January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Bankers ready for Fight Night brawl
Bermuda championship belt on the line as Smith and Richardson get a rematch
But they will take their rivalry to a different level when they get into the boxing ring next weekend.
Both men are bankers working regular office jobs. They have never fought before in their lives.
In all they will have completed less than two months boxing training when they step out in front of a 1,000 strong crowd at Number One Shed.
Their bout may not be top of the card during the March Mayhem boxing evening, but two rank amateurs slugging it out for bragging rights in front of their friends, co-workers and team-mates is what Teachers Rugby Club Fight Night is all about.
Mallard said his mates at Mariners rugby club gave him the nickname 'Mental Pete' because of his style of play.
“The first time I played rugby here, I hadn't played for about 12 years and I was just charging round the pitch. They saw my tackling style and thought - he's got to be crazy.
“I have a certain presence and attitude that could be described as pathological.”
Healy, the current MVP for the Bermuda rugby leagues, admits he’s not relishing the prospect of taking on someone with the nickname 'mental Pete'.
“It will be a good thing to tell my brothers, though, particularly if I win,” he added.
Healy is renowned as one of the fittest players in the league but he says 80 minutes of rugby is nothing compared to a few minutes in the boxing ring.
“There's absolutely no comparison. Even though you are always told it. You don't appreciate until you get in the ring, what it takes in cardiovascular terms.
“It one of the most demanding things I have ever done.”
Healy has been training with Chucky Renaud at Controversy Gym for the past six weeks and is starting to get to grips with the skills required.
“There’s always a few scuffles in rugby matches but nothing serious. This is totally different. I am just doing it really for the experience. I've had a few team-mates that have done it and they always say that it is a top night.
It’s just two friends that agreed to do it. We are going to be enemies for two three minute rounds but that’s it.”
Mallard added: “It's a chance to do something unique in Bermuda that I'm never going to do again.”
Nir Sadeh, who organizes the event, said its popularity was down to the fact that these weren't top pros in peak physical condition - but real men and women taking on a tough sporting challenge in front of their friends and family.
“It basically started as a grudge match. Guys would get mean on the pitch and settle their scores in the boxing ring. I think it was a big punch-up in those days. There are more rules and regulations now.
“We've broadened it over the years to include the amateur boxing community but it's very much an amateurs’ event.
“You’re seeing somebody you work with or who you know, who is a relative, a friend or a colleague. There's a mystique about boxing too, which helps attract a regular crowd.
“This event has got the attention of every day Bermuda where as the pro boxing is more for the sports fans.”[[In-content Ad]]
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