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 tonight at Toronto’s Arcadian Court.
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.
BENJAMIN NADLER – RED TEAM
Agency: Klick Health
Nickname: Sexcopter
Why did you decide to take part?
Some colleagues of mine who participated last year told me all about the experience, and I was looking for my next fitness challenge – so I took the plunge.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
No, never. I started doing some free Muay Thai classes offered at my office – looking for a great cardio workout, and realized that I did enjoy the nature of the physical workout.
What do you like about it?
The team dynamics is great and makes me feel a bit like a kid again doing a colour war at camp. The conditioning and physical work is really exciting and is transforming my body and mind – and I’m feeling great.
What’s the toughest part of training?
Just the overall time commitment, especially with a demanding job and a wife and two small children. I hate missing dinners and bedtimes.
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
Well, that is actually quite a funny story. As part of my fundraising efforts for Ronald McDonald House, I ran a raffle at work where the winner got to choose my fighter name and my walkout music. I managed to raise an astounding $1,500 just from that raffle – but I am now known as Benji “Sexcopter” Nadler, and I’ll be walking out to the most random song ever (El Mudo – Chacarron Macarron). You have to watch/listen to it to understand.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I wish him good luck and hope he really believes in the saying that winning isn’t everything…
ALEX PAPADIMITROPOULOS – BLUE TEAM
Company: Blacks
Nickname: That’s Not How You Say My Last Name
Why did you decide to take part?
I’ve been looking for a challenge – something that would push me to the limit and agency wars was just that for me!
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
No boxing … a little fighting, but not much.
What do you like about it?
The physical/ mental challenge of it all was amazing, but the most fulfilling part of it all is the good we’re doing by raising money for RMHC. We had a chance to visit the Ronald McDonald House in Toronto a few weeks back to see all the good this charity does and it was a really eye opening experience. I urge anyone who hasn’t donated yet to please do so!!
What’s the toughest part of training?
Getting punched in the face – hands down
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
Haven’t made the final call just yet, but it’s probably going to be something goofy. I hope that isn’t the type of fighter I turn out to be come Wednesday.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Sexcopter (that is a horrible name, BTW) here’s some advice for after the fight:
