Over 30 amateur boxers in four divisions will be fighting it out in the ring tonight in Prince Albert's R U Tuff Enuff 10 boxing competition, each hoping to win the $2,000 prize.
One of these fighters is a man with a mission.
Gordon Whitton's wife, Nicole, is the director of the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre, and if he wins the $2,000, he will be donating the money to the centre.
"I watched my wife send out over 400 letters," said Gordon, explaining Nicole asked local businesses and organizations for donations. "Not many responses came back."
Gordon said the building the BASAC is housed in could use new windows and doors, but such repairs simply aren't covered by the budget.
Nicole explained the Ministry of Justice covers approximately 70 per cent of the BASAC's annual operating costs. The remainder is covered by grants, donations and fundraising.
"We get support from United Way every year," said Nicole. "We're definitely grateful for all donations because they help us out a lot."
BASAC provides counselling, operates a 24-hour crisis line, visits the Battlefords Union Hospital to provide support for victims, provides court accompaniment and often visit schools to provide prevention education.
"Prevention is such an important piece, so we try to get out to as many schools as possible," said Nicole, adding they educate youth on healthy and unhealthy relationships and bullying.
"I really think our services are needed," she said.
When her husband told her of his plan, Nicole was surprised and happy.
"Every day, he's so supportive of the centre," she said.
Nicole worked for a non-profit organization for 10 years in Edmonton before the family moved to a farm just west of Battleford in 2008, so Gordon understands the struggles such organizations face.
"He knows what needs to happen in order to have these services continue in the community," said Nicole.
Nicole will be cheering her husband on tonight as he fights.
"I really hope he wins," she said, adding she's been "blown away" by the improvements to Gordon's physique.
Gordon said, "the cause really motivated me to keep training."
With a weight of 240 pounds, he'll be fighting in the heavyweight division.
He's been training for the last six weeks specifically for boxing, but training is nothing new to Gordon.
"I've been in the army for 16 years, so I've always trained," he said.
Gordon, who served in a reconnaissance platoon within the infantry, served two tours in Afghanistan before retiring.
"Nothing can prepare you for what you see over there," he said.
So although he is nervous about the upcoming fight, he also knows he's face worse.
Even if he doesn't win, Gordon said he hopes his efforts will raise awareness of the BASAC and its importance to the community.
"If I could do anything to raise donations, that's what I want to do."
