A Kelowna boxing gym is once again looking for “three-round heroes” to step inside a boxing ring to raise money for local charities.
Since 2017, Geoff Lawrence of MadKatz Boxing has been hosting boxing events featuring members of the community, who are given a crash course in the “sweet science” prior to the event.
The “three-round heroes” raise money for charitable causes, and this year, the funds raised will once again go to Kelowna's own Elevation Outdoors – a local non-profit that introduces underprivileged young people in the Okanagan to a variety of outdoor activities.
Lawrence says he has about 15 people signed up, and he's looking to get another 15 or so in the next couple of weeks. Those interested don't need any prior combat sport experience and when it comes to the big event in July, Lawrence will match the “three-round heroes” up with people of similar abilities.
Participants will go through about three months of twice-a-week training leading up to the big event, where Lawrence and his trainers will teach the fundamentals.
While Lawrence has run MadKatz Boxing out of his own backyard training facility in downtown Kelowna for years, he's recently moved the operation to a dedicated gym on Evergreen Court, near Spall Road.
“We have a mini version of the outside course and just a way, way nicer indoor facility. We've even got a flushing toilet now,” Lawrence said with a laugh.
Last year, the charity event raised just shy of $30,000 for Elevation Outdoors, with one “three-round hero” raising $17,000 herself.
Part of the money raised will also go towards running MadKatz's own free training program for locals who are in addiction recovery programs.
Over the past several years, the club has offered free training to dozens of people in Kelowna who are in recovery from addiction, providing them with a place to exercise and build a sense of community.
“This club is a family, it's got its own life,” Lawrence said.
Those interested in signing up for the event can reach Lawrence at 250-859-1397 or by email here. Future fighters will be meeting at MadKatz new club on the evening of April 5 for a meet and greet.
