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.
Alex Paquin – Red Team
Job Title: Strategic planning director
Agency: Publicis
Nickname: Captain Kangaroo
Why did you decide to take part?
I think you learn a lot about yourself when you fight.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Yes. I’ve trained and competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai and other combat sports for as long as I can remember. Boxing is new for me, though. I’m comfortable in the ring and really looking forward to fight night.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
Trying to learn to stick to boxing. I’m constantly fighting the urge to throw some kind of spinning back fist, superman punch or flying submission. My coaches claim that’s “not allowed” in boxing.
What do you like about it?
Forces me to get off the desk a few times a week and do something active. I’ve only started to realize how important that really is. Also, I get to briefly live some alternate version of my life I’ve always wondered about where I’m a professional fighter. So that’s pretty cool, I guess.
What message do you have for your opponent?
When this is all over, we’ll be in the same club. Think of November 27th as your initiation.
Jeremy Johnston – Blue Team
Job Title: Media buyer/planner
Agency: One Advertising
Nickname: The Gazelle
Why did you decide to take part?
This is an opportunity for me to explore behind the scenes what it would be to truly be a fighter and challenge myself mentally, physically and emotionally for 12 weeks.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I’ve played contact sports like hockey, rugby and football, so I’ve been hit. But I’m not a very confrontational person, so to have someone in front of me and their ultimate goal is to hit me as many times as possible as hard as they can, well that’s a different way of looking at a sport.
What’s the toughest part of training been?
The actual technical part. The hardest punchers are the ones who have the best technique so learning that and learning to get out of my head and let it happen and flow naturally was the most difficult part.
What do you like about it?
Meeting all these great people from all different corners of our industry. Some are in public relations, some are creative, some are development, some are sales, and as much as we are individuals on the night, everyone has come together and it has really been a great experience for me.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I hope that he’s put in his time and trained as hard as I have because I’m going to come with my best game face on and to the best of my abilities and the better fighter will walk out the winner that night.
Learn more about Agency Wars IV, its boxers, coaches and training program at the event’s Facebook page.
