Sparring match will raise funds for Canadian Landmine Foundation.

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While law students spend the bulk of their time preparing to duke it out in the courtroom, a group of them from the University of New Brunswick will be tying on some boxing gloves in an attempt to knock each other out - for a good cause, of course.

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Photo by Gavin Cosgrove

Erin Riley and John Whelan practice for their upcoming fundraising match.

Knocking Out Landmines is the brainchild of third year students Erin Riley and Gavin Cosgrove. Riley explained the event was birthed by a boxing challenge between two other third year students. Cosgrove had heard of a boxing fundraiser having been done in Toronto and decided to take things a step further.

Of course, it would be a foolish idea to step into the ring with no formal training. That's why the students headed to the Fredericton Boxing Club to begin training in October.

"For the first few months the students were just getting into shape and learning the basic punches," Riley explains. "Boxing in the ring is very physically demanding and if you aren't in shape than you won't last three two-minute rounds. After the students were physically ready, we all began sparring in the ring with more experienced fighters to get us ready. Each student is aiming to have anywhere between 50-100 rounds of sparring before they fight. It's a big time commitment and a big physical commitment, there's been a more than a few bloody noses." Riley confesses the workout regimen seemed a little psychotic at first.

"But after a few classes we could all handle it pretty well and the trainers make sure it's harder every time. The trainers make sure we get time in the ring every chance we can and have really dedicated a lot of time to our training." In order to ensure there's some interest in the event outside of the law school, the event will also feature boxing matches between national-level boxers. In addition, Riley says it's a great opportunity to contribute some much needed funds to Lawyers Against Landmines, a branch of the Canadian Landmine Foundation.

CLA has projects in 12 different countries, working to clear landmines from the ground and provide assistance to victims of the weapons. To date, over two million square metres of land have been cleared of mines

Riley feels it's important to offer creative ideas when it comes to fundraising. "We do a lot of fundraising events through the law school and ask the community for funds repeatedly throughout the year. In a way, you have to compete with yourself to try and make the next time you ask for financial support more interesting than the last. The Fredericton community, especially the legal community, has been great at donating over the years and creative events help give extra incentive to donate beyond what has already been given. Having an entertaining event for the community to attend is also a form of thanks; we appreciate the support and it is good to able to give something in return."

Knocking Out Landmines will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, March 26. The event features a dinner in addition to the boxing with tickets priced at $125. A $50 tax receipt will be issued.