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.
Anthony Luciano – Red Team
Job Title: Account Supervisor
Agency: Blue Hive Canada
Nickname: The Don
Why did you decide to take part?
For me it was about getting healthy, and learning how to box at same time was a bonus. I like the competitive nature of the sport and of the training. I am a very competitive person, so this is very fitting.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
I haven’t. I have always been a fan of boxing, but never considered training and getting in the ring.
What do you like about it?
What isn’t there to like? Getting trained by professionals, working your butts off seven days a week and spending time with such wonderful people. I like the Red teams passion and willingness to do what it takes, we’ve all really grown together. Most of all, I love putting those gloves on and training. I am a different person and have seen a different side of myself that I didn’t know existed.
What’s the toughest part of training?
Aside from Jason’s conditioning classes, the hardest thing for me was dieting. I LOVE FOOD, so cutting out a lot of foods was difficult, but the results are showing now and I am really impressed with how far I’ve come and how disciplined I can be.
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
My walkout song is Hot Boy by Bobby Shmurda. This song represents the grit and tough side of my personality. I am also a bit cocky, so this song is very fitting. I mainly chose this song because it’s raw and will get the crowd off their feet.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Be prepared to get hit hard, very hard.
Bradley Howard – Blue Team
Job Title: Director of Search
Agency: Starcom MediaVest
Nickname: The Beast
Why did you decide to take part?
I have always wanted to have a real boxing match. My grandfather and his brother were amateur boxers. I never got to meet them, but I always thought that by fighting in a match, it would be like achieving a connection with them.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
When I was a kid we did boxing at summer camp.
What do you like about it?
I like the structure. It is absolute. “This is what you are eating. This is what you are doing. Etc.” With 12 weeks, there is no wiggle room. You do it, or you get beaten up by someone who did.
What’s the toughest part of training?
I’m sure what you will hear a lot about is the lack of drinking (which has been rough, with the combination of working in advertising and football season). But, I think possibly the hardest thing has been the lack of sleep. Between the late workouts combined with the early food prep, and the late Friday workouts combined with the early Saturday workouts, most nights are pretty limited on sleep time.
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
My walkout song will be Jungle by X Ambassadors. I chose this for a couple of reasons:
- I am called “The Beast,” so Jungle is logical.
- I think that there is a confidence in the song that definitely represents me.
What message do you have for your opponent?
My opponent is actually really nice, so my message would be: Don’t get hurt. Maybe give him this: wikiHow to Survive a Bear Attack
