The 26-year-old Tauranga City Council environmental planner has been a member of TGA Box for about a year and decided to step into the ring after watching the last fight night.
"I've been learning a fair bit and thought it would be cool to put what I've learned to the test. It's a good personal challenge."
Cordery said training has been "intense" but his personal trainer Kevin Elder had been a "massive help".
"Kevin helped me get over the fear of getting punched in the face. Once you realise you're not made of glass you're not as afraid. It's also given my confidence a big boost.
"Like everyone, I will feel an amount of anxiety and tension so being able to push through that will be rewarding."
Cordery is sponsored by A1 Renovations and Bayleys Real Estate.
Laura "The Mighty Boosh" Boucher is also fighting for the first time.
The 32-year-old Tauranga Chamber of Commerce marketing and communications manager said she had thought about entering the fight night for a few years as a personal challenge but never felt she had the time to fully commit.
"Plus, I was quite nervous about the idea of stepping into the ring."
But after some "not-so-subtle" encouragement from one of the gym members, she decided just to go for it and signed up on the spot.
Training so far has been "challenging but satisfying" and she credited her personal trainer Kevin Elder for his support.
Boxers Laura Boucher and Sean Cordery. Photo / George Novak
"I was surprised to find one of the biggest challenges for me was the mental aspect and overcoming my own internal barriers and fears.
"The first few weeks were about getting fit, and was feeling good, then when we started sparring and getting hit.
"I was suddenly hit with a real wave of emotions and anxiety, and had to work on that as much as the physical aspect.
"The cool thing is, and I can't stress this enough, everyone has been so supportive and willing to help at any stage... The people have been one of the best parts of this process."
Boucher said she was nervous about stepping into the ring on Saturday but for her, it was not about winning or losing.
"I just want to do my best and put into action everything I have learnt."
She feels she has achieved her goal of challenging herself, getting "fighting fit" and pushing herself out of her comfort zone.
"I'm super happy with the work I have put in and how far I have come in seven weeks, and hope to keep the momentum up after the event."
TGA Box owner and head coach Chris Walker said there will be 18 corporate bouts.
Walker said the boxers have been through an eight-week, high intensity, boot camp on top of their regular training sessions to prepare for the ring.
"We've got a good mix of people in the corporate card. These are everyday people wanting to challenge themselves, jump in a boxing ring and give it a go.
"There is the mental barrier too. They are competing in a sport that can take years to master."
The fight night also includes a professional boxing match between Ariane "Princess of Pain" Nicholson and Gentiane Lupi.
"That's going to be a tough and challenging fight, that one."
The details:
What: Tga Box presents Battle of the Brave
Where: Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, 71 Eleventh Avenue, Tauranga
When: Saturday, May 15. Doors open 5pm, show starts 5.30pm
Cost: $50 general admission. Corporate tables available
All funds go directly to supporting Tga Box's Youth Development Programme.
