This correspondent did keep his word and went to boxing training, but having missed three weeks (due to a family holiday at Butlins), returned to find the others unspeakably fit and coping with the sadomasochistic training with aplomb (so maybe next year then).
The participants are being trained at JAB Gym in Central by Andrew Wong, whose muscular form resembles (to quote author Clive James) 'a condom full of walnuts'. The ages of the pugilists cover a wide spectrum, from energetic twenty-somethings, to wily veterans such as Calypso Capital's Benoit Descourtieux, who, in tip-top shape from karate training, should make a tough light-welterweight combatant on the night.
There are a few warriors training on their own, however. Citi's Kevin Rideout, a former Asia hand at Omgeo, is working his gloves from London and will fly in for the event.
This publication's tip for Ding Dong glory is the physically intimidating Elliot Odell of ICAP, who is tattooed all over with scenes from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado; with Yum Yum, Nanki Poo and Pooh Bah all snaking across his bulging muscles.
Let his opponent beware, for not only has Odell signed up for extra boxing lessons with Aussie Commonwealth Championship gold medallist Matt Corbett (who plans to turn pro in a few years û potential bank sponsors please note), but after the gruelling training sessions, Odell then runs back uphill to Seymour Road, debilitating himself so severely that he vomits.
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