EXCLUSIVE: Meet the fighters of ‘Fight Night’ 2021

After being cancelled TWICE last year (we’re all crying), Fight Night 2021 was finally rescheduled to 7th December 2021.

And with under a week to go until the most glamorous night on any student’s calendar, we wanted to introduce the fighters vying for the big win.

Auveen ‘The Cannon’ Shannon, 23, Medicine, Cardiff University

Why did you decide to box?

For years I’ve wanted to get into boxing – I’ve always been curious to see if I could hold my own in an actual fight – maybe it’s the Irish in me that just wants a scrap. There’s also been so many female Irish fighters doing great things in the last few years that have really inspired me.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

I wish I knew, I’ll probably be super stressed. But probably spending a few minutes on my own and trying to focus on one round at a time.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

After party at Revs.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

A bull-head down and just go for it.

How does it feel to be a female boxer in an event previously dominated by men?

Really exciting but feeling the pressure to make sure the fight is just as good as the men’s. I feel like I have a lot to prove but I’m pretty sure we can live up to expectations.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

I might be small but don’t underestimate me. I’m strong, I’m hard and I’m ready to fight.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Has to be orange.

Jim ‘The Rug’ Gaunt, 21, Human Geography, Cardiff uni

Why did you decide to box?

Starting to ask myself the same question…

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

I don’t get nervous.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

Not thinking that far ahead.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Honey badger – silent but deadly.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

Go easy on me.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Orange.

Lauren ‘Lightweight’ Attwood, 21, French and Spanish, Cardiff Uni

Why did you decide to box?

It wasn’t a very informed decision to box… But it’ll be entertaining I’m sure.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

I rap Dwayne Johnson’s ICONIC verse in face off.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

Starting at the Revs after party of course, then seeing how much my heels & lightweight status limit me.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Is there an animal that strops off if they aren’t winning?

How does it feel to be a female boxer in an event previously dominated by men?

I’m honoured to represent girls taking part in a previously male-dominated sport. I hope that, whichever way the fight goes, I’ll have encouraged more girls to take it up because no sport should be gender specific.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

Looks like a cinnamon roll, could kill you.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

My fave VK is a gin with the anti spiking lids & a paper straw.

Spencer ‘The Power’ Power, 21, Cardiff Uni, Business Management

Why did you decide to box?

It’s a new challenge physically and a great opportunity to put my mental toughness to the test, especially after raising money for mens mental health through Movember.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

If you’re not nervous you’re complacent, nerves are a good sign to an extent.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

Revs afterparty with friends family and the other fighters.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

Not sure, best to just float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Dunno, orange probably. Maybe blue on occasion.

Josh ‘Señor’ Moore, 20, Dentistry, Cardiff Uni

*Josh doesn’t have a picture unfortunately but it may have scared his competitors off so maybe it’s a good thing…

Why did you decide to box?

Have some friends who have previously, and I thought it would be good fun.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

I don’t think I’ll be nervous; more excited.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

Revs.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Jaguar because of its adaptability and elegance.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

You better be in good shape.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Has to be orange.

Marc ‘Demon Time’ Muhlemann

Why did you decide to box?

To be honest I just thought it’d be a fun experience to learn how to box to a degree, and get a glimpse into what it’s like to actually fight in a ring. I also didn’t think I’d actually get picked so I signed up for a laugh.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

I’m not usually a person that gets nervous but if I do get nervous I’d probably just say to myself “we move” and just keep it stepping really. The fights gotta happen either way.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

You’ll probably find me at revs. Win or lose I’m on the booze (I’m planning on taking that W though).

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

I’d probably say my fighting style is that of a lion, having a powerful punch and ferocious aggression in the ring.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

The only warning I have for my competitor is to bring a pillow because they’re gonna need it for when their head hits the canvas.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

I know I’m gonna get a lot of stick for this but my favourite flavour VK is watermelon.

Nick ‘3rd degree’ Byrne, 22, Marketing Masters, Cardiff Uni

Why did you decide to box?

To push myself competitively and get involved in a big event at Uni.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

Some Wim Hof breathing.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

Anywhere and everywhere.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Kung Fu Panda.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

“I’m watching you, Focker.”

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Orange and passionfruit.

Rory ‘Ain’t no’ Sweetman, 24, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cardiff University

Why did you decide to box?

It’s a nice kick up the ass after doing 1.5 years of sweet nothing.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

No clue, guess we will see on the night.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

Where ever the night takes us.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Splinter from TMNT.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

Eat your spinach.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Orange

Joe ‘The Lumberjack’ Stansfield, 20, Finance, Cardiff Uni

Why did you decide to box?

To try something new and the free alcohol.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

Listening to Adele.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

In the holy land known as Live Lounge.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Mountain Goat because they’re unstoppable.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

I once had a picture taken with David Haye.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Orange.

Louis Hirst, 20, Economics and Finance, Cardiff University

Why did you decide to box?

Good opportunity to get fit.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

Listening to music.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

Revolution Cardiff.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

A wolf – I’m intelligent, patient and can find a weakness to then hunt and exploit.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

I’d advise them not to turn up and save their own dignity.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Green VK.

Jamie ‘The Paynemaker’ Payne, 21, Architectural Engineering (MEng), Cardiff University

Why did you decide to box?

Always been interested and a big fan of the sport. Wanted to test my abilities and experience the feeling of being in the ring.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

Use the nerves to my advantage and turn the into adrenaline. Visualise my game plan and think about my training.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

After party at revs and continuing back to home into the next day.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Shark – don’t see me coming till it’s too late.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

They already know what they’re in for.

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Blue all day.

Charlotte ‘The Bruiser’ Brooker, 21, Geography, Cardiff Uni

Why did you decide to box?

I think probably my competitive nature made me want to fight and the chance to do something I’ve never done before.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

Hoping a decent playlist settles my nerves pre fight.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

Celebrating in the after party at Revs.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Fight most like a tiger with power and sudden movements.

How does it feel to be a female boxer in an event previously dominated by men?

Good chance to get out there and show everyone that us girls can do it just as well as the blokes.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

‘Come prepared, you’re gonna need it’

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Green VK, hoping my hand isn’t free of one the whole night.

Alicia ‘The Pocket Rocket’, Sciences, Cardiff University

Why did you decided to box?

To defend myself.

How do you settle nerves before a fight?

Listen to Frank Sinatra.

Where will you be celebrating if you win?

At Revs afterparty.

What animal would you say your fighting style is most like?

Scorpion, small but snappy.

Any words of warning for your competitor?

You always have next year x

And finally… What’s your fave VK?

Orange.

 *George Finney will also be fighting in Fight Night 2021! We just don’t have a picture or answers to share with you all… Increases the suspense though, right?

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