2010 Royal Queensbury Corporate Challenge ... - Box Magazine

2010
Royal Queensbury Corporate
Challenge Black Tie
Charity Boxing
Australia’s Premier Black Tie Charity Event
Sydney Melbourne Adelaide Perth
www.pinktankevents.com.au
g ems po rt s

WhAT iS ThE RoyAl QuEEnSBuRy CoRPoRATE ChAllEngE?
The modern day Australian Royal Queensbury Corporate Challenge, loosely based on the time honoured “Queensberry Rules”
derived in london in 1743, has been created, and noW enhanced by Pink Tank for three key reasons;
1. The Challenge-take corporate australia out of their comfort zone and provide them an intense, emotional challenge, in a safe
environment that is life changing on a multitude of levels.
2. The Entertainment- it has been proven that there is no top end of town, black tie event quite like this one. it is near impossible to
replicate the constant excitement; from the participants’ grand entrance to watching your colleagues rise to never imagined
heights. All of this in a setting worthy of any great 5 star event.
3. The Charity-to raise money for australia’s sick and disadvantaged children through the ToyBox international Charitable Trust. There is
nothing like asking people to put their hand their pocket when they are having a great time, and they will be having a great time.
At each event, in the luxurious ballrooms around Australia, 20 brave corporate boxers, male and female, with no fighting experience,
except for what we have provided, will jump into the ring. in front of over 1000 of the cities A-list corporate crowd, media and sports
lovers.
Red carpet arrivals, cocktails, the finest cuisine, french champagne, 10 bouts and 20 competitors. brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues.
3 by 2 min intense rounds, entrances worthy of Apollo Creed or Rocky Balboa, main course, cheerleaders, fireworks, sometimes blood,
always sweat and tears.
ThiS iS RQCC- And iT doESn’T gET Any BETTER ThAn ThiS.
g ems po rt s

RoyAl QuEEnSBuRy CoRPoRATE ChAllEngE
SAfETy iS nuMBER onE
The RQCC is entering its third year in Australia and has now hosted 40 boxers in 20 bouts and over 58 rounds. no one has any injuries
worth talking about. The two rounds missing were both due to minor knee injuries.
There has yet to be a knockout. The spirit amongst the boxers, the obvious care for peers and opponents alike is a noticeable feature
in all our competitors to date.
Experienced boxers are not permitted.
The training is conducted over 10 weeks, supervised by professional fitness coaches and boxing experts.
nutritional and training advice is provided as part of the program.
The safety equipment supplied must worn be at all relevant times. Equipment includes 16oz gloves and headgear.
All competitors must have an approved professional boxing mouth guard made to measure.
The Pink Tank Management must approve every match up. Advice is to be collected from the boxing and fitness coaches.
no mismatches will be permitted to enter the ring.
A professional boxing referee and three professional judges will oversee the 10 bouts. Very well qualified sports medical staff will
supervise all competitors.
All competitors must supply a medical from their GP and must pass a medical by the Pink Tank GP prior to fight night.
ThiS iS WondERful oPPoRTuniTy foR only 20 PEoPlE in EACh STATE. All ThESE
PRECAuTionS MuST BE TAKEn SERiouSly To EnSuRE iT REMAinS A WondERful
oPPoRTuniTy foR yEARS To CoME. REMEMBER All ConTACT SPoRTS hAVE RiSK
g ems po rt s

RulES of ThE ModERn AuSTRAliAn RQCC
ThE RulES And REgulATionS of ouR ModERn RQCC hAVE BEEn ModifiEd fRoM ThE
oRiginAl foRMAT To guARAnTEE ThiS iS ThE MoST ExCiTing, AdREnAlin PuMPing fun
ThAT you CAn PoSSiBly hAVE. And no onE gETS huRT!!
1. To be a fair stand-up boxing match in a 24-foot (7.3 m) ring, or as near that size as practicable.
2. no wrestling or hugging allowed.
3. Three rounds to be of two minutes’ duration, and one minute’s time between rounds.
4. if either boxer falls through weakness or otherwise, he must get up unassisted, 10 seconds to be allowed them to do so, the other
boxer meanwhile to return to their corner, and when the fallen boxer is on his legs the round is to be resumed and continued until
the two minutes have expired. if one boxer fails to prove their ability to continue in the 10 seconds allowed, it shall be in the power
of the referee to give his award in favour of the other boxer.
5. no coaches, corner men or any other person to be allowed in the ring during the rounds.
6. The gloves to be 16oz boxing gloves must be new for each boxer and are to be supplied by Pink Tank.
7. Should any protective gear fail, burst, or come off, it must be replaced to the referee’s satisfaction.
8. A boxer on one knee is considered down and if struck is entitled to the stakes.
9. Professional boxing shoes must be worn at all times in the ring.
10. The supplied boxing clothing kit must be worn during the entirety of the bout.
11. have the time of your life!!!
How tHe Bouts are scored
RQCC employs the 10-point ‘must’ system.
• The three judges awards 10 points to the winner of a round and 9 or less to the loser.
• An even round would be scored 10-10 because theoretically someone “must” get 10 points.
• Generally speaking, a knockdown would earn the winner of a round and extra point (as in a 10-8 round). A 10-7 round could be the
result of 2 knockdowns in a round.
• The referee has the ability to penalize a boxer a point any indiscretion.
AS you Will no douBT CoME To REAliSE, ThE RQCC of TodAy hAS iTS SiMilARiTiES,
MoST iMPoRTAnTly iT REMAinS, ChAllEnging, SPoRTing And honouRABlE.
g ems po rt s

