Local corrections officers will put-em-up for a charity boxing match next month to raise money for the Cancer Society's Hawke's Bay Branch.
Staff from Hawke's Bay, Manawatu and Tongariro/Rangipo Prisons will all participate in Box For Life at Hastings Sports Centre on Friday November 4 from 5pm.
Hawke's Bay officershad a special reason to join the fight, with a fellow friend and member of staff having suffered from cancer.
"I pretty much hand picked them, because each and every one of them has an association with one of the fellas at work that has been treated for cancer - so it's very personal," organiser Caroline Tiliau said.
The fighters have been matched up according to their height and weight in what will be the third event of its kind held in Hawke's Bay. "We have put on similar events in 2006 and 2009, and they were well supported, which really helps."
Most of the participants are not trained boxers, but have worked hard to get their fitness levels up and work on their technique for the big fight, with many employing personal trainers in their own time.
"Definitely most of us haven't done this before," Jason Edwards said.
"Everyone's training in their own way," Stacey Mizzi added.
Cancer society Manager Kay Collins was excited to be involved with Box For Life for the first time.
"For us it's great that people in the community continue to do these things so the Cancer Society can support cancer patients and their families.
"Their hearts are in it for their friend who has had cancer, and it is something which touches everyone in some way."
Tickets to Box For Life are $50 for seats at the ringside, $25 for the grandstands, and children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult will get in free. Tickets are available on the door.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Cancer Society of New Zealand Hawke's Bay.
