They're stepping into the ring and packing the punches in an effort to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer! ‘Fight the Fight' is a charity boxing event on May 20 at Trustpower Arena, Baypark.

Boxing coach Brendon Johnston wanted to create the show after a personal family experience. 'A family member of mine's child was diagnosed with a form of melanoma…they were telling people: ‘We were lost, we didn't know what to do, or where to go or who to talk too'.”

Brendon says: '[The] Child Cancer Foundation basically came in and took care of everything”.

As such Brendon will donate the event's proceeds to the charity. 'They [CCF] don't get any government funding whatsoever. They're funded purely on the gratitude and kindness of everyday Kiwis...and I thought: ‘Whoa I've got to back that'.”

Fighting ready

Getting ready for the fundraiser, Brendon has been training local sportspeople and those keen to be budding amateur boxers in a 10-week boot camp. 'To throw punches is simple, but learning how to defend yourself in different situations is what I'm trying to teach, and I'm giving them very practical training as far as what they're going to experience just so they're fully prepared.”

On the night, there will be two three-minute rounds with a minute's rest in between for each match, with intensity and adrenaline high. 'A lot of people just stop breathing. You get absolutely gassed,” says Brendon. 'I tell them ‘I don't care whether you win or lose. If you lose that's fine. We stick to our plan game plan as far as how we're going to execute your fight'.”

Raise $10K

Brendon wants to raise '$10,000 minimum by the end of the night”. 'I want people to come and enjoy the experience and be a part of it because it's just such a great cause!”

‘Fight the fight' is at Trustpower Arena Baypark on May 20 from 5pm. For tickets and information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com and search ‘Fight the fight'.