Who iS PinK TAnK?
do you gET ThE fEEling ThAT All BlACK TiE ChARiTy EVEnTS ARE STARTing To SEEM
ThE SAME old Thing?
EnTER Pink Tank Events and a new approach to luxury events….
Australian businessmen, Troy Barbagallo and greg Erskine, formed Pink Tank Events. Both had a common goal, to create something
different, something unique and something exciting in the corporate events world.
LuXurY BraNds aNd eXPerIeNces
Pink Tank Events own several luxury brand events including Miss universe Australia and The Royal Queensbury Corporate Challenge
and have partnered in Events with numerous luxury brands including the likes of Box Magazine, Sunseeker Australia, Tiffany & Co,
franck Muller, u-Boat italia and ferrari and Maserati.
Best corPorate LuXurY NetworK IN austraLIa
Pink Tank has an extensive network of luxury consumers throughout Australia due to their relationship with Box Magazine and ToyBox
international.
The 2010 national Royal Corporate Challenge Series follows the recent success of Pink Tank’s Western Australian campaign in 09
whereby they had sell out 1100 attendees, 20 fighters, 10 main events and a the states best charity auction.
The 2009 RQCC, attracted an international record crowd for this type of event and raised net $113,000 for the ToyBox international
Charity Trust.
The Pink Tank has exciting plans already in place for 2010 and invites you to join them in creating future exciting events.
g ems po rt s

inViTATion To PARTiCiPATE
TRoy BARBAgAllo And gREg ERSKinE fRoM PinK TAnK EVEnTS inViTE you And youR
CoMPAny To gET inVolVEd ThE 2010 RoyAl QuEEnSBuRy CoRPoRATE ChAllEngE AS A
CoMPETiToR.
tHIs Is a sPecIaL INVItatIoN to
Step outside your comfort zone. Get super fit. Impress your colleagues and friends. Amazing media and promotion for your business or
sponsor. Raise much needed funds for Australia’s Children’s charities.
Be Part oF tHe Greatest eVeNt IN austraLIa IN 2010
Only 20 brave contestants will accept this challenge in each city.
Pink Tank will provide:
10 weeks of professional boxing and fitness training
nutritional and training advice
Protective gear including gloves, head gear, training singlet, wraps, boxing boots and bag
Choreography for amazing entrance
Personalised invitations to encourage your supporters to attend
Two ViP tables (one row two and one row three) inc beautiful 3 course meal and ViP beverage package
Extremely prominent company recognition throughout evening, PR and marketing support if required
full length video of entire evening
All bouts professionally photographed
Full boxer profile in event program
The opportunity to challenge a colleague, a competitor or even a sibling
Memories. you will never forget this and it will dominate conversation for months on end
Personalised souvenir bout poster
BouT ViCToRS RECEiVE An AMAzing RQCC ChAMPionShiP BElT WoRTh fighTing foR
And All CoMPETiToRS RECEiVE A PARTiCiPATion MEdAl And CERTifiCATE
g ems po rt s

WE nEEd you!!
lAWyERS, doCToRS, dEnTiSTS, RECEPTioniSTS, PAS, EAS, ACCounT MAnAgERS, CEoS,
dESignERS, SAlES PEoPlE, SToCK BRoKERS, MAlE And fEMAlE, ACCounTAnTS, BAnKERS,
young oR old, fiT oR unfiT,.
The Investment
$4,000 - $10,000
This page is labelled investment for the reason that it is without question the best “Bang for your Buck” marketing investment for you
and your company that you will come across in a long time.
The benefits
• Amazing PR and marketing opportunities surround this event
• Your closest friends and family will have new found admiration
• Just by stepping in the ring you have won. ToyBox is the winner
• Staff relations and camaraderie will noticeably increase as your team rallies around the company pugilist
• Highly visible and audible recognition on the night
• The opportunity to entertain key staff or clients in a very new and exciting luxury environment. 6 screens, ad in program, company
name all over boxing kit, verbal recognition from MC
• Public perception of philanthropy and bravery for your company and staff member
• Exposure many times greater than the investment amount
• You will avoid the disappointment of not being involved
• The sponsorship includes a minimum of two Platinum VIP tables (one row two and one row three)
• Tax Deductible*
Contact Troy or greg to register your interest
g ems po rt s

