Bankers don charity boxing gloves
Bankers and hedge fund managers put on their boxing gloves and fight it out for charity in Hong Kong.
Script:
The financial crisis may have battered the financial industry,
but at this Hong Kong event, it was the bankers who were doing the
pummelling.
Forty-four Hong Kong financiers from banks such as JP Morgan,
UBS and Nomura signed up for the third annual "Hedge Fund Fight
Nite," replacing smart suits with sweaty singlets, bindings and
boxing gloves.
Each fight consisted of three intense two-minute rounds, which
left winners and losers alike feeling the burn.
SOUNDBITE (English) JAMES 'BADA BING' BRYAN SAYING:
"I think it was you know one of those big hitting fights and I
got in a few more, so I was a bit lucky in the end. But it was
great. Really good fun out there. I've never been this exhausted
though."
The financiers underwent six months of gruelling training with
punching bags, coaches and special diets, with only twelve making
it to the ring on the big night.
SOUNDBITE (English) SCOTT WEHL FROM UBS SAYING:
"I think it's about the commitment you know. You have to focus,
you have to train, you have to not drink, not engage in Hong Kong.
And really focus and really believe in yourself, so that's what I
think it's all about."
Guests enjoyed a four-course meal of steak and lobster, as well
as a ringside view of six boxing matches.
But the event was about more than punches and footwork.
Organisers aimed to raise 1 million HKD for charities Operation
Smile and Operation Breakthrough.
Kirsty Basset, Reuters.