Usually committed to reviving people, soon paramedic Roger Thomson will be trying to knock them out; but it’s all in the name of a good cause.
“I’m most worried about everyone seeing me knocked out and my mates scraping me up off the floor” – Roger Thomson
Having never boxed before, about five weeks ago Roger got roped into Fight for your Cause — an inaugural charity boxing event that’s being organised by Brett Johnston and Brian Pearson from Body Torque gym on Woolcock Street. Body Torque co-owner Peta Carmody says the response has floored them, with the fight card for the September 26 event already full.
“Generally most of the fighters are business owners or managers and we have everyone from butchers and chefs to real estate agents and police officers getting into the ring,” Peta says, with Brett, Brian and Nicholas Reiter offering free training to the 30-or-so fighters in the lead-up.
Each contender is nominating a charity of their choice — something that’s close to their heart — and they need to raise at least $500 for the cause.
Roger has chosen SIDS & Kids because it’s something he is exposed to in his line of work and is aiming for $5,000. “My workmates are all contributing with donations and helping me to organise fundraising events,” Roger says, who will have about 20 guys from the Queensland Ambulance Service watch him on the night (no pressure…).
With this being his first time in the ring, the 33-year-old admits he is nervous, but is grateful for the big gloves and head gear. “I’m most worried about everyone seeing me knocked out and my mates scraping me up off the floor,” he laughs.
Brian Pearson (right) has been training Roger ahead of the charity fight.
To get prepared, three times a week Roger has been doing sparring, pad work and bag training with Brett and Brian — two champion fighters who are giving up their time. It’s certainly a lot different to the gym and soccer training Roger is used to, but he says, in the space of a month, his fitness has improved dramatically and he’s shed 5kg.
But what has surprised him most about boxing is the mental challenge. “It’s like a game of chess — a lot of thought goes into it and there’s a lot of strategy,” Roger tells, who plans to continue his boxing training after the fight night. “I’ve still got a lot to learn, but you learn quickly and the movements stay in your muscle memory… I guess it’s a choice of learning quick or getting hit!”.
While tickets for corporate tables are limited, there are still general admission tickets available for Fight for your Cause, which will be at RSL Stadium on Friday, September 26. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. The aim is to raise $40,000 for local charities. More info here.
Help Roger support SIDS & Kids: Head along to the quiz night at Rising Sun Hotel on Saturday, September 13 to push Roger closer to $5,000 for his cause. Tickets can be purchased by calling 0438 748 048.
Meet the other fighters and see who they are battling to raise money for.
