Fight 4 the Cause is back for its second annual charity event that combines the rolling red carpets of classic Hollywood glamour with the powerful gloves of the boxing ring. Last year, the event raised $16,000 for four local charities.
When Kevin Brett, president of Studio 4 Athletics, saw Justin Trudeau’s charity boxing match with Patrick Brazeau in 2011, it made an impact on him. After a friend suggested creating a boxing event in Victoria for charity, the wheels were quickly set in motion.
“None of these people have set foot in the ring before,” says Brett. “It’s bank manager versus construction worker, chef versus chef. Over 200 pounds was lost collectively by the team. Lives literally changed, because they had a big enough reason; they were inspired.”
Celma Freitas is in the sixth week of the fighters’ eight-week training program. This labour of love began with two days of technique, two days of cardio and weight training, and weekly guest speakers whose topics ranged from technique, conditioning, and nutrition to various aspects of health.
“One of the best parts is becoming part of a team,” says Freitas. “You get to know people, and you get support from everyone. We are about 10 in each team, training six times a week together, so you get pretty close to them, and, yeah, it’s like family in my team.”
The fights will be three rounds of two minutes with one minute of rest in between. “It sounds like nothing,” says Freitas, “but, honestly, imagine two minutes punching nonstop. Two seconds is like an hour.”
Only in its second year, the event has added a new fight in Battle of the Badges: the Victoria Police Department versus the Victoria Fire Department, with each department choosing charities to fight for.
“We find, particularly in the gym business, that sometimes motivation isn’t enough. Motivation can wane over time. To stick with it you also have to be inspired. Inspiration is stronger than motivation,” says Brett. “It’s also pretty motivating to know that when you’re looking at the snooze button someone else is already up training to kick your butt.”