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.
Sonya Furdyk – Red Team
Job Title: Associate Marketing Manager
Agency: Juice Mobile
Nickname: The Fury
Why did you decide to take part?
I have really focused on my career for the last couple of years and have never had the opportunity to push myself physically. After attending Agency Wars IV with some of the Juice Mobile team, it was something I wanted to strive for. I have heard amazing things about boxing and couldn’t pass up the challenge.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Not at all. I play ultimate frisbee year-round and beach volleyball in the summer, but have never taken part in any individual sports or fighting.
What do you like about it?
Though my fight is about my individual skill, the red team has become my second family. We stay focused, but have a lot of fun and laugh during each training session. They are such an amazing group of people to be challenged by, learn from and fight with. What kind of other sport can you go from punching someone in the face to laughing your head off?
What’s the toughest part of training?
Burpees up a hill. Hands down.
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is itrepresentative of who you are as a fighter?
My walkout song is Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool. This song takes me from fist pump dancing to fist punch boxing and really gives me energy. I’m also known to be quite loud and cheer my team on a lot, so the yelling and rapping in the song represents me quite well.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Sabrina, I hope you’ve been mentally preparing…because this is going to hurt more than you even know.
Sabrina Hashmi – Blue Team
Job Title: Account Director
Agency: Olson Canada
Nickname: Hurricane
Why did you decide to take part?
As a personal challenge to myself to stop treating my body like an amusement part and start treating it like a temple.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Nope.
What do you like about it?
It’s like being in a fight club, this secret society of folks who empathize with what we have to put ourselves through with the diet regiment and workout routine. If I have to cut out my favourite foods, at least I have a support group to talk me through it! I love the great people I’ve gotten to know so far – my Blue teammates and our amazingly patient coaches Mandy, Rico, Jason and of course, Kris who tirelessly herd all of us cats.
What’s the toughest part of training?
The toughest part is getting up at 6AM for the morning runs.
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
I’m getting a custom mash-up of a few tracks. I think it represents my hybrid fighting style – I’m going to keep my opponent guessing!
What message do you have for your opponent?
You seem nice, but I must warn you, the forecast says there’s a hurricane of beatings coming your way.
