Adam Gazal expected changes when he signed up to the white-collar boxing match, the Hedge Fund Fight Nite, but he didn't realise the impact would be felt all the way to the boardroom.
"Boxing is all I've been thinking about," says the managing partner of business banking at the National Australia Bank.
Gazal, 35, has been found shadow boxing in the office kitchen and has sported a few new looks in the workplace. "The first time I sparred at lunch and had a client meeting right after, there was no hiding the bruise that was starting to show," he says. "But everyone at the bank knows what I'm doing, and they are really supportive. It's become a great talking point."
Gazal will join 13 other amateurs on October 25 as they swap their business suits for boxing gloves in support of local charities, Operation Smile and Operation Breakthrough. At 1.91 metres tall and weighing 85kg, Gazal has his work cut out as he prepares to take on training buddy Grant Livingston from JPMorgan, who is 1.96 metres and weighs in at 95kg.
But with a background in triathlons and competitive running, Gazal is always up for a challenge. He says this particular one has been transformational: "Running a marathon is great, but it's more self-rewarding. There is something really special in that we are all in it together, and at the end of the day, it's benefiting others."
Taking part in the boxing competition has also been a way for the Australian, who moved to Hong Kong 15 months ago, to make new friends. He's planning to fight another white-collar bout in November.