Rival Boxing Cochrane's fundraising fight is set for April 27 and this year's all female card is raising money to support an initiative that will help women escape violence.
This year's fight will support Big Hill Haven, a Cochrane's women's emergency shelter that is under development.
Organizer and coach Anne Garrido said training for the event will begin on Feb. 4 and women and girls of all skill and fitness levels are welcome.
"I thought it would be a good way to showcase women's skills and empower women," said Garrido of why the third annual fundraising fight will support the shelter and feature female fighters only. "Women fighting for women's rights."
Those who register for the event become members of Rival Boxing with all access to the facility plus a 12-week training program, complete with nutrition, boxing classes an conditioning to them fight ready.
"Every year we have people who have been doing fitness and other haven't set foot in a gym for a long time and are doing it to get back into shape," said Garrido, who emphasized that people don't need any boxing or fitness experience to participate.
"Three months can do a lot," she added about the training regimen.
For those who are worried about the fighting aspect, Garrido said safety is paramount and while weight class is a part of fighter match ups, boxers will be paired by ability as well, which will be based on an assessment during the training process.
Fighters will also benefit from expert training from Garrido, who is a two-time Goldene Gloves lightweight champion, provincial silver medal winner.
The April event will once again be held at the Lions Event Centre and begin the night before with a fun weigh in and fighter face off.
Garrido is hoping to match funds raised in the first year of the event, which was $10,000, but said it will all depend on community and sponsor support.
That first year the fight benefited from two major sponsors, while last year's – which raised $3,000 – didn't.
As of last week seven boxers had registered for the event and another information meeting is scheduled Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
The cost of registration is $400 and covers 12 weeks of training camp, a pair of bag gloves, a pair of hand wraps and mandatory registration to Boxing Canada.
The tickets to the event are sold by the fighters and they usually sell very fast, said Garrido.
Those interested in fighting, sponsoring or volunteering can contact Anne at (403) 809-2575 or email [email protected].
