Dozens signed up for the chance to take part in the fifth edition of Agency Wars. 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. 26.
Marketing is profiling the men and women who’ve shed blood, sweat and tears for Ronald McDonald House and NABS. What makes someone step in the ring? Meet the fighters for the Red and Blue teams to find out.
Amanda Dyke – Red Team
Job Title: Branded Content Manager
Agency: Starcom MediaVest
Nickname: Iron Dyke Tyson
Why did you decide to take part?
The reason I chose to take part was to open myself up to a whole new challenge. While work offers up many challenges, which are mentally stimulating, I was eager to push myself physically. Working in our industry is strenuous to begin with, but adding a full training schedule of six times a week on top of that absolutely maxes you out. You have got to love the intensity to take part – it’s the cost of entry and I love it!
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I have never done anything like this before. I’ve always been quite active at the gym and picked up some additional boot camp classes or yoga on the side.
What do you like about it?
I love the intensity and discipline. While we hate to admit it, we love the routine. It’s an opportunity to be a part of a team. You train together, eat together, suffer from the same pains together and you all want to see each other at your best – that’s the Red team for you!
What’s the toughest part of training?
The ropes. Two long, heavy ropes that you must use all of your body’s energy to launch them from the ground into a DNA like pattern in the air – for almost two minutes at a time. If you’re truly pushing yourself and doing it right you will still have six knots in your shoulders come the next morning – hate the ropes (but learning to love them).
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
My Walk out song is Dreamchasers 2 Intro by Meek Mill. The beginning has a clip of Mike Tyson talking s**t to his opponent, then the beat drops and it gets a bit gangster – with a [nickname] like Dyke Tyson, I had to.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Don’t worry, makeup will cover that!
Ashley Chu – Blue Team
Job Title: Account Manager
Agency: Mosaic
Nickname: Ashley ‘Don’t Give a F*ck About’ Chu
Why did you decide to take part?
I’ve always been interested in learning how to box and was looking for a new challenge that would put me outside of my comfort zone. Can’t think of anything more uncomfortable than staring into the eyes of a competitor who wants to beat you to a pulp, so figured this was the best way to accomplish all three things.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Does watching Bruce Lee count? If not, then no.
What do you like about it?
I really enjoyed all of the training, and the sense of accomplishment after a workout is undeniable! Loved challenging my body to move in new ways, learn new skills/tactics, and to grow my core strengths…all while practicing how to hit, or more importantly how not to get hit, of course.
What’s the toughest part of training?
The most challenging experience in preparation for this fight for me has been the regimented diet plan. Food is a passion of mine, and a way to stay up to date on all of my girlfriend’s lives, so losing the ability to eat when and what I wanted was the toughest. Can’t tell you how excited I am to go to a dinner party in December where I don’t have to bring along my own lunchbox of food!
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
It’s a couple different epic anthems mixed together, just like me. All I’m going to say is “I’m so crown, bow bow down…”
What message do you have for your opponent?
Better bring you’re A game, because I’m leaving it all in the ring.
