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

Last Saturday, on February 1st, 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. True to the name of the night, the atmosphere was absolutely wild, with adrenaline running high and a crowd roaring tirelessly in support of their friends in the ring, making it a night to remember.

A key partner of the event was the OddBalls Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about testicular cancer. Well-known by Warwick students, OddBalls has built a strong presence at the university over the years, particularly during a range of Movember events and initiatives taking place all over campus.

The event was also backed by Warwick RAG (Raising and Giving), the university’s well-known student 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.

Gathered around the ring with excitement, students seized the moment to say the last words of support to their friends-turned-fighters mingling through the crowd

“Things like this are what RAG is all about. We try to organise fun events for student 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. They added, “We put the ‘fun’ in fundraising”.

The event kicked off with the arrival of Warwick students, clearly making the most of an opportunity to look sharp. Gathered around the ring with excitement, they seized the moment to say the last words of support to their friends-turned-fighters mingling through the crowd. Dressed in striking red and blue boxing gear, the competitors surely stood out amid the endless sea of suits and ties.

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.”

The Warwick Devils lit up the halftime show with an electrifying cheerleading performance

Before long, the fighters were taking turns to make their entrances, each paired against an opponent matched to their experience level. With three rounds of three minutes to showcase the results of their intense training, the stage was set for an unforgettable showdown. And what an entrance it was—fighters emerged from backstage to pulsing beats, bursts of stage fireworks, and their closest friends walking behind them like an entourage straight out of a boxing movie. Their confidence was undeniable — their aura, unmatched.

The Warwick Devils lit up the halftime show with an electrifying cheerleading performance, set to a mash-up of the biggest hits. Meanwhile, the ring girls and boys, rocking OddBalls merch, kept the energy high, hyping up the crowd between rounds.

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. One match was even described by the referee as “a fight between best friends” — though some spectators had their doubts, given the ferocious punches exchanged in the ring.

The crowd erupted as one fighter sent his opponent to the mat

Then came the night’s most jaw-dropping moment — the one and only knockout of the event. The crowd erupted as one fighter sent his opponent to the mat, cranking up the tension just in time for the grand finale.

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 think it’s beautiful that young athletes get an opportunity like this to support such an important cause. It’s great for charity, great for the community, and great for the fighters’ health.”

He went on to say, “I wish my opponent the best of luck — but I’m going to win tonight.” After securing his victory, Robert kept it simple: “I promised, and I delivered.”