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.
Ray McIlroy – Red Team
Job Title: Senior Account Coordinator
Agency: Kaiser Lachance Communications
Nickname: Razor
Why did you decide to take part?
I wanted to test myself to see if I could step in the ring and hold my own.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I’ve done some boxing fitness training on and off for a couple years, but never consistently on this level.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Honestly, the support from my company and team has made it easy. Training is hard, but we have all adjusted to handle it mentally and physically.
What do you like about it?
I love sparring. The Red Team is amazing and we push each other, but the times we simulate the fight and we only have ourselves to depend on in the ring — those are the defining moments.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Chris, buddy, it was great being teammates and I know you’ll leave it all in the ring. Loser buys the first round.
Chris Connolly – Blue Team
Job Title: Account Executive
Agency: Ideon Media
Nickname: Chubbz
Why did you decide to take part?
I’ve been getting that question a lot — specifically from my mom, asking me why I want to get punched in the head. A lot of friends and colleagues have done it in the past, and I’ve been to the event the first three years. It’s gotten better every year. But mostly my friends having bragging rights as amateur boxers made me want to do it as well. I’ve tried out twice before, but finally got in this year.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I did Tough Mudder last May, and that was pretty intense. That would be the only time I’ve trained for something similar. I’ve never been in a real fight. I got in a bit of a scuffle in Grade 4, so I don’t know if that counts.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Hill runs. Hands down.
What do you like about it?
Being coached by two really experienced fighters, Mark [Simmons] and Logan [McGuinness]. I had the opportunity to be on both teams, so I learned from both. [Connolly started the training program on the Red Team, alongside Ray McIlroy — now his opponent for the event.] Boxing is a difficult sport to grasp; these guys have been really good at easing us into it, but also keeping us on a certain level of competitiveness during practices.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I got to train with Ray for five or six weeks — he’s a great guy, and I wish him nothing but the best. We’ve become good friends. But let him know I’m going to show him where he left his manners.
Learn more about Agency Wars IV, its boxers, coaches and training program at the event’s Facebook page.
