Simon ‘ King’ Lear is one of the fighters in the June 9 Brawl on the Bund (tickets available for purchase here). He also plays goalkeeper for the Shanghai Voodoo, a football club who pride themselves in being in the Premier League of Banterville. On that note, we asked his teammates to pitch in with some questions ahead of Lear's big fight...
How much do your attribute your success to your new love of yoga?
The only question in this list that suggests I am successful, so we'll start with this one! Thanks whoever wrote it. Yoga has been a big help. It’s only then you start that you realize how messed up your muscle alignment is and how much damage you’ve done. Working on that aspect of my body has helped me to train harder in preparation and reduce the number of injuries from other sports. All the sports I play are intense, so being able to take time out to work on something else is a massive mental boost too.
Is it true you've adopted a wholly vegan, plant lifestyle since meeting your new girlfriend?
Afraid not. I have become a lot more conscious of my diet though. Anyone thinking you can’t train or prep without meat or dairy is doing themselves a disservice. But generally I just eat what tastes good and avoid what doesn’t. What is a plant lifestyle?
Hey, we ask the questions round here. Rumor has it you've been spotted with the odd Cornetto around town?
Just one...
Give it to me! So, is it true that every day you get one 'Simon Says', and your girlfriend has to do anything you'd like?
It’s true. Yesterday she made me a cup of tea. I’m easily pleased.
Will knowing your girlfriend watching from the sidelines is sitting next to Greg affect your performance?
Good to know Greg’s reputation for pestering other people’s partners will be spread a little wider as a result of this question. Fortunately my girlfriend has secured a third support table on the other side of the room; would have been awkward to see her knock Greg out between bouts four and five.
With that deep voice and slow speaking style, aren't you worried that you are predisposed to being punchy?
To whoever wrote this question: I only speak slowly so you can keep up.
Do you think that you might make more saves as a goalkeeper if you caught crosses of the football like you catch punches to your face?
You wouldn’t think I got in the SIFL Team of the Year with the abuse I get. Maybe it’s because I catch punches to my face that so many crosses elude me and slip right by.
What is your favorite quote from King Lear?
"Nothing can come of nothing."
Have you ever flown on a Learjet?
Nope.
Loser. What is the coolest method of transportation you have ever taken then?
Besides the Magic Voodoo Bus? (below) I inherited a BMX while at university. I thought i was cool. Everyone else thought I looked like a gorilla in a circus act.
Yourself aside, from the two Voodoo squads, who would win in a massive free-for-all fight?
Solid plan for a new pre-season event. So many potential candidates from the Union. If the Irish contingent could avoid each other until the end I would fancy Mick the Brick or Mad Irish to come out on top. [Ed. note - Ned Kelly is well hard too].
How did your training absorbing donkey punches help prepare you for this fight?
Top bloke Jacob. Training has been tough and I’ve hated every minute of it….
Who are you going to knock out next after knocking out Brian ‘Lights Out’ Stewart?
Depends if Jacob can handle a donkey punch or not? Let’s get through the Brawl first though, it’s going to be a great fight.
Buy Tickets to Brawl on the Bund
Brawl on the Bund is a bi-annual charity black-tie boxing event from White Collar Boxing China, which returns June 9 at Hyatt on the Bund, with tickets available for purchase here.
Expect eight bouts between regular Shanghai residents who have trained with professionals for at least three months (you can win a year membership at one of their gyms right here), as well as a four-course meal with free-flow cocktails, wine and beer. This year's event is ultra exclusive, with only 500 seats available, so get in now to avoid disappointment!
Take a look at the full seating chart below:
Funds raised at the event will go towards More Than Aware, a Shanghai-based support club empowering women to be proactive with their health and wellbeing in the prevention and recovery of breast cancer.
You can also book tickets easily from your computer or phone by clicking here, or by scanning the QR code below:
Brawl on the Bund, Jun 9, 6pm-late, Hyatt on the Bund. Buy tickets right here.
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