Business meets boxing: The rise of white-collar fights in Singapore

SINGAPORE – Corporate executives in Singapore are trading their suits for boxing gloves as the sport catches on among white-collar professionals here.

These executives, who work in law, finance or the technology sector, are stepping into the ring to face off against each other, seeing the sport as a way to hone their competitive instincts while keeping fit at the same time.

Boxing gyms here have capitalised on the sport’s growing popularity, organising bouts for these “corporate boxers” and billing these events as a way to both compete and network.

Mr Lim Xiuqi, an edutech business analyst with private education school Kaplan, is preparing for an upcoming fight on Oct 5 that has been called the “Clash in Lion City”.

The 33-year-old, who looks unassuming dressed in a polo T-shirt, will take on automotive industry entrepreneur Andy Tan, 35.

Win or lose, Mr Lim is looking forward to the bout, which will be his third fight so far.

“Boxing has completely changed my perspective. If you can take a punch in the ring, nothing at work feels as daunting,” said Mr Lim, who picked up boxing after the Covid-19 pandemic. He now trains with national coach Muhamad Ridhwan at boxing gym Legends Fight Sport in Tampines.

His opponent, Mr Tan, took up boxing three years ago after being inspired by the iconic movie Rocky, in which actor Sylvester Stallone plays a small-time Philadelphia boxer who fights the world heavyweight champion.

“Life is like boxing – you get punched and you get back up. That’s how you grow,” said Mr Tan, who added that he loves the sport because it mirrors the challenges of real life.

The duo will be among the 14 white-collar executives and four professional boxers at the upcoming Oct 5 event, which is organised by Mr Ridhwan’s Leyendas Promotions and Mr Hamzah Farouk of Brothers Boxing Promotions.

Events like these provide participants with a sense of competition and achievement, without the need to pursue boxing professionally, said Mr Hamzah.

To be held at Orchard Hotel, the event will have up to 40 dinner tables available for spectators – of which some 60 per cent have already been sold. Tables cost between $2,000 and $4,000.

“People in the corporate world are drawn to (boxing), especially with the increasing number of boxing gyms opening up,” said Mr Hamzah. “They start as a way to stay fit but over time, they want to take it to the next level by entering competitions.”

These white-collar boxers generally pay between $170 and $250 a month for gym classes, with personal coaching ranging from $100 to $150 an hour. Participants in fights could easily chalk up training fees of up to a few thousand dollars to prepare for the competition.

Corporate support has been a key factor in the growth of white-collar boxing, with companies sponsoring fighters and purchasing ringside tables at fights.

Kaplan International’s chief information officer, Ms Claire Priestley, bought tickets for her team to support Mr Lim at a fight in 2023.

“When we get the team behind him, it builds cohesion from a professional perspective,” said Ms Priestley, 58. “Sharing what you’re doing outside of work allows people to see a different side of you, and can foster stronger team connections.”

Ms Priestley, who is from the United Kingdom, took up boxing at 43 and had her first fight just six months later. She believes that the team’s support was a significant morale boost for Mr Lim.

“Boxing reveals a person’s true character. When you’re in the ring, you’re stripped of your ego, and it’s all about resilience and humility,” she said.

Such boxing events here seem to be on the rise, and those in the industry said it has benefited gyms and trainers.

“When people sign up for fights, they train at gyms, engage coaches and bring in more business,” said Mr Hamzah. “This trickles down to the grassroots, helping to build a stronger boxing community in Singapore.”

The Singapore Boxing Federation (SBF) sanctioned two white-collar boxing events in 2023 and four in 2024.

Another upcoming fight, to be held on Oct 18 and organised by Spartans Boxing Club at Orchid Country Club, will feature 18 participants, including lawyers, bankers and teachers, said Mr Christopher Chua, a franchisee of the gym.

Mr Chua said membership at his Cecil Street outlet has nearly doubled in just over a year.

SBF president Fairuz Mohamed said the federation also benefits from these events, using them to attract sponsors for its national athletes. He pointed out that the number of boxing gyms and clubs affiliated with SBF has gone from fewer than 10 before 2015, to 26 today. There are also more than 40 gyms offering boxing, he said.

“While corporate boxing may be a spectacle, we ensure that (these events) stay true to the essence of boxing, with proper match-making and safety measures in place.”

Clarification note: In an earlier version of the story, we said there are more than 40 gyms offering boxing that are not affiliated with SBF. Mr Fairuz Mohamed has since clarified that the gyms are also affiliated with SBF.