Fight Night: Counting down to my fight

A FEW weeks ago I was talked into becoming a reserve fighter for the Rotovegas Boxing Gym's corporate fight night Christmas with a Punch.

The thought of the regular exercise I would have to do appealed to me as it would give me motivation to keep active and get fit in time for summer.

It didn't really cross my mind that someone scheduled to fight would be unable to compete and I would have to take their place.

Last Monday, that happened and I am now scheduled to be on the fight card at Rotorua Girls' High School Arena on December 10, matched up with Rotorua's Indi Boyle.

In the last few weeks I have had two sparring sessions, have been training at the gym with its coaches twice a week and have been hurting (in a good way) for it.

Although slightly nervous, I am looking forward to getting into the boxing ring on the night.

I have not had any prior boxing training but have been enjoying what I've been learning.

As part of the fight night, the fighters are required to come up with a sponsor to cover registration fees.

Alec McIver from McIver Engineering in View Rd has jumped on board to be my sponsor; I owe him a huge thank you.

Mr McIver, who has lived in Rotorua all his life and run his business for the past six years, became my sponsor for the simple fact that "it's just a good cause".

He is a keen sportsman who plays rugby for Kahukura, enjoys hunting and is the president of the national Deerstalkers Association.

The money raised from Christmas With a Punch will be used to buy boxing equipment for the many boxing programmes the gym runs around the region as well as for the young fighters who train at the gym.

Tickets for the event are now on sale at Go 360 Gym on Eruera St and Golds Gym on Old Taupo Rd. Ringside corporate tables which seat 10 will cost $2000 and fight night experience tables are also on offer at $1500. For more information, contact Tanya Warren on (07) 345 3085 or (027) 548 2692.