WHERE AnD WHEn In 2010?*
PertH Burswood GraNd BaLLroom MAy
adeLaIde coNVeNtIoN ceNtre BaLL room MAy
sYdNeY LuNa ParK BIG toP JunE
meLBourNe crowN PaLLadIum BaLLroom JunE
*Venues and dates subject to change
g ems po rt s

ThE CoMMiTMEnT
Everybody who chooses to take on this challenge probably already knows what commitment is all about. it seems to be a common
trait amongst this type of person.
All that is required is that you send in your application form and deposit, confirm your place in the greatest of events, and confirm this
commitment.
it’s as simple as that.
ThE TRAining
The training is the most important facet of this competition and we make getting motivated easy.
Just keep thinking, “In a few months I have to walk out to a crazy song and flashing lights in front of all my friends, family and
colleagues. oh, and 1000+ of the cities A-list and media. And, someone wants to hit me for 6 minutes, maybe i would like to put on a
pretty good show.”
it doesn’t get any easier to get out of bed.
• Training is an essential element for success and safety
• The training is great fun, educational and you seriously learn how to look after yourself
• Everybody involved are all first timers, all a little intimidated but all great people. Boxing is extremely levelling, who you are or where
you come from doesn’t matter in the ring.
• All training expenses are included in the initial investment
• Training is every morning at 7am Mon-Sat for 60-90 min and we recommend 3 to 4 times a week plus some extra fitness outside of
these times
• Training is provided by the best available trainers in each State.
• Trainers are experienced professionals and include World Champions, Olympic and Commonwealth Games athletes and trainers
and golden gloves Champions
• Fitness and nutrition programs will be provided
• All training gear is provided by Pink Tank (except Mouth Guards)
• The location will be central in the general CBD vicinity. We understand that this doesn’t suit everybody so we are a little flexible and
very keen to accommodate everyone’s requirements
g ems po rt s

EVEnT TiCKETing And TABlE lAyouT SAMPlE
Diamond Ringside Tables of Ten $4400
Premium sought after position for prime viewing
Premium food and beverage package.
5 bottles of Mumm french Champagne per table
gift for each guest at table
Platinum VIP Tables of Ten Row Two and Three $3000
Three course meal, with imported beer wine beverage package
2 bottles of Mumm french Champagne per table
Gold Tables Row Four and Row Five $2500
Three course meal, with imported beer and wine beverage package
When making a booking, you must nominate the table you are purchasing so you know exactly where you are sitting. This means it is
important to book early to ensure premium positions.
Contact Troy or greg for a comprehensive table layout for your city
BLUE
CORNER
SAMPLE LAYOUT
RING
RED
CORNER
g ems po rt s

