The boxing ring seems an unlikely place to promote an anti-bullying message, but that’s just where one former Flin Flonner went.
Michael Anaka was one of 20 fighters to participate in the recent White Collar Boxing event in Calgary in support of an anti-bullying website and other charities.
Amateur – or non-amateur, as they called themselves – boxers trained together to “Keep it in the Ring,” as the event was themed, and end bullying by raising funds and awareness.
The sanctioned charity event saw Anaka and other members of the Airdrie Oilmen’s Association, a community group outside Calgary, take on police officers and first responders on March 26.
Anaka, a 36-year-old IT manager, said he was excited for the chance to get in the ring.
“Absolutely,” he said. “It sound[ed] like fun.
Victorious
Anaka was victorious in his first-ever boxing match, though he says it was more “like a bar brawl in a ring” than a professional boxing match.
“The entertainment part was watching two guys not knowing what they are doing,” he said with a laugh. “We trained for three months, but the technical ability went out the window once the adrenaline hit. It was a good time for a good cause.”
Anaka and opponent Doug Cooke went two rounds and change before Anaka was declared the winner by technical knockout.
“It was massive adrenaline,” said Anaka. “I can’t describe the feeling. It’s incredibly exhilarating.”
Training
Under the direction of a professional trainer, Anaka and the 19 other boxers trained for three months leading up the event.
They trained twice a week with initial cardio exercises leading into sparring with opponents.
“It got more technical as we progressed,” said Anaka, who moved to Alberta in 1997 following his graduation from Hapnot Collegiate. “There’s so much to [boxing], it’s insane.”
With their focus on anti-bullying, Anaka said he and Cooke easily became great friends through the process.
“I got to fight a cop and it was great,” said Anaka. “I felt bad for him because he’s going to have to go back to work and say an IT guy beat him up.”
Added Anaka: “They are all a great group of people, and we go to the gym together now.”
Anaka hopes to step into the ring for a second time at July’s Calgary Stampede with another charity boxing match scheduled.
