First time boxer willing to take a hit for charity
Fonterra’s Logan Valli is gearing up for this year’s Fight for Kidz boxing match held on April 28, a bi-annual event that has raised more than half a million dollars since 2003.
Proceeds from the charity boxing tournament will go to Koha Kai - an award winning not for profit organisation that enables those with disabilities to provide affordable, healthy lunches to low-decile schools in Invercargill.
Logan, a Supervising Operator at Fonterra’s Edendale site, says, “I was inspired to get involved after seeing a couple of my workmates step up to the challenge over the past few years. It’s been a good opportunity for me to give something new a go and raise money for a great cause at the same time.”
Logan, nicknamed “The Intimidator Valli” by his supportive colleagues, is one of 24 applicants who were chosen from a field of nearly 160 to participate in the boxing event. He will face up to Hoani Cooper from Alliance Group Limited in what will be his first ever match.
Nothing could quite prepare him for the official intensive training that kicked off in January.
“I don’t think I’ve sweated so much in my life. There’s a lot of skipping, a good 15-20 minutes each day and then we move on to boxing training and techniques. It’s intense and has given me a new respect for boxers.”
Logan’s manager at Fonterra, James Scott, says that despite his nickname, he’s one of the most caring leaders on the team, known for taking others under his wing and giving them support.
“It’s neat to see the team get in behind him.”
Fight for Kidz organiser Dave Bartley said it’s encouraging to see competitors like Logan give it a go for a good cause.
“Boxing is an extremely demanding sport and getting match fit takes a lot of time and determination. It’s great to see people like Logan put their fitness and skills to use in support of this year’s very deserving Fight for Kids recipient, Koha kai.”
Asked about the odds of him winning, Logan says he’s going to give it a good nudge.
“I’m a parent, and part of being a role model for your kids is showing that whatever the outcome, you can never have regrets. If you know you applied yourself and put your best effort toward achieving your goals.”
The event will be held at the ILT Stadium Southland on April 28.