feature White - collar boxing
Take a group of office workers, train them
hard six days a week for eight weeks and then
throw their exhausted bodies into the boxing
ring for a three round charity fight. Just reading
Andrew Shipp’s account makes you tired
and hurt: and it was a lot worse for him.
feature White - collar boxing
Top to bottom
Shipp, left, starts training
with former Australian
champion Riccardo
Monteleone at the Kronk
Australia boxing gym in
North Perth.
Picture: Astrid Volzke
Shipp with Australia’s
top female fighter
Erin McGowan at
the boxing gym.
Picture: Astrid Volzke
Shipp, right, and the
Sunday Times’ Jay Clark
on fight night at Burswood
Entertainment Complex’s
grand ballroom.
Picture: Greg Burke
Shipp moments after
being defeated by Clark.
Picture: Rob Duncan
After another two minutes and 45 seconds I’m spent.
Blood streams from my nose and I struggle through the
ropes. I wear the blood proudly, knowing I landed a few
good blows. Muslovich congratulates me after I step from
the ring. I know he’s impressed by the guts and dedication
we’re all showing, but it’s still a long way from the
standard he’s used to. Just before leaving Muslovich looks
at me and again says I did well, adding: “You stopped a lot
of Mal’s good punches today — with your head.”
I’d laugh a lot harder if my ribs didn’t feel like they’d
been hit with a hammer.
At work I proudly display my bruised and battered
face, feeling superior because I’m a fighter. the weeks to
the fight are slowly whittled away by tough fitness sessions
and sparring, my body getting harder, muscles growing
and technique improving. the layers of easy living are
slowly disappearing and it’s easier to imagine myself as a
boxer, even if I’m just an unaccomplished novice.
With barely a week before the main event I spar with
my opponent, sunday times journalist Jay Clark, and
after three hard rounds we’re both exhausted. Both of us
are sore, my nose trickling blood, my jaw sore.
We look at each other and there’s no animosity,
no ill feeling at all. We check we’re both ok and
pack up for the day.
Muslovich looks at us both and claps his
hands together. “this is going to be a great fight,”
he sniggers turning his attention to the next pair.
With the weigh-in a week before fight
night and a couple more hard sessions we start
to ease back. A few of us breathe a sigh, the
daily toil imposing its toll on our bodies. small
niggles are becoming annoying and I find the
need for rest becomes crucial.
It’s all come down to this. It’s fight
night and in the warm-up room I finally
release some pent-up energy, striking the
focus pads with ferocity and taking in last
minute instructions from team shipp. I’m
confident but not overly.
I can see the bout playing out in my head and I
rehearse what I need to do. I’m trying to enjoy the
atmosphere and breathe it all in and find a quiet space
inside my head. I’m ready, I feel good, the time has come.
It happened quickly. I walked from the warm-up
room to the “backstage” holding area at the top of a
makeshift set of stairs in Burswood’s grand ballroom.
Music blared. Lights flashed. smoke billowed from smoke
machines. the announcer blared, “For. the. red.
teAM. AndreeeeeW . . . the BAttLe . . . shIPP! he
screamed this last bit. not that I remembered any of it. I
was deep inside myself at this point.
I managed to remember a bit of showmanship,
sheepishly raising my fists, making like a real boxer
waving before an adoring crowd.
round 1: sugar Jay Clark literally bounds across the
ring attacking me with a ferocity which puts me straight
on the defensive. I fail to move and instantly become a
target for his blows. I’m sure Muslovich’s yelling at me
to jab and move but I’m stuck. I think I land a blow or
two but then I’m down on the canvas. I call it “liquid”.
Whatever you call it, it’s surreal. You know what’s
happening but you have no control. It’s only seconds but
it seems longer. slowly sound and vision rush back into
the weird vacuum of silence that being knocked to your
knees creates. It’s now become a matter of survival.
“Just get to the bell, make it to the bell,” I’m chanting
to myself. the seconds seem like minutes. Finally it’s
over. I stagger back to the corner.
Muslovich sits me down, takes out my mouthguard.
“What are you doing?” he asks rhetorically. “don’t brawl.
Use your jab and move. Jab and move, left, left, right.”
the respite in the corner is over in a blink.
round 2: the bell goes and for the first seconds I’m
floundering again. But then I see an opening and I land
two jabs in quick succession. My confidence grows and I
begin to move a bit. I can feel my right coming in to play
and slowly, like waking from a fog, I see what I need to do.
I can feel Clark landing blows but they don’t hurt and
I’m holding my own. his hands slip down, exposing his head
and I’m in again but he’s quick and dodges a hard right. the
bell rings again and it’s a toss-up who took the round. More
water, more instruction and I’m out for the last.
round 3: We touch gloves for the last time and the
ref calls “Box”. I know I’ve got only one chance, I need
to knock him down. My big right lands a few time but
I’m tiring. not as quickly as my younger rival but it’s
getting harder. he moves in close and holds on, stifling
my punches and my frustration builds. I need to free
my right and punish him but I’m wrapped up again and
again as he huddles in to smother my blows before they
can be launched. And then it begins to go wrong again.
Instead of using footwork to put distance between us I
fall into his trap.
Again and again I’m caught and before I can land the
one blow I need the final bells rings and we embrace. I’m
