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.
Luke Southern – Red Team
Job Title: Strategy Director
Agency: L’Équipe L’Oréal
Nickname: The Mouth From The South
Why did you decide to take part?
L’Équipe L’Oréal encourages employees to have a personal or professional ambition they share with their colleagues and their clients, known as a Thrive Project. These goals vary from person to person – from losing 10 pounds to learning a new language – but what they all have in common is that they inspire the agency’s employees to continue to develop and grow. Challenging myself to learn a new sport, and supporting two great charities on behalf of my agency at the same time? The perfect new Thrive Project!
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Nothing remotely close.
What do you like about it?
I like the intensity. I’ve learned an entirely new sport and will be competing in this sport in just a few short weeks. I’d probably be more nervous if I had time to think about it!
What’s the toughest part of training?
No wine! Advertising is a very social industry, so there are lots of cocktail parties and dinners. I’ve made peace with being a teetotaler, but it still feels wrong to order soda water with a steak.
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
Jerk It by Thunderheist. It’s got a great, infectious bass line that always motivates me when I’m training.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I have a great deal of respect for Derek, and for the entire Blue Team. It takes a tremendous amount of dedication to participate in Agency Wars and everyone who steps into that ring is already a winner.
Derek Silveira – Blue Team
Job Title: Copywriter
Agency: JWT
Nickname: Derek “The Chimera” Silveira
Why did you decide to take part?
I’ve been interested in learning the sweet science for a while now. I think it was Hemingway’s interest in the sport that inspired me. Though, he was also a big game hunter, and I’m not about to go shoot an African rhino or anything.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Nope.
What do you like about it?
I like the timelessness of the sport, the physical fitness you need to compete, and the adrenaline you get when you’re in the ring going toe-to-toe with your opponent. Everyone has fantasized about punching someone in the face repeatedly, right?
What’s the toughest part of training?
The diet plan. I’ve hated eggs ever since my mom made me try her quiche when I was eight. And now I’m eating six egg whites every morning. It’s like my own personal hell.
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
I’m not 100% decided.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Spoiler alert: You get whomped, bro.
