http://youtu.be/Lzsmi1rnvao
"Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee." - Muhammad Ali
A pumped up pack of Vancouver service industry folks will be taking this advice to heart on Wednesday at their charity boxing rumble, Aprons for Gloves. From baristas to barbers to bartenders; a few dozen brave souls who work and live in the Gastown area have volunteered to duke it out for a good cause. You'll find familiar names and faces from establishments like Alibi Room, Keefer Bar, Pourhouse, Bao Bei Chinese Restaurant, The Cobalt, and many more.
While some of them began boxing for fitness, they soon realized that this small East Vancouver boxing club meant so much more than just exercise. It was a means to give at-risk youth an outlet for their frustrations, teaching them work ethic and discipline. Coach Dave Schuck acted as not only a boxing coach, but a mentor, a life-coach and family counselor. But, hard times hit the boxing club and forced it to close, leaving the group of professionals with the drive to help.
That's when the Aprons for Gloves Boxing Association was founded and tryouts began for the toughest rumble in restaurant history. Sixty-three people showed up for tryouts. People were puking, getting knocked out and being pushed to their limits. Many felt like they were going to or wanted to die - with the ambulance standing outside just in case.
"Full of booze. Full of whatever...a little high on themselves. Fancy haircuts, f*ing beer bloat. They know it's true," said the assistant coach.
Those who were weeded out began a punishing three-month training program inside and outside of the ring. Their sweat box? The renovated meat locker at Save On Meats.
"This ain't f*cking Fitness World. Double time!" yelled Coach during grueling two-hour training sessions that saw sweat dripping from their clothes.
Nineteen people dropped out during training and a total of 22 were cut from the team.
On July 25, the journey culminates at Restaurant Rumble 2012 with 12 match-ups. Proceeds from Aprons to Gloves will go towards buying equipment and building a new gym for Schuck and his kids.
Restaurant Rumble 2012 is now sold out, but you can still donate to the cause. Visit apronsforgloves.com for more info. Follow @apronsforgloves on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.
THE NUMBERS
63 people tried out
19 people dropped out
22 people were cut
22 others were voted in by the public
4 were saved by the coach
3 lost enough weight to drop a weight class down
2 were rewarded for their dedication
1 had his opponent throw in the towel before they even stepped into the ring
1 contender fell to unforeseen circumstance
1 was brought in as a replacement
