‘To increase representation sometimes you have to throw your own hat in the ring… literally’

Like many of us, I got into a bit of a rut in lockdown. I cancelled my gym membership, put on weight and became sedentary working from home. I was in an ongoing weekly cycle of being good on a Monday, slipping a little by Wednesday and ending in ‘I'll start next week’ mode by Friday. I just could not break the pattern and re-find my motivation.

Then while at a work Christmas party, ironically at the buffet for my second helping, I got chatting to John Maloney, founder of Media Fight Night. I had been a fan of the event for years and seen how they were actively trying to increase female representation. However, as John pointed out it is difficult to have more female fights if not enough women sign up to take part. Throughout my career, I have tried to be champion for women through employee resource groups and networks like Bloom and WACL Futures but as it turns out to increase representation sometimes you have to throw your own hat in the ring… literally. This was my light bulb moment, a chance to champion women in media and sport and to break the cycle and get myself in shape. I squinted my eyes tight as if bracing for impact and said “Right let's do it, I’m in” John casually said “Come to training and see what you think” Meanwhile I stood in shock at what I had just agreed to.

They say you always remember the first time you walk into a boxing gym and for me that was certainly true when I went into The Fitzroy Lodge. The first thing that hits you is the smell. It is a very distinctive smell, a little bit like an aged leather but not offensive in any way. Almost addictive.  It felt so intimidating but then within minutes I felt so safe. The head coach Mark Reigate and some of the past Media Fight Night women warmly welcomed me. With introductions over my first session began and I was hooked.
Now 11 months on I am in the squad, feeling the best I have for 15 years and counting down to Media Fight Night, where I will compete in front of 1200 people from across the industry and be part of an event which to date has raised over £1m for charity. I can honestly say this process has changed my life and made me healthier both mentally and physically.

So as we follow on from World Mental Health Day during this week,  I wanted to share some of the key things I have learnt this year having gone through this transformative process and invite anyone feeling how I did this time last year to consider signing up for Fight Night in 2023:

1 The boxing gym is an inclusive space –I had misconceptions heading in around what I thought the boxing gym would be like and I could not have been more wrong.  People of all ages, sizes, backgrounds and genders training together. Celebrating each other’s wins, encouraging each other in the moment and supporting the lows. When you walk into The Lodge, you are a boxer and that is it. Everyone is an equal and it is a beautiful thing to be a part of.

2. Don’t like boxing? You soon will! –I had never boxed before training for Media Fight Night. This experience is not about beating the life out another person, it could not be further from that. It is about learning the art of boxing, the discipline, the footwork, the technical skills and most of all respect for your opponent. It is amazing to get in a ring, have a sparring session with someone, then get out, and say thank you so much for that I learnt something new today. You will become addicted to it.

3. You become part of a community - The power of surrounding yourself with people that want to commit to the training, their health, the charity and the event will elevate you more than you know. You become part of a community of people that want you to be the best you can be and will push you to your limits. As a squad, you will share an epic experience while also knowing you are making a difference in the world by raising a substantial amount of money for the Charity - Off the Ropes that this event supports. These people will become your friends for life and will be a support network unlike any other.

4. Focus on your health! – This process has given me the focus, motivation and the fear I needed to get healthy again.  This is your ticket to focus on you. When you say you are part of MFN, people accept that you want a salad over a Chinese, they understand that you want a soda and lime without the vodka and are not offended when you leave to get an early night. Your peers, your family and the industry will support you and keep you focussed in a way that no diet or PT session ever could.

5. Feel Empowered– I have learnt so much about myself during this process. Some good and some things I can work on. Most importantly, it has been a journey of self-discovery and growing.  It has also shown me that I can push myself beyond what I have told myself in the past. You will end this process feeling empowered, confident and above all proud of what you have achieved personally and as a team for the charity.

When I get into that ring on 3rd November, I want to be the one with my arm in the air at the end of the fight. However, win or lose I will be so so proud of what I have achieved this year and will take the skills I have learnt with me for the rest of my life. If I knew before what I know now I would have signed up years ago.

To all women, I say “Take the plunge” and come down for a session, I guarantee you will not regret it

Written by : Jade Behr – Sr Agency Development at Amazon Ads

If you would like to donate and support the event this year, you can do so on our justgiving page here.

About Off The Ropes

This year’s charity is Off The Ropes. OTR aims to improve the physical health of children and adults under mental health services or at risk of being referred to primary or secondary health services in London and Kent.

Qualified boxing and health professionals engage with individuals and focus on improving and managing participants mental health symptoms using a fully integrated approach, which tackles personal and social issues. The team’s purpose is to create champions in the ring and life by enabling participants to fulfil their broader potential whilst developing social networks within a shared interest – the sport of boxing.