spent, saturated in my own sweat and know I didn’t do
enough to take the bout.
the unanimous verdict comes back and the spoils
go to sugar Jay Clark. I’m proud of his efforts, his
sportsmanship, and happy when again he comes across
and holds my hand aloft.
the first feeling on stepping out of the ring is
disappointment. I feel like I let myself down and those
who have come to see me. strangely, I find myself
apologising to them. “I know I didn’t box as well as I
could,” I say. “I didn’t move like I should have. I didn’t
fight my own way.”
People tell me how well I did, how they thought
I’d snatched it, how good I was looking at the end, how
proud they are. But it means nothing then. I am having
difficulty holding my emotions in check and I return to
the warm-up room to collect my things, feeling petulant.
Pictured
Andrew Shipp, left, fights
Jay Clark at the White
Collar Charity Boxing
tournament at Burswood
Entertainment Complex.
Picture: Rob Duncan
As I get more distance between the fighting
and writing about it, and after looking at the video of
the bout, there’s a growing feeling of pride. It could
have ended in humiliation but I dragged myself back
into the contest with enough ferocity to come close to
an upset.
I lost the fight but I won respect from a lot of people
and it’s the respect of the trainers and my fellow boxers
which I value most. It’s a respect earned through hard
work, hours of sweat, knee-buckling blows and dogged
persistence. I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone
and challenged myself physically and mentally.
I learnt new skills and discovered a hidden body
underneath the layers of middle-aged indifference. I
don’t know if I’m going to hang up the gloves just yet.
something has been stirred deep inside me and I’m
not willing to let it go. It’s exhilarating, frightening,
satisfying and primal.
I’m a white-collar boxer and I’m proud.
I
I dIdn’t see the rIght hook and didn’t really
feel it. What I do remember is a strange feeling where
everything for a split second went silent and “liquid”. I
could feel my body sliding down to the right, but was
powerless to move my legs and then I was on the canvas.
It’s not the place I’d planned to be or wanted to be,
and I used every ounce of willpower to haul myself off
the floor of the ring.
the referee stepped between my opponent and me
and looked me in the eyes. I think he asked if I was ok,
or maybe I just imagined it, but he took me by the gloves,
gave me a mandatory eight count and sent me back into
the fray.
What seemed like a few seconds later, I was back on
the canvas and my boxing dreams were fast evaporating
like my ability to get out of the way of “sugar” Jay Clark’s
punches. I had to make it to the end of the round. If I
went down again, it was over and I wouldn’t allow
myself to go out like a chump. I was so tired.
Eight weeks before I’d agreed to join 19 others
in an attempt to turn myself from a journalist for
The West Australian into a boxer in the corporate
White Collar Charity Boxing series to raise money for
Variety WA.
WCCB is the idea of former english rugby union
player Phil greening. It’s a big hit in London and
singapore, with people on a waiting list to fight.
With fellow Amici group director John spence,
and greg erskine from gem sports, he brought the
idea to Perth and already has bouts planned for
sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and another early
next year in Perth.
stepping into the kronk Australia boxing gym
in north Perth for the first time, it was apparent
the place was well chosen — a boxer’s gym
from central casting, with wooden floorboards
patinated with years of sweat and shuffling feet.
the walls were hung with the classic pictures
of Ali, the ring was standing silent and imposing,
the bags ready to take our punches.
For eight weeks I pushed, punished and
persuaded myself to become a boxer, climbing out
of a warm bed just after 6 o’clock each morning six
days a week, telling myself that each session made
me stronger, fitter, faster and more likely to cope
with the three two-minute rounds I’d was to face.
Friends asked if I knew what I’d got myself
into or if I regretted putting my hand up in the
first place. I didn’t have any readers’ answers
for them. My motivation, though, was driven
in part by the sight of my fitness receding into
the distance. For too many years I’d languished
behind a desk, my upper body strength slowly
ebbing away; the early signs of a middle-aged
paunch were developing. At almost 42, the
chance to challenge myself both physically and
mentally had become more important than at
any stage of my life. I needed to see how far I
could push myself, what I could endure and
how I’d react in demanding situations.
I had always thought I gave up football too
early and failed to find a sport which catered
for the physical clash and the mental toughness
which I’d always loved about the game.
so I grasped the opportunity to join the
WCCB, knowing that if I went down like a
sack of spuds in the first round, at least I’d be a fit loser.
Whatever happened in the ring on fight night, one thing I
did know from the start: I would cop a beating.
The first week is a killer. Five straight mornings
and muscles across the back of my shoulders scream from
being stretched, pulled and pummelled like never before.
Just the merest hint of pressure induces a wince.
It’s that feeling you get when you have the flu, a dull
ache and that painful tingling when something is drawn
across the skin. sweat pours from me during each session
and I realise I need to learn to relax. everything is tense,
even when I’m relaxed, and it takes enormous mental
strength to switch off.
