Getting punched in the face for charity is starting to get addictive for some of the Fight for Victory competitors.
The Trafalgar Centre will host the third edition of the Victory Boxing fund-raiser on Saturday night with a trio of boxers keen to show off what they have learnt during 14 weeks of training.
Nelson Airport sales and marketing manager Sally Russ says, at age 39, she was in the best shape of her life thanks to the boxing training she’s taken on three times a week. She’s even turned the scars of training into a badge of honour.
“I had a bruise on my face last week and I was showing it off to everyone.
“It’s not the pain of getting hit, but more the shock of it.
Sally, who has two stepchildren and a three-year-old daughter, says, while family time had decreased over the 14 weeks she had enjoyed the experience.
“It has been tough balancing everything but I feel as fit as I ever have in my life and boxing isn’t hard compared to looking after a three-year-old.”
Teacher Simon Mardon always thought he was fit but realised three two minute rounds of boxing would be something completely new.
“I’m used to running 100km a week but boxing is higher intensity and it’s constant.
“I’ve enjoyed learning something new at my age.”
Simon says he was hoping he and opponent Craig Morice could put on the fight of the night.
“I’m sure Craig is ready to go out there and give it everything.
“I want to entertain people, I don’t want it looking like two chickens circling a corn cob.”
Personal trainer Corey Boland will likely have the loudest cheering section of any competitor on the night.
“Most of my family will be there, you’ll hear them, but I’ll be trying to get business done and then I’ll look to have a beer and a laugh about everything once it’s all done.”
Corey says his only instinct is to smile when he gets punched.
“You train to avoid the punches, but then when I get hit with one all I can do is smile and it gets you going.”
Corey says he believes he has been “bitten by the bug and would be keen to keep boxing after Saturday night.
“I’ve really enjoyed the training, but I’m looking forward to getting between the ropes and entertaining people.
“We’ll see how Saturday night goes but I doubt it will be the last time I step in to the ring.”
Tickets are still available for the night where a large crowd is expected to pack the Trafalgar Centre for one of the biggest nights on the Nelson sporting calendar.
Money raised will go to help continue the work of Victory Boxing and their work within the community.
