Or, put differently – as of typing this – 6,912,000 seconds/115,200 minutes/1920 hours.

To go.

Until I step into the ring for my first public boxing match.

The school of hard knocks: admissions open

I am bonkers for doing this; boxing is brutal! But I’ve always erred on the side of cuckoo.

Then again, you only live once.

So why not do something new?

Something that expands your comfort zone.

Something you’ll cherish for the remainder of your days.

Something that will teach you more about yourself than any classroom can.

‘How much can you know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight?’

Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

This is the kind of event that bonds you with people for life. Genuine human connection. Which I love.

All fighters going into Spartans White Collar 3 (taking place on 26th November 2022 – clear your schedule and mark your calendars!) will be subject to an intense training camp, which begins on the 17th of September.

It will be gruelling, but I reckon I should be able to endure what my coaches throw at me.

My tolerance for pain has substantially increased since I started boxing training.

I’d be lying if I said it made me a man overnight; it took many moons (and early mornings) for me to become stronger.

I’m not the delicate darling I used to be. And man, do I love it.

All this said, what I fear most is the mental battle that looms ahead, that I’ve already been fighting on a daily basis.

The hardest battles are indeed fought in the mind.

Although I am overly frank when I write, I cannot disclose what plagues me everyday.

Maybe another time.

But I can tell you why I got into boxing:

1. Standing up for myself: I was recovering from long-term knee injuries, and decided to take up a sport I knew would kick my arse into shape. So far, so good; I am able to stand without pain, which is a blessing.
2. Curiosity killed the cat, but saved Karan: I love experiencing new things. And I had no idea I’d fall in love with boxing, and the community, to such a degree. It’s been an eye-opening, and highly emotional journey so far.
3. On board the self-improvement train: I was aware of the rigorous demands of this sport. What I didn’t know was how well it would mesh into my plans of becoming the best version of myself.

Boxing is the best thing I’ve done for my mental, physical, and spiritual health.

I am a massive advocate for it. But I know it is not for everyone.

It is, however, entertaining, which is an excellent segue into what I must do in order to participate in Spartans White Collar 3…

Sell twenty tickets OR two tables.

Here’s the deal. This is a glamorous, black-tie, ticketed event, held at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Standard tickets cost 650 Dirhams per head (approx. 177 US).

The ticket covers entry, includes unlimited alcoholic drinks, and a delicious 4-course meal.

For most who partake in the quintessential ‘Dubai-lifestyle’, this deal is a no-brainer.

But here’s the million-dollar question: are you going to come and watch me on the biggest night of my life so far?

Are you going to put your money where your mouth is, and buy a ticket? This will be a brilliant night. And I am not writing this because I must sell these tickets.

If you know me even slightly, you know I always tell the truth. I need your support here.

I would love nothing more than having people I know – and care about – cheer me on as I throw a left hook; scream my name as I close the distance to my opponent with a ferocious jab; and yell in delight as the announcer declares me victorious.

Of course, that last statement is up in the air. But here’s what I know without a shadow of a doubt.

A real man sticks to his word, and puts in work – in the dark – even when nobody’s watching.

I hope to see you on 26th November. If you’d like to support me by buying a ticket, drop me a message.