For eight weeks I pushed,
punished and persuaded
myself to become a
boxer, climbing out
of a warm bed just after
6 o’clock each morning
six days a week . . .
our band of 20 white-collar heroes are from varied
backgrounds: a scientist, chief executive, lawyers
(gonna love giving the lawyers a thumping, I thought),
marketing men and graphic designers. Most of us have
never thrown a real punch before.
our trainers, shaun eaton, rob Muslovich and
Australia’s top female fighter erin Mcgowan, drill into
us the importance of footwork. It’s a mantra which is
repeated over and over. “step and punch. don’t stand
flat-footed. Move about the ring. Punch and move. throw
your punches and move out of the way.”
After just a few days the effort of keeping the 16oz
gloves raised and your fists and elbow in a defensive
position tells on that group of muscles which define the
upper body — the biceps, triceps, pectoralis, deltoid,
latissimus dorsi and trapezius. they all hurt, a reminder of
their years-long dormancy from my too-comfortable life.
By day four I begin to feel better and can’t tell if I
just became numb to it or if my body was adapting to the
punishment. that first weekend, I just want to sleep.
Muslovich says it takes about four to five years for
someone to become adept at boxing. We’ve got just two
months and there are times when the frustration tells on
the trainers’ faces and our own as we struggle to come to
terms with the techniques.
By the second week things begin to fall into place.
My body begins to adapt to the early morning regime and
my movements become more co-ordinated. I find myself
punching and moving my feet in the right sequence.
I throw punches at the urinal, in the car, at work and
at work colleagues. Left foot, straight left. right foot,
straight right. Left foot, left hook.
the mirror becomes my opponent and is knocked out
after a flurry of punches as I retreat to a neutral corner
and tell myself how good I am, despite the thinning grey
hair and sunspots on my skin which are the creeping
signs of age. Boxing is as much mental as it is physical.
And it’s the next stage of training which pushes me to
places I’ve never been, into an uncomfortable zone which
challenges my upbringing and unleashes deep fears.
At 41, the only fights I’ve had are a distant and fading
memory. I think there was one at school which involved
grabbing and pushing. there were a few on the footy
field where all I did was play a support role. I’ve always
been a believer in diplomatic athleticism. If talk doesn’t
work, run like buggery in the opposite direction.
For someone who has spent his life not being hit, the
realisation comes that this is about punching and being
punched and I’m going to get punched more in the next
few weeks than I’ve ever been in my life. Later that day
I stop and think about it and become both exhilarated
and anxious. there’s a fear lurking within me and it
takes a couple of days to understand it’s not just being
hit which is making me anxious. It’s the thought of
consciously laying a fist on someone with the intent to
hurt them which has me troubled. I quite like the people
I’m training with, and the prospect of going the biff with
them is strange. After all, you don’t hit people you like.
I try to rationalise with the fact that this is boxing
and boxing is a sport. sport is fun and at the end of it all
we’re here to have fun.
A few weeks later I hear retired boxer danny green
talk on radio about how he would always ring his
opponents a day after a fight, sometimes taking them
to lunch. he reminds listeners that all boxers share the
same fears and when the fighting’s done they are just
sportsmen doing something they love. still, it’s hard to
keep that clear in your head when you step through the
ropes for the first time and your sparring partner lands a
jab square on your nose. At first I’m taken aback. not only
does it hurt but I’m frustrated that I can’t get through his
defences. Being bigger, stronger and heavier than I am,
my opponent, nick, allows me a few charity punches. By
the end of the one round of sparring I’m exhausted and
disconsolate. I begin to doubt if I’ve got the physical and
mental strength to follow this through to its conclusion.
I return to the bags and hammer away, determined
to do better, determined to overcome the fear of being
hit and also hitting in return. As the weeks slide by the
sparring becomes more natural, and the fear subsides
into something which I can parcel up and put away
during each session. the fear is good. It reminds me to
keep concentrating and working on my technique and
not become complacent.
During week five training steps up a notch, and
the three sparring sessions a week give the trainers a good
idea how we’re tracking and the possible match-ups start.
riccardo Monteleone, a former Australian champion,
has become a regular sparring partner, working us round
the ring, soaking up our clumsy punches and dishing out
a few harsh lessons as Muslovich barks from ringside:
“keep your right hand up”, “Jab, Andrew, jab”, “don’t
just step in without throwing a punch — move in, throw
punches, move out — bam, bam, bam”.
the importance of keeping my left hand up comes
clear after Monteleone lands some hard rights, shaking
my legs and forcing me to retreat.
Another session sees me face Adultshop boss
Malcolm day, a fit and accomplished fighter who rips me
so hard it feels like my right lung has taken up residence
on the left side of my body. Following two rounds with
day, I’m exhausted and battered but have to face another
white-collar boxer, tim Caporn, a man with a hard punch
and an awkward style.
5 July 2008 weSt weeKeND mAgAziNe 17

