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.
VIDAS KUBILIUS – RED TEAM
Job Title: Account Supervisor
Agency: Zulu Alpha Kilo
Nickname: High Voltage
Why did you decide to take part?
I’d thought about trying out for agency wars in the past, but never had the inspiration to commit. Spring/summer this year involved a lot of vacationing and partying. On a rare Saturday night in, I came across a boxing match on TV: Current Middleweight Champion Gennady Golovkin vs. Aussie Daniel Geale. Golovkin dropped Geale in the second round – he took down Geale with a punch he delivered as he was being punched in the face himself! This tipped me over the edge, it was the year to try out for agency wars. Plus, the overall mission for Agency Wars is to raise funds for two very deserving charities, which makes the whole thing worthwhile.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Not at all. I’m the most placid guy going. I’ve never even come close to throwing a fist in my life.
What do you like about it?
It really helps strengthen your skills for focus and commitment. Everyone is so busy with their own lives these days – work, social stuff, always being hooked up and online… Life is stressful. But when it comes to my time in the gym, I switch everything else off and work on one thing: fighting.
What’s the toughest part of training?
DIET! Saying no to chips… Finding a way to make tilapia “enjoyable” four times a week… And always having eggs in the fridge. Having six raw eggs for brekky every morning, I go through them pretty quickly. Cutting out drinking has been way easier than I thought.
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
AC/DC. I won’t give away the track yet, but it is going to pump me up and have the crowd screaming. Plus I’m an Aussie, born and bred. I want to get a bit loose out there, fight like a rocker, do my cliche stereotype some justice.
What message do you have for your opponent?
Sotero mate… This whole Agency Wars experience has changed my life. I’ve done things I didn’t think I could do. I’ve exceeded my own expectations and I’m still pushing myself. On November 26th, you’re going to find out exactly what I am capable of. I wish you the best of luck. You will need it.
SOTERO BERNARDO – BLUE TEAM
Job Title: Director of Sales and New Business
Agency: Ideon Media
Nickname: Big Sexy
Why did you decide to take part?
I work with Chris Connolly, who was the main event last year, and I had a blast! His progression after 12 weeks was quite impressive, so I thought I’d give it a try. Plus, I thought this rigorous training and commitment would be a good way to finally lose this daddy weight. Also, after visiting the families at the Ronald McDonald House in Toronto, it feels really good to know the money we’re raising is for such a good cause. God bless those families during their tough times.
Have you ever done anything like this before (boxing, fighting)?
Not at all. I’ve always wanted to learn how to box, so it’s pretty amazing that we’re getting trained by Olympians!
What do you like about it?
The training we receive has made me lose some weight and it has given me the push I needed to get back into shape. Plus, punching a heavy bag or a sparring partner is a great way to relieve stress — I’ll be sad once it’s over.
What’s the toughest part of training?
Spending a lot of time away from my wife and daugther — and also staying committed to the “no alcohol” rule!
What have you picked for your walkout song? And how is it representative of who you are as a fighter?
Method Man by Wu-tang Clan. It’s actually not so much about the song representing me — it’s more of a song that gets me pumped and puts me in fight mode. During one of our conditioning sessions, it was the last five minutes and I was completely exhausted – this song came on and all of a sudden I found this surge of energy! I knew right then and there that this would be my walkout song.
What message do you have for your opponent?
You’re a nice guy, so I’ll try not to make you look too bad… But I also can’t make any promises.
