Pound for pound

Cruisin' for a bruisin': Contenders are champing at the bit to get into the ring in May

Blood, sweat and tears is an oft-used phrase when it comes to training for a sporting event, but from the sounds of it, our fearless fighters are parting with these in bucketloads to ensure they reach peak fighting condition by 28 May.

With just six weeks to go until CRN Fight Night 2009 at the Brewery in Chiswell Street, our warriors are stepping up their pace and shedding the pounds faster than the UK banking system.

Jonathan Mattie, head of the British White Collar Boxing Federation, which is overseeing the training, said: “I don’t think we have ever seen a greater level of intensity and commitment from a group of young gladiators.

"In an age where people are worried about monetary concerns, if these lads are any representation of the IT channel, then there are no worries here.”

Phil “The Baby” Bell, marketing manager at Westcoast, is already dreaming of his first glass of champagne after his bout.

“I am training six days a week. The intensity of the training is so high and I have cut out alcohol to get in shape. I have a bottle of Dom Perignon on ice ready to be cracked open on the night.”

Pete “The Rocket” Ryan, senior account manager at Griffin Internet, is raring to go.
“I’m really enjoying the training, and am looking forward to the night,” he said.

“I have recently done my first sparring session and experienced getting hit for the first time. It does actually hurt!”

Chris “Kicker” Walsh, data protection sales manager at Arc Technology, has several professional boxer friends and has found a new respect for the sport.

“It has been a challenge, particularly as I was a little out of shape,” he said. “I didn’t realise how hard the training was going to be and how solitary it can sometimes feel. It is going well and I’m really up for a good fight.”

Mark “The Enforcer” Forster, head of European operations at Comms-care, has already appeared in his local paper and is enjoying turning into a lean, mean, figh-
ting machine.

“I’m training hard and am hitting the gym and sparring as often as I can,” he said. “I am looking forward to being part of the event. It is great to have something like this as a feel good event to combat all the negativity out there.”

Bobby “The Gypsy King” Cole, business development manager at Comstor, is fighting through the pain caused by his trainer.

“I think my trainer takes great delight in whipping me into shape,” he said. “My fitness levels are improving all the time and I’m going to make sure I’m as prepared as I can be for the night.”

Matt “The Hammer” Skinner, account manager at Hammer, is taking tips from his British judo champion trainer.

“I’m definitely being put through my paces, with basic fitness, cardiovascular work and sparring,” he said.

“I have lost half a stone since my training began. I am also a golf professional by trade, so am used to playing sport in front of a crowd, but this is going to be something else.”

Ian “The Power” Paul, channel manager at Avocent, is gunning for a good fight.
“I have stepped up the fight training to two nights a week and I run before beer instead of to the kebab van afterwards,” he jested.

“Seriously I am committed to Fight Night and am anxious to get the job done.”

Matt “Ballistic” Batty, senior account manager at Kelway, has also given up alcohol, and is confident of being in top physical shape by the time the night rolls around.

“Training is going very well and boxing has taken over a third of my life. I’m loving it, but am looking forward to getting it done and having a drink afterwards!”

Jonny “One Punch” Evans, client manager at Logicalis, is relishing the challenge of training.

“I’m running three times a week, boxing most days and going to the gym,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the fight. The biggest challenge is getting people to sponsor me ­ using the credit crunch as an excuse is not going to cut it.”

John “The Hooker” Haw, sales director at Gamma Telecom, is enjoying getting into shape and is ready for a good fight.

“Training is going well ­ I’m boxing twice a week, running and going to the gym. I’ve discovered muscles I never knew existed,” he said.

“However, I was catching my breath after a run one day and a lady came running up to me thinking I needed medical help!” he joked.