In one corner is a 23 year-old part time personal trainer ready to kick-start his boxing career. In the other corner is the third generation manager of Gibbons Construction, a 38 year old, who was eager to take on the challenge, no matter the opponent.
While the Cameron-Ryan Francey versus Scott Gibbons match-up might not be the headliner at next month’s Fight 4 Victory charity boxing event, it does epitomise the novelty.
Next month’s Fight 4 Victory has brought together well known Nelson businessmen and women, local sporting personalities and the mayor for the event that is raising funds for the Victory Boxing Club – a club used to create a positive impact on young kids in the community.
Across 13 bouts, 26 boxers will go through three two minute rounds at the Trafalgar Centre on June 1 and organisers say tickets are selling fast, with 50 corporate tables already sold out.
Cameron-Ryan juggles a part time personal trainer job at Results Gym with his Applied Fitness studies at NMIT. Born in South Africa with an interest in football and cricket, the 23 year old has set himself the lofty goal of becoming a professional boxer and hopes his first amateur fight will be the beginning of bigger things. “Last year I told myself I really wanted to do a fight. I know the physical limits of boxing is pretty high,” he says. “The ultimate idea is to go pro sometime soon; I’ve definitely fallen in love with the sport.”
His opponent Scott will be spurred on by a fatal work place incident that occurred on one of his sites last year. “It hit us pretty hard and they [the family] have to live with that, so I was inspired and motivated to do this. This isn’t something I’d usually put my hand up and do,” he says. “Pain doesn’t last forever but that does last forever. This is my personal drive to do something for him.”
When questioned about his opponent’s drive to become a professional boxer, Scott says he isn’t worried. “I didn’t really worry who the opponent was. You just have to go give your best irrespective of who you’re up against. I’m 38 so he’s certainly got youth on me.”
Nelson mayor Aldo Miccio’s fight against a mystery opponent looks set to be the most interesting match-up of the night. His opponent will remain secret until the night.
Tickets are available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz and from i-Sites, New World, Nelson School of Music and Theatre Royal.
