Showing up for work with a black eye or a missing tooth is not an option for David Lai (賴大衛). Lai, 23, works long hours as a paralegal and has to look his best at work. But on Oct. 24, Lai and some 20 other amateur and professional pounders will step into the ring, where for one night he will assume the role of David “Tinman” Lai. Hopefully he won’t leave too battered and bruised.
For the last three months Lai has joined other contenders three days a week and undergone a complete transformation from office worker to boxing beast. He said the training regimen was more demanding than he expected.
“The fear of getting hit quickly made me realize how out of shape I was, and as a result, I had to abandon habits like drinking and smoking to improve my stamina,” Lai said.
Photo Courtesy of Berlin Luo
Boxing is still a relatively unknown sport in Taiwan, and even those who are familiar with it generally perceive it as violent and grisly. But Taipei Fight Night is aiming to change this common misconception and present the sport in a new light.
More of a spotlight you could say. It will combine glitz and glamor with blood, sweat, tears and triumph all under one roof at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, where nine boxing fights — seven amateur and two professional — will unfold as spectators sip on champagne and enjoy a black tie gala dinner.
Previously held in Macao, Beijing and Shanghai, the event has become popular among amateur pugilists — and hugely entertaining for spectators. It has also received plaudits for its charity work. Organizers say that all the proceeds of a raffle held on event night will be donated to The Chinese Childrenhome and Shelter Association, a charity that helps orphaned and underprivileged children.
Photo Courtesy of Berlin Luo
ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES
Lai said that constantly being hit over the past three months has helped to develop his confidence.
“In boxing, as in life, you will take hits and you will be afraid of getting hurt. You will be afraid of getting knocked out and you will be afraid of embarrassing yourself,” Lai said.
Photo Courtesy of Berlin Luo
“The truly courageous ones aren’t the ones that have no fear, but the ones who consciously face their fears and overcome them.”
Baer Lee on the other hand isn’t worried about getting smacked around because he’s spent extra time over the past three months to develop the technical skills that will keep him safe.
Lee said his DJ lifestyle was both toxic, exercising inconsistently. Since beginning his training, however, he hits the gym five or six days a week.
Photo Courtesy of Berlin Luo
“Earlier in the year I was a piece of shit but from January until now I [lost] 40 pounds. The training took off the last 10 pounds,” Lee said.
TOUGH TRAINING
Former Australian pro-fighter Ethan Garcia of 03 Fitness has been training the group of men and women almost entirely free of quintessential exercise machines. Instead, he’s been focusing on natural movements that develop strength and conditioning by using a full range of motion.
Photo Courtesy of Berlin Luo
The fighters are expected to show up to train at least three times a week, but Lee says he has been almost doubling that.
“My mantra is: better than yesterday. Whatever happens at the end and whether I win or loose, that doesn’t matter to me. That’s just part of the journey.”
Garcia says he is well aware that people don’t have the time and motivation to get into the gym everyday so the classes are designed to be shorter workouts but of a higher intensity, a style of training that is becoming recognized for torching massive amounts of calories.
Photo Courtesy of Berlin Luo
He has been working hard to get all the dentists, models, entrepreneurs, marketing managers, and, most importantly, first time fighters combat ready. It’s not only in fitness, Garcia says, but also preparing them to stand half naked in front of hundreds of people and not freak out like an opossum in headlights.
Taipei Fight Night is on Oct. 24 at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, 2, Songshou Rd, Taipei City (台北市松壽路2號). Tickets are available in three categories: Ringside for NT$6,000, Gold for NT$4,500, and Silver for NT$3,500. All tickets include a four-course dinner and free flow wine and beer. Ringside includes complimentary champagne. For more information, e-mail: lawrence@chinasportspromotions.com
Photo Courtesy of Berlin Luo
Photo Courtesy of Berlin Luo
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