Novices gear up for Whanganui corporate boxing fundraiser only a week away

Room Two at Rutherford Intermediate will be behind their teacher, Sean Petersen, when he does battle next week. Photo / Supplied

The three month training camp for the Wanganui Boxing Association's corporate boxing event is almost done, and trainer Eddie Tofa says things were getting more and more intense as the big night creeps closer.

The first ring walk at Springvale Stadium is scheduled for 4pm on March 26, and money raised from the event will enable the Rivercity Boxing Association to host the 2021 National Boxing Championships.

"The sparring is getting a little bit more physical than before, but they're all doing really well," Tofa said.

"Most importantly of all though, everyone is enjoying it."

Despite the increased physicality, Tofa said no one had dropped out of the camp.

"I've given them every opportunity, and I've said that people can pull out at any time. We're not forcing anyone to do anything they don't want to do.

"I think they like the challenge though, and we've still got 20 bouts on the card."

Nerves hadn't fully taken hold for Rutherford Intermediate Room Two teacher Sean Petersen just yet, but he said there were bound to be a few on fight night.

"The whole thing started in the last term of last year, when I did a boxing class with a bunch of students from our school," Petersen said.

"Rather than just sitting there and watching I thought I'd better try and lead from the front."

Petersen said Tofa had eventually convinced him to be a part of the action, even though boxing was completely out of his comfort zone.

"The inspiration behind it is really just showing the students that you can achieve something you thought you couldn't."

Eddie Tofa has been putting his new recruits through their paces for the past three months. Photo / Bevan Conley

Taking on the challenge had also helped strengthen bonds with one of his students, Petersen said.

"There's a new student in my class called Billy Butlin, who's a real character of a kid, and a real live wire.

"I rocked up to the gym during the first week of term and there he was, training with his dad, who, as it turns out, was a professional boxer for six years.

"Now Billy's there every week giving me advice, and his dad's actually taken me on for training, along with Eddie."

Billy and his Dad would act as his corner men, Petersen said, which would add "a bit of extra pressure" because Billy didn't want him to lose.

Sean Petersen has been put through his paces by new cornerman Billy Butlin. Photo / Supplied

Gemini Pepper Construction owner Brendon Lawrence, a heavyweight, will be entering the ring for the first time next Friday, and he said he was fighting for a personal and important cause.

"2020 was a bit of a horrid year for our family," Lawrence said.

"My wife has been battling breast cancer, and she's had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She's been so strong through all of it.

"I really wanted to raise some money towards fighting breast cancer, and that's the main reason why I've done this, but it's also great to be part of fundraising to help Eddie host the New Zealand [Boxing] Champs.

"I've always wanted to have a crack at it and push myself, and now's the time."

Lawrence said he had been taking boxing fitness classes at Tofa's gym for the past 18 months, but to actually step into the ring and spar was "a lot different to hitting a punching bag".

His opponent next Friday night was from Palmerston North, Lawrence said, and would be a similar weight, height and ability.

"It's that old saying, 'hit and don't get hit'. Hopefully I can pull that off on the night."

Brendon Lawrence will be making his boxing debut under the bright lights next Friday night. Photo / Supplied

Like Lawrence, kindergarten teacher Fluer Storr said she had been mainly using boxing training for fitness before Tofa put the call out.

"You put all this effort into training, so it's nice to have something to train towards," Storr said.

"It's a bit of an adrenaline rush, to be honest."

Storr said she had some experience in kickboxing from "many years ago", so she was a little more advanced in her training than some of the other first-timers.

"You might think 'three two minute rounds, that doesn't sound too bad', but that's actually a really long time to be in there defending yourself and fighting for yourself.

"You really have no idea about the extreme fitness it takes until you get in there and do it. It's like 'woah'."

Wanganui Boxing Association's corporate boxing event will be at Springvale Stadium next Friday.

To help with Brendon and Tanya Lawrence's breast cancer fundraising, go to www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/tanyas-journey.