Denny Windelborn is preparing for the fight of his life.
Actually, it'll also be the first fight of his life - that's discounting any unscheduled bare knuckle dustups in the schoolyard or the rugby field he may or may not have had in his youth - when the Kaitaia man takes part in the Rise of the Champions charity boxing challenge in Whangarei on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old personal trainer decided to have a crack, no pun intended, alongside older brother Hazely who had been inspired to take part after hearing about the event from a work colleague (although, having rolled his ankle in a senior club rugby game earlier this month, Hazely has since been forced to withdraw).
Unfazed about Hazely's absence, Denny was looking forward to his first fight, having been hard at work preparing under the guidance of his trainer Johnny Andrews, as well as continuing rugby and crossfit trainings. Boxing on Friday will make for a big week for the Awanui rugby player, who'll have to miss this week's round 3 club game against Kaitaia but will likely still feature for Mangonui in the Harding Shield senior match at Otamatea today.
Meanwhile, Andrews admitted to being most impressed by Denny's approach to the bout, and his progress over the past two months when the two got together for a sparring session at Club Physical on Tuesday afternoon. At this point, it would pay to note Andrews is no slouch, having won the New Zealand light heavyweight title around 10 years ago. He described his protege as being a "smart" fighter with a "good left jab".
Considering starting up a boxing class at the downtown gym, now under the new ownership of former powerlifting national champ, Stan Day, Andrews said he was particularly impressed with Denny's game, noting he was probably the only fighter in the charity boxing event who'll end up facing someone with former experience in the ring.
"He's taking a big step up - he's not fighting a first time fighter," Andrews emphasised.
Anyone wishing to help Denny Windelborn raise money to promote awareness of the youth suicide issue, can contact him at (021) 0278-9499.
The Rise of the Champions Corporate Charity Boxing Challenge is being hosted by the Roundhouse Kickboxing Gym at Kensington Gym this Saturday. There's approximately 16 bouts on the card, featuring both male and female fighters and a couple of kickboxing matches. Tickets cost $30 pre-sale, $35 on the door, with various corporate options also available.
Noting that proceeds from the night will go towards two charities, Choose Life (re youth suicide), and Ronald McDonald House, organisers said the event was aimed particularly at those "who have not done anything like this [ie boxing] before". For more information, contact 430-0367.