Following the success of last year, new features have been added to Lincoln’s biggest student boxing event, allowing for an even bigger spectacle; one of those being a press conference for all of the fighters.
The press conference took place last Sunday on February 8 at Trebles in Lincoln.
It was organised to raise awareness for the event taking place on February 28 as fighters from 12 out of the 13 bouts were all interviewed and given face-to-face stare downs.
Millie Johnston, head of social media and marketing and city manager for WFNL, as well as Henry Elwell, announcer and social media executive for WFNL, were responsible for organising the press conference and were amazed with the attendance and how it went, generating more excitement for all of the fights.
Millie, 20, said: “I’m very happy with the turnout tonight despite being nervous at first. We’ve been able to get a lot more hype for the fights which should help us to raise even more for charity.”
There has been greater focus on social media involvement this year which has resulted in WFNL’s Instagram account reaching 1,000 followers on the day of the press conference.
This social media exposure allows for more support and will ultimately help to achieve the goal of raising as much money as possible for charity.
Henry Elwell, 20, said: “The press conference went really well with around 100 people turning up and creating a great atmosphere, it’s great to see the fighters grow and improve.”
In one of the bouts between Donnell ‘The Unbreakable’ Musakusa and Dominykas ‘The Butcher’ Lescinskas, both fighters spoke confidently, convinced they have what it takes to get the job done.
Donnell, 21, musical theatre student, said: “It’s been a great opportunity to put myself out there and I feel prepared but there’s still a lot I can do to improve.”
While his opponent, Dominykas, 20, international business student, said: “There’s still things I can do to improve but I’ve been focused on training and feel confident that I’ll be able to win.”
One of the other fighters who was at the press conference was Ewan ‘Jawlocker’ Joseph who is currently the top fundraiser out of all the fighters, raising £183 for WFNL and the Oddballs foundation.
Ewan, 20, sports journalist, said: “The supports been amazing and I’m overwhelmed by it all. It really spurs you on to want to train and do well.”
Now being under three weeks away from the event, everyone is looking forward to what is sure to be an incredible experience to raise money for the OddBalls Foundation with 13 intense fights.