MEdiA
g ems po rt s

SPonSoRShiP oPPoRTuniTiES
With four events around Australia in 2010, a total of 80 corporate competitors and over 4000 corporate spectators paying an average
of $300 per head, the opportunity to get involved is ample.
Presenting Sponsor
As a Presenting Sponsor, your brand can be seen, heard and touched through at one or more RQCC events across Australia.
it is a unique opportunity to engage with key demographics including the contestants, their colleagues, clients, peers and families.
Plus, a very difficult to capture, luxury consumer demographic, all with the wonderful corporate opportunities that Pink Tank Events are
famous for. not to mention the growing interest from the Australian media due to the recent success of this event.
A custom made package can be designed to suit your marketing needs.
Key benefits would include:
• “Presented by” naming rights with extensive media coverage
• “Above and Below the Line” marketing opportunities to an array of key demographics
• State and national exposure
• Alignment with a World Class and instantly recognizable brand
• VIP access to all the associated event or events
• Branding of your company logo throughout entire event including ring floor and posts
• PR and media opportunities with the Australian competitors
• naming rights to the RQCC cocktail party hosted by a distinguished restaurateur in each state
• Some RQCC competitors will be available for company promotion subject to availability and negotiation
• Sponsorship includes two ringside tables valued at $4,400 each
inVESTMEnT $20,800 - $64,000
Contact Troy or greg to register your interest
g ems po rt s

SPonSoR A CoMPETiToR
if jumping in the ring isn’t quite your thing, but somehow you know your company must be a part of this wonderful event. Pass the
word around the office, one of your staff will jump at the opportunity for sporting glory.
Some of the benefits of this involvement;
• Amazing PR and marketing opportunities surround this event
• Staff relations and camaraderie will noticeably increase as your team rallies around the company pugilist
• Highly visible and audible recognition on the night
• The opportunity to entertain key staff or clients in a very new and exciting luxury environment. 6 screens, ad in program, company
name all over boxing kit, verbal recognition from MC
• Public perception of philanthropy and bravery for your company and staff member
• Exposure many times greater than the investment amount
• You will avoid the disappointment of not being involved
• The sponsorship includes a minimum of two VIP tables (one row two and one row three)
inVESTMEnT $4,000 - $10,000
Contact Troy or greg to register your interest
Please note, if nobody in your organisation wishes to step up to the challenge. Pink Tank will supply a dedicated boxer that will
compete under your company banner, male or female, young or old. So there is no excuse not be involved.
iTS MuCh MoRE fun if you’VE goT SoME SKin in ThE gAME!
g ems po rt s

SPonSoR ThE RQCC Ring giRlS
Although this is about fun and charity, it still has important key features of any fight night, and gorgeous “Ring Girls” are important.
Arguably the most viewed branding at the event, maybe this is why they call it the “Sweet Science”.
The opportunity to brand the RQCC Ring girls and the Ring Cards is available on an event by event basis or possibly and national deal
covering all four events in 2010
There is only one opportunity in each state to be a Ring girl sponsor, so if this is of interest please act fast.
Benefits Include;
• Continuous branding throughout the event
• The most memorable and photographed branding of the night
• RQCC Ring Girls will dressed in your brand at all RQCC associated Events including launch cocktail, Media Weigh In, public place
promotions for the event and the after party.
• RQCC Ring Girls will be available for company promotion subject to availability and negotiation
• Sponsorship includes VIP Row three table at the relevant events (this is upgradeable)
• RQCC are virtually guaranteed print and electronic media
inVESTMEnT $9,000 - $30,000
Contact Troy or greg to register your interest
g ems po rt s

SoME fEEdBACK
“From the training to the fight night it was a huge challenge and one of the best events
I’ve ever experienced”
Emma Mackie, Marketing Manager,
West Coast Eagles Football Club
“I would thoroughly recommend the event to potential participants as well as companies
looking to get involve in a great event”
Sean Lee, GM,
Emirates Western Force
“I thought it would be a great sponsorship opportunity...and it was”
Malcolm Day, CEO,
Adultshop.com
“Everyone I’ve spoken to thinks it is the best charity event they have been to...
and they go to a lot”
Nick Hayler, CEO,
Gage Rods Brewing
“It was a huge challenge and a great way to meet a new business network.
A once in a lifetime opportunity”
David Nardi, GM ,
Sunseeker Australia
“It was an amazing experience, a great way to raise money for charity and to meet a whole bunch of
people in the process. It’s something that not many people can say they have done in their lifetime”
Kim McDougall, Promotions Manager,
Channel 7
g ems po rt s

