unfinished business.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Just Agency Wars II.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
The hardest part has been not seeing my wife and son very much.
What do you like about it?
It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Who is your favourite boxer or athlete?
As a kid I always loved Iron Mike, but I also loved watching Sugar Ray Leonard.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I hope he’s ready. I want the best-trained, most prepared opponent. That way there are no excuses.
Peter Pham – Blue Team
Job Title: QA specialist
Agency: K2 digital
Nickname: Wham Bam, Thank You
Why did you decide to take part?
To help families… through punching. But also, my father’s mother recently passed away, and my mother’s mother recently had a stroke. They’re two of the strongest women in the world that were able to raise strong families in the midst of the Vietnam war. I want to make them proud and show them a bit of the strength they have passed onto me.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Not exactly like this. But I have had two amateur Muay Thai bouts.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Time management, not drinking and not drinking.
What do you like about it?
Everything, but if I had to choose my favourite thing, it’d be the sparring.
Who is your favourite boxer or athlete?
Buakaw Banchamek.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Heads down, chin up.
Learn more about Agency Wars IV, its boxers, coaches and training program at the event’s Facebook page.
