AUSBLUE chief operating officer and father of two Aaron “Hitman” Roberts will make his boxing debut at the 12th Royal Queensbury Corporate Challenge (RQCC).
The Karrinyup resident had never stepped foot in a boxing ring when he started training with strength and boxing coach Daylan Waetford, of Greenwood, at Hurt Locker in Claremont.
The ToyBox International event has raised more than $2 million for sick and disadvantaged children since its inception.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThis year, money will go to The Younger Heroes, Perth Children’s Hospital and Make A Wish Australia.
Mr Roberts said he was working through a company merger and thought the training would be a good opportunity to keep mentally and physically fit during a busy time.
His two children Charlotte (5) and Callum (3) and wife Dianne Roberts, who is a senior physiotherapist at Perth Children’s Hospital, also motivated him to sign up for the 11-week challenge.
“Having my own kids now and listening to stories Dianne has had over the years makes me realise how important the cause is,” Mr Roberts said.
“This charity has donated to kids in need for over a decade.”
Mr Roberts is doing seven boxing sessions a week with Mr Waetford to prepare for three, two-minute rounds of boxing on Friday, May 10.
Mr Waetford, who was a competitor in 2015, said RQCC competitors trained under one roof so trainers could monitor their progress and match them with an even opponent on the night.
“We want them to enjoy the whole three rounds,” he said.
To donate, visit https://bit.ly/2KDcqOL and purchase RQCC tickets at https://www.pinktankevents.com.au/.