ThE hoSTS
troY BarBaGaLLo
local entrepreneur and philanthropist Troy Barbagallo brings a fun, fresh and
innovative attitude to the competition. As Box Magazine CEo, ToyBox international
Charitable Trust founder and footlight Ambassador for The Variety Club, Troy’s years
of experience in luxury retail and media are invaluable to the team. his commitment
and enthusiasm are sure to inspire an incredible and unforgettable event for all
involved. Troy competed in the inaugural and subsequent RQCC in Western Australia.
GreG ersKINe
greg Erskine is a proud and passionate WA local. his company gem Sports is one
of Australia’s leading sports sponsorship management companies. having worked
in multinationals and with leading sporting organizations such as the Afl and
football federation Australia, greg is a crucial part of the team. With over 15 years
experience in advertising, marketing, sponsorship and events, greg’s skills will be on
hand to ensure a sensational event for all involved. greg successfully introduced
RQCC Events to Australia in 2008.
The pair’s most recent success, in addition to Royal Queensbury Corporate Boxing
being the highly successful and well publicised Miss universe WA Pageant, breaking
all Australian attendance records for this event whilst setting a new benchmark in
luxury event production.
g ems po rt s

All foR A gREAT CAuSE
Why ToyBox International
ToyBox international is a charitable trust dedicated to supporting Australia’s special
needs children.
Creditable and responsible, it is audited annually, has one of the lowest cost bases
of any Australian charity and provides an efficient, reliable, transparent method of
gifting to children’s charities.
ToyBox was created with the premise of becoming the “go to” charity for The luxury
goods and Services industry, targeting manufacturers, retailers, service providers and
their customers alike.
ToyBox works as an umbrella charity, providing a medium to accept general
donations and work with partners to create revenue opportunities such as the one
provided by Pink Tank Events. This revenue is directed to any number of children’s
charities to enable specific grants to be filled. ToyBox will only provide money to
fill specific grants. no cash is handed over without knowing where it will be spent.
Money raised in your city will fill grants for children in need who live in your city.
The reasons outlined above are compelling in our decision to partner with ToyBox
international in our quest to support Australian children’s charities.
toYBoX mIssIoN
To light up the faces of Australia’s sick and underprivileged children.
toYBoX VIsIoN
To create Australia’s most successful fundraising organization aimed at raising funds
for children in need via partnerships with premium event promoters and a world class
communication platform that engages the Australian community.
g ems po rt s

ConTACT uS
level 1, 9 frobisher St osborne Park
Perth Western Australia 6017
Po Box 1848
SuBiACo WA 6904
Troy Barbagallo greg Erskine
0418 955 557 0409 546 112
troy@pinktankevents.com.au greg@pinktankevents.com.au
WWW.PinKTAnKEVEnTS.CoM.Au
g ems po rt s

RQCC 2010 – BoxER APPliCATion foRM
full nAME:
MoBilE no: EMAil AddRESS:
Boxing niCKnAME: CiTy you WiSh To CoMPETE:
AgE: WEighT: hEighT:
sPoNsors detaILs
SPonSoR: ConTACT nAME:
ConTACT TEll: ConTACT EMAil:
AddRESS:
ExPERiEnCE And fiTnESS:
lEVEl of fiTnESS 1-10:
ExPERiEnCE (if Any):
medIcaL HIstorY
ARE you TAKing Any MEdiCATion? if So, PlEASE dETAil:
emerGeNcY coNtact:
nAME: RElATionShiP:
PhonE no: E-MAil:
g ems po rt s

RQCC 2010 – BoxER APPliCATion foRM (ConT)
PlEASE EnCloSE non-REfundABlE dEPoSiT of $1,500 To SECuRE youR PlACE in ThE 2010 RoyAl QuEEnSBuRy CoRPoRATE ChAllEngE
CREdiT CARd: AMEx ViSA MASTERCARd
CARd nuMBER:
nAME on CARd:
ExPiRy dATE: SignATuRE:
*Please note there is a 1% fee on card transactions and 3% on Amex.
ChEQuES MAdE PAyABlE To: ThE PinK TAnK
For EFT information please contact the Pink Tank office on 08 9380 9733.
acKNowLedGmeNts:
1). I confirm that the information I have supplied on this application is true and correct.
2). i understand that my application to participate in this event is on a voluntary basis.
3). i understand that my participation requires my adherence to event and training rules and safety regulations at all times and failure
to do so will result in the termination of my participation, at the sole discretion of the organizer.
4). I am able to commit to the professional training program of 3 sessions per week for a period of 10 weeks to be fight competent by
event day.
5). i agree to indemnify The Pink Tank and all its event associates for any liabilities that may arise as a result of voluntary participation in
the event and its training program.
Signature of Applicant: __________________________________________________________date:__________________
Please complete this form, sign and fax back to The Pink Tank fax 08 9380 9433
AlTERnATiVEly MAil To Po Box 1848 SuBiACo WESTERn AuSTRAliA 6904
Any EnQuiRiES PlEASE CAll ThE PinK TAnK offiCE on 08 9380 9733
g ems po rt s