Agency Wars, the industry’s annual boxing fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Toronto and NABS, is back.
Dozens of people 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.
Naomi Blackman – Red Team
Job Title: Community Manager
Agency: John St.
Nickname: Blackout
Why did you decide to take part?
It’s an incredible opportunity to be coached and trained by a group of phenomenal athletes. I wanted to be a part of something that’s an intense physical and mental challenge and all for a good cause.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Do bar fights count? Just kidding. No, I’ve never been in a trained or untrained fight.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Keeping a balance. There’s a lot of training and you want to keep training even more (I mean, we’re getting into the ring in front of hundreds of people), so it becomes difficult to juggle everything else still going on in your life. So balance has been really tough. That, plus running hills and getting punched in the face.
What do you like about it?
Everything. It’s a social environment and despite the competitive aspect, I’ve met some truly great people on both teams. I’m thrilled with the change in my fitness level as well. We focus a lot on body image and weight, but it’s really great to watch everyone become the fittest versions of themselves.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Be proud of how hard you’ve worked. I’m sorry that I had to kick your ass in the end.
Alena Hakansson – Blue Team
Job Title: Sales and Marketing
Agency: Silent Joe
Nickname: The Assassin
Why did you decide to take part?
I’ve been volunteering at Ronald McDonald House since I was in university, so the charity means a lot to me. That aside, life is too short not to jump at opportunities to learn something new and get out of your comfort zone.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I’m not a fighter, so this is definitely new to me!
When Googling your name, I came across a CrossFit Games profile. A favourite sport of yours?
I’ve been involved with CrossFit for over three years now. I wrote for CrossFit Headquarters covering Canada in 2012 and compete a few times a year here in Ontario. It’s definitely a different beast. Same amount of yelling and self-inflicted injuries, though.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
The toughest part of training is still coming up! From what I hear from competitors in previous years, everything goes out the window in the ring. I’d say the toughest part is the mental hurdle, not the physical one.
What do you like about it?
I love that Agency Wars offers something new and different to people who don’t often have the time to make health and wellness a priority. Plus, the support — not just within the teams, but in the industry — is unreal!
What message do you have for your opponent?
Nobody cares that we’re friends once we’re in the ring. Head down, hands up, Blackman.
Learn more about Agency Wars IV, its boxers, coaches and training program at the event’s Facebook page.
