A Port Stephens father of two is climbing into the ring for the first time to fight on a corporate amateur boxing night as a way of fundraising and promoting the excellent work of mental health and children's charities.
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Kyle Barnes, from Medowie, will fight three two-minute rounds against a heavyweight opponent to be disclosed on the eve of the bout, while raising money for the Corporate Fighter Event not-for-profit organisations when it arrives this month in the Hunter.
The black tie, 11-bout event will be staged at the world class Newcastle Wests City on Saturday, December 11, raising money for a variety of charities including Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute and Starlight. A charity auction will also take place.
The fight night has been sold out but Kyle is hoping to raise $2500 for his nominated charity, Beyond Blue.
In preparation for his first foray into the world of amateur boxing, Kyle has undertaken a 10-week training program which has included plenty of heavy duty sparring at Newcastle's Steel City gym and says he is looking forward to a spectacular and fun night.
"While this is my first amateur fight, I have done a bit of martial arts so taking on an opponent is not something that I am nervous about. In fact, I have no real expectations accept to enjoy myself and hopefully raise some money for a good cause," the 30-year-old construction worker said.
"I have chosen the Beyond Blue Foundation for personal reasons and I would appreciate whatever support I can get from the Port Stephens community."
Originally from Sydney's Sutherland Shire, Kyle took up mixed martial arts at age 16 "mainly for fitness and fun", where he participated in a small number of in-house tournaments.
"I enjoyed the martial arts for a number of reasons but I never really took the sport seriously ... I found it did help with my confidence and it helped to minimise my stress levels."
Kyle said that a shoulder injury at age 21 forced him to take a sabbatical from the training and his priorities soon changed. " Before I knew I was caught up with work, family and moving house" which culminated in his weight blowing out to 134kg.
"I am back down to 116kg and naturally feeling a lot better about myself. I am looking forward to putting my blood and sweat on the canvas."
Run in accordance with amateur boxing rules, Corporate Fighter is promoted as an opportunity for fans to experience the thrill, excitement and adrenaline of boxing in a safe environment. Participants undertake an intensive training program before stepping into the ring against a fellow first timer.
The full card will be recorded and people wanting to donate to Kyle Barnes' fundraising effort can go to gofundme.com/f/corporate-fighter-event-charities-beyond-blue.
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