Do you have what it takes?

Zero Risk King of the Ring is back in December 2015, and organisers are on the hunt for the next group of brave individuals who are prepared to put it all on the line and fight to raise funds for local charities.

Event Director, Brent Marshall, says that he has already got a list of interested locals who have put their hand up to be considered for either the red or blue team, but is keen to hear from others who might like to be involved.

“Zero Risk King of the Ring has become something of an iconic event for Taupo, with thousands of people attending over the last three events and well over half a million dollars raised for local groups,” says Brent.  “This year, we want to widen the net and see who in the community is feeling brave enough to step into the ring and battle it out for charity.”

As in 2013, each boxer will be paired with a local charity and will be expected to work alongside them as they train and prepare for the bout.  The charity/boxer pair that raises the most money receives a big bonus payment from 100% Lake Taupo Charitable Trust so the event is a great opportunity for local groups to raise funds.

“We want to hear from you if you are keen to raise money for local charities, you have time and energy to give to the event, you are happy for your personal and professional profile to be associated with the event, you are physically capable of undertaking the training and the bout and you understand it isn’t much glory but it’s a heck of a lot of hard work!” says Brent.

Principal sponsor, Tim Flowers from Zero Risk Insurance in Taupo, says his business is thrilled to yet again be associated with the event.

“When Brent first came to us with an idea about running a charity boxing event back in 2009, we had no idea how big it would become,” says Tim.  “We really like being associated with an event that does so much for our local community through fundraising, as well as empowering the brave boxers who put their all into getting ready for the big night.”

Those who are eventually selected to compete at this year’s event will be trained under the skilled and competitive coaches at Nuki’s Boxing Gym.

“We don’t expect our teams this year to have any boxing experience,” explains Gavin Nicholson from Nuki’s Boxing Gym.  “This event is intended for everyday people to push themselves outside their comfort zone and achieve something they never believed possible.  It’s a physical and mental challenge and we are there to teach the basic skills and techniques needed to go the three rounds.”

“We have huge admiration for our boxers, and we understand the personal sacrifice they take to help us raise funds for Taupo,” says Brent.  “But we also expect them to work hard.  If you commit to the event, you commit to the training and the fundraising.  We promise you all the support and encouragement you need, and you will be blown away from the wider community support you’ll receive.  But be aware it isn’t an easy ride – those punches are real and they hurt.”