Corporate pros trade in ties for tape at ‘Battle for the Belt’ boxing match [Video]

A boxing coach in Waterloo Region is bringing a new kind of fight to the ring, in a bold move to prove that grit exists beyond the boardroom.

“Battle for the Belt”, hosted by The Whip Boxing & Fitness and sanctioned by Boxing Ontario, is a one-of-a-kind event pitting corporate professionals against one another in a championship showdown.

“Never in a million years [did I think] I’d be here,” admitted business owner Troy Phillips.

Professionals in law, finance and tech traded in their suits for sweatbands on Sunday to box for the belt at St. George Banquet Hall in Waterloo.

“What I’ve practiced, in the last 12 weeks, has allowed me to be here today and to [then] have it all come together finally in three, two-minute rounds,” said participant and radio host Dean Clarke.

Contenders have all undergone rigorous training under the watchful eye of Fitzroy “Fitz the Whip” …