Newsworthy reporter and former Shortland Street star Jesse Peach will step into the ring with X Factor NZ judge Shelton Woolright this December as part of Fight For Life.
The 31-year-old isn't a violent person, or particularly sporty, so the move may come as a surprise for some. However, the softly-spoken Peach says it's precisely because such an event goes against his natural instincts that he decided to take part.
"I like to be challenged ... It's something that's going to stretch me so much."
Although he is looking forward to the challenge of getting fighting fit, the reporter admits the prospect of throwing a punch is a little scary.
"I'm not a natural fighter, I don't think. I think anyone getting into the ring for the first time would be scared.
"It's a huge, not just physical challenge, but a mental challenge and something that's right outside my comfort zone."
As for being punched back, Peach says that scares him too, but says he's keen "to lose my reputation as being baby faced."
And Peach has a secret weapon in the form of older brother and professional boxer Isaac, who will be coaching him.
"I've been told you've got to find your inner animal or whatever the saying is, but I think I've got a long way to go," he said. "But I am from West Auckland, so!"
Peach is optimistic he can win, so long as he puts in the training needed to go from "really skinny and unfit" to peak fighting condition.
"I met Shelton yesterday and he looks really tough, he's tougher than I thought. I definitely have my work cut for me, but I wouldn't go into it if I didn't think I could win."
Woolright's base fitness might be a little higher than Peach's after years of live drumming sets, but the former Blindspott band member is making sure he doesn't underestimate his opponent.
"Jesse's got a slight advantage in that he comes from a boxing family ... so that's something I've got to take into consideration," Woolright said.
Far from the boozy band tours Woolright is used to, his life for the next few months will involve a lot of training and laying off the liquor.
"[It's] 150 per cent just flipping [my life] upside down. Alcohol and partying is almost part of the job, being a drummer," he said.
"I'm really excited to get fit and learn a skill like boxing and help out a charity."
Woolright thought the event, which will raise at least $100,000 for Hospice Waikato, would be a bit of fun.
"[Neither] of us have ever fought before so I don't think we're going to go out there and knock each other out cold, it'll just be a bit of a fitness test and a bit of a spectacle, whether a good one or a bad one."
- nzherald.co.nz
