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.
Felicia Dasilva – Red Team
Job Title: Media Buyer
Agency: Mindshare
Nickname: The Lion
Why did you decide to take part?
I heard about Agency Wars through last year’s fighters, and thought I would try out to try something new. Doing all of this for charity is really great; I haven’t been part of something like this for charity.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I’ve never done martial arts or combat sports, but I do play full-contact roller derby, so I think that helps with movement control and the fear of being hit!
What’s the toughest part of training been?
At first I thought the amount of training was tough, but I think the hardest part is the meal plan. I thought I was eating healthy before, but the meal plan threw me through a loop – portion control and how often we have to eat to keep up the energy (and dealing with all the temptations!) has been really challenging.
What do you like about it?
I really enjoy working out, so turning up my exercise routine and learning more about what I’m capable of has been really rewarding.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I hope you’re ready because you don’t know what you’re messing with.
Narine Artinian – Blue Team
Job Title: Print Producer
Agency: Rethink
Nickname: The Machine
Why did you decide to take part?
I wanted to try something that would take me completely out of my comfort zone. This is a great opportunity to challenge yourself both mentally and physically… all while supporting a great cause.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I was actually an alternate in last year’s Agency Wars, but never got to fight. So I do have that experience. Prior to that, I had no experience.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
The time commitment. All your free time is devoted to either training or food preparation.
What do you like about it?
It makes you a stronger person. You voluntarily spend your days getting repeatedly hit in the face and body. It brings out the inner and outer strength in a person and makes you feel invincible. It’s also been awesome meeting some great people in the industry. Everyone involved (including coaches, organizers, Fight Network) are amazing. It’s a boxing experience you’d never get in the real world.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I’m not that person who is going to trash talk. In all honesty, anyone who is a part of this deserves the win just for getting into the ring. I’m sure Felicia will bring her A game, as she should. As cheesy as it sounds, at the end of the round, we’ll both be winners. But i’ll be the one who gets the trophy.
Learn more about Agency Wars IV, its boxers, coaches and training program at the event’s Facebook page.
