Everyone has a plan until they get into the ring, said
Mike Tyson, explaining how frightening an experience the squared circle can be.
White Collared Boxing might not be as brutal as
professional boxing, but try telling that to the boxers who have signed up to
take a pounding from a fellow professional.
It’s not for everybody of course, watching or
participating, but it’s certainly a lot easier looking into the ring than out
from it.
An account manager, a construction worker and an events
manager are just a few of the corporate clouts who will be swapping their
regular work personas for a one-night-only binge of pugilism at the Andalous
Ballroom, Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai this Friday night.
The combatants will be changing their suits, blouses,
cufflinks and shoes for shorts, string vests, gloves and sneakers. They’ll be
trying to translate their experience in the boardroom into beastliness in the
squared circle. Eat or be eaten will be their mentality.
Before testing their mettle in the ring, the eclectic mix
of aspiring fighters, including Mark ‘Beefcake’ Bough, a Key Account Manager at
MMI; Tim ‘The Beast’ Baker, Managing Director & Partner of Hug, a digital
advertising agency; and Monique ‘Mon Belle’ Belle, an event manager at Infusion
Magazine, endured an intensive two-month training regime under the strict
guidance of professional boxing coach Zack Taumafai.
Mark Povey, organiser of White Collar Fight Night on
behalf of Transguard Group, commented: “Before even climbing in the ring, the
contenders are committing 100 per cent to the challenge of White Collar Fight
Night by agreeing to undergo testing physical training and controlled dieting.
“It’s all about transforming white collar professionals
into leather-glove-wielding fighting machines!”
In front of a sell-out black tie audience of more than 500
guests, 16 contestants – men and women – will be put to the ultimate test,
throwing-off boardroom etiquette to have a swing-in-the-ring against fellow
Dubai executives.
“The event has become a fixture on Dubai’s social
calendar, providing a chance for the corporate ‘suits’ to show their discipline
in the ring, and their support of the concept by cheering on their corporate
peers,” Povey added.
Mark ‘Beefcake’ Bough, commented ahead of the main event:
“When I first signed up for White Collar Boxing, I was worried on how my
stamina would hold out while trying to tackle three rounds of intense boxing.
“With the training provided by KO Gym, I have now lost
seven and a half kilos, my stamina has increased fivefold and I am now fully
confident challenging my opponent in the ring.
“White Collar is a fantastic initiative, which really
pushes you both physically and mentally, and it’s not over yet – not until the
final bell rings,” he said.
All bouts will be conducted under the rules of White
Collar boxing which places priority on competitor safety and welfare. Each bout
will consist of three two-minute rounds under the supervision of a professional
referee. In accordance with White Collar’s sporting ethos, there are no losers
– anyone who trains and then competes in White Collar Fight Night is considered
a winner.
Importantly for the organisers, a third of the fighters’
sponsorship fees are donated to Christel House – a charity providing education
to underprivileged children in Bangalore, India.
WHAT: White Collar Fight Night 10
WHEN: Friday, June 7
WHERE: Andalous Ballroom, Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai
(Source)
