Boxing, balls, and black tie: Wilder Fight Night brings unmatched energy to Warwick

Last Saturday, on 1 February, Warwick students swapped textbooks for boxing gloves and black-tie fits for one of the most hyped events of the term — Student Wilder Fight Night at HMV Empire in Coventry.

A key partner of the event was the OddBalls Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about testicular cancer.

The night was also backed by Warwick RAG (Raising and Giving), the university’s biggest fundraising society. Famous for its fun and creative charity initiatives, RAG played a major role in organising the night and bringing in other partner organisations, including Samaritans.

“Things like this are what RAG is all about. We try to organise fun events for students at Warwick to get involved in fundraising without the boring parts,” said Prapti, Warwick RAG’s Volunteering and Raids Officer, alongside Events Officers Michelle and Harrison.

We put the ‘fun’ in fundraising

Prapti, Warwick RAG’s Volunteering and Raids Officer, and Events Officers Michelle and Harrison

“We put the ‘fun’ in fundraising,” they added.

The event kicked off with the arrival of Warwick students – gathered around the ring with excitement, they seized the moment to say some final words of support to their friends-turned-fighters mingling through the crowd.

One of the first-half fighters, Nikhil, shared his emotions with The Boar before the fight: “I was nervous at first, but now I’m excited for all thirty of us [fighters] to have this special moment and to have fun with the friends who came here to support us tonight.”

Pulsing beats, bursts of stage fireworks, and their closest friends walking behind them gave the fighters’ entrances an entourage straight out of a boxing movie

Before long, the fighters were taking turns to make their entrances, each paired against an opponent matched to their experience level. Pulsing beats, bursts of stage fireworks, and their closest friends walking behind them gave the fighters’ entrances an entourage straight out of a boxing movie.

Round by round, the winners were determined, with sportsmanship on full display as opponents exchanged handshakes and hugs, maintaining an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and respect. The one and only knockout came about in the second half of the event, cranking up the tension just in time for the grand finale.

I wish my opponent the best of luck — but I’m going to win tonight

Robert, one of the headline fighters

The final fight brought an unmatched level of energy, as both fighters were far from amateurs, displaying true skills and professionalism. The crowd was on edge, holding their breath as the final bell rang, waiting for the champion to be announced.

Before stepping into the ring, Robert, one of the night’s headline fighters, said: “I wish my opponent the best of luck — but I’m going to win tonight,” he added.

After securing his victory, Robert kept it simple: “I promised, and I delivered.”