Round two
The gloves are off. The time has come to launch CRN's 2009 Fight Night event, writes Sara Yirrell
Gloves are off for CRN Fight Night 2009 at the Brewery, London
Fight Night 2009, CRN’s black tie boxing event, is already proving a smash hit.
Due to take place on 28 May at The Brewery in Chiswell Street, London, the event will have nine bouts, reflecting intense interest from the industry.
Launched at the Channel Awards in November, more than 80 potential fighters signed up for an initial assessment, and the number that turned up for trials at The Ring boxing club in London last month proved that was not just an alcohol-fuelled dare.
More than 70 contenders were put through their paces, and our team of experts is now whittling down those fighters. Stay tuned to Channelwebfor the first announcement of our final 18 in the coming weeks.
CRN publisher Mark Burton said: “It’s amazing how many people have entered. Fight Night has really captured the channel’s imagination and this year should be a fantastic evening as well as raising money for deserving charities.”
The British White Collar Boxing Federation oversaw the competitor assessment.
Jonathan Mattey, head of the Federation, said: “I’m pleasantly stunned by the level of fitness of the contenders for this year’s CRN Fight Night. I have spent five years promoting white collar boxing, which has included participation of professional athletes. This lot would not look out of place alongside them.
“There is only one thing I can promise for the night and that is pain. These boys are going to go for it.”
Last year’s inaugural Fight Night event smashed everybody’s expectations. CRN is confident of beating last year hands down.
When our 16 intrepid warriors signed up for CRN Fight Night 2008, none had any idea they were about to embark on a life-changing experience, but all agreed it was just that.
Speaking after the 2008 event, Andy “The Punisher” Butterfield from Computacenter said it was unforgettable.
“It was an amazing evening,” he said. “I hadn’t been to anything like this before and it is one of the things I’m going to take with me for the rest of my life.”
The 2008 fighters also offered some valuable advice to anyone thinking of taking part in 2009.
Andy “The Saint” Sayers from BakBone Software, said commitment was key.
“You really have to want to do it,” he said. “It is a long, tough process and you have to be committed.”
Jamie “Gentleman Jim” Stewart from CAE Technology Services echoed those sentiments.
“I would definitely recommend it. But you must be dedicated because it takes a lot of time and energy. I was training between eight and 10 times a week. Boxing is like no other sport and once you have been bitten by the bug, there really is no going back.”
As with the 2008 event there will also be an auction on the night, and CRN is keen to receive any auction prize donations that could help us raise money for charity.