After six weeks of training, the final 22 were named and next Saturday night, two and-a-half months and an injury withdrawal later, their moment will come.
Yesterday, the boxing ring arrived in Oamaru, the boxers had their last morning training session and for organisers Kate Cartwright and Sally-Ann Donnelly, it all started to feel ''very real''.
''The boxers are all looking very fit and healthy, they have two more [training] sessions on Monday and Wednesday, which will really focus on coming in here, checking out the ring, ring protocol and just getting prepared for the night,'' Miss Cartwright said.
The event will raise money for the Otago Community Hospice as it embarks on a major fundraising venture to build a Hospice House in North Otago. It is sanctioned by Pro Box New Zealand and eight professionals will run and oversee the fights.
The black tie event, to be held at the wool store building on Oamaru's waterfront, is a sell-out. The 45 10-person tables each cost $2500.
