WATCH: Why these everyday people are stepping into the ring

• No experience necessary to sign up
• Participants are trained to box
• Event in July supports local charity

The boxing ring isn’t just for seasoned fighters. It’s also for average Joes and Janes looking to challenge themselves and support charity.

MadKatz boxing is once again calling for anyone to become a ‘Three Round Hero’.

Each person must raise $1,500 for Elevation Outdoors, which helps enhance the lives of underprivileged youth via participation in specially designed outdoor sports programs. In return, the gym gets you fighting ready which includes free training.

“I think if you strengthen your weakest link in a community, you’re going to strengthen your whole community,” Madkatz owner Geoff Lawrence told Kelowna10. “Sports shouldn’t just be for the rich kids.”

At the first Q&A session for the volunteer fighters, several participants found out what they signed up for. So far over 20 have committed.

At the new gym on Evergreen Court, the heroes learned they would be matched against a similar sized opponent, trained bi-weekly with intense conditioning and boxing technique, and competing in three, one-minute round fights in front of an audience in the summer.

Lawrence, a coach of over 25 years and a certified fitness trainer, explained what safety equipment they require and that they would need to pass a physical exam.

He explained, for many past participants, they didn’t even know how to throw a punch.

People from all walks of life have taken part: from dentists and teachers to military personnel and university students.

Lawrence said many of them developed newfound confidence and a loving environment in an unlikely place.

With a chain link, barbed wire fence and his large pit bulls, he recognized his location can be intimidating at first.

“And then they’re here for a little while and they realize the kind of atmosphere a boxing club really breeds. It’s stupid how much love there is,” he said.

Lawrence has witnessed drastic physical transformations, like someone who went from being a heart attack risk to losing 80 lbs and becoming a full-time competitor.

Some have turned to his gym to recover from addictions and become sober.

Lawrence is hoping another 10 to 15 Three-Round-Heroes sign up. Those interested can contact him directly at: 250-859-1397 or message him on Facebook.

“This is definitely a completely new experience for me for sure,” one of the new recruits, Conrad Haldorsen, told Kelowna10.

He’s looking at this challenge to help him achieve a physical transformation.

“I’m sure it’s a common thing with the whole COVID-19, the pounds have been packing on and I just can’t seem to figure out how to drop them,” he said.

Haldorsen said he’s already lost 24 pounds in just a few weeks of being a member at the gym.

He was inspired to take part after having watched last year’s charity event. He sees fighting in the ring as a ‘bucket list item’ and an opportunity to challenge himself while raising money for a cause he supports.

The show, described as a gala, is on July 23 at the Rutland Centennial Hall with the fights, dinner, and an open bar.