Rotorua's Justin Patterson and Jeff Seo have signed up to fight each other for charity at the upcoming Rotovegas Corporate Fight Night - Round Two to be held at the Rotorua Girls' High School Arena on April 10.
Mr Patterson is a car dealer at Cars and More on Fairy Springs Rd and Mr Seo is a real estate agent working for Eves Rotorua.
Mr Seo said he called his friend out and challenged him to the fight. "Only because I thought he looked weak," Mr Seo told The Daily Post.
"I've never had a fight before, I'm a good boy but it's a good challenge for me," Mr Seo said.
Mr Patterson said he had only sparred in a boxing ring once and "wanted to stop after 30 seconds".
"It's hard work but great for your fitness," he said.
Mr Patterson said it was an "awesome cause" to be fighting for.
"It's good for the young kids too and helps steer them in the right direction," he said.
Rotovegas Boxing Gym owner and head trainer Aaron Warren said the two were "pretty evenly matched" and would put on a good show in April's charity boxing night.
"They have a good sense of humour about it, too. But at the end of the day it's whoever puts in the extra hard work who will get the result in the ring on the night," Mr Warren said.
Already signed up to fight at Rotovegas Corporate Fight Night - Round Two are Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell, Rotorua District councillor Dave Donaldson, Owhata Primary School principal Bob Stiles and The Daily Post journalist Greg Taipari.
Special guests include rugby league legends Tawera Nikau and Monty Betham, entertainer Rodger Cunningham, who will be MC, All Black and Bay of Plenty Steamer Lelia Masaga and if he's available, professional heavyweight boxer David Tua.
Other residents ready to don gloves are builders Warwick Paul and Andy Laidlaw, diesel mechanics Koro Nikora and Bob Winard, female fighters Jamie Boldarin, Penny Paignton and Faith Dickson, metal worker Matt Warren, Telecom's Blair Robertson, Rebel Sport's Justin Eagle and Millennium Hotel personal gym trainer Paul Chattell.
CAN YOU HELP? Anyone interested in taking part as a boxer or sponsor should call Aaron or Tanya Warren on (07) 345 3085. Boxers must register by January 30, when an official weigh-in will take place and the final line-up will be announced. Boxers will then have eight weeks' training, overseen by Mr Warren.
Glove hurts
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