Shameen fought in Muay Thai and Jamie in boxing, across our Season 16, 17 and 18 fight camps and shows at the Troxy in 2021. We asked them both the same ten questions. Their answers are in their own words.
Jamie talks openly about his mental health. If anything here brings up something for you, CALM's helpline and webchat are free and confidential: get help from CALM (opens in a new tab).
1. Why did you sign up?
Shameen
I signed up to The White Collar Fight Club after my uncle passed away at the young age of 48 due to mental health related issues in June 2021. I couldn’t think of a better way to honour him than to fight in his memory.
Jamie
Well, I first signed up in 2020, I was so depressed and mentally drained. Going through hard times I can say I was at my lowest. I saw TWCFightClub pop up on my Instagram and I asked my good friend, Carlton Lieu about it and he was 'like go for it'. So I went for it with nothing to lose!
2. How was your experience?
Shameen
From the start of fight camp to fight night, it was all a rollercoaster in the best way! Every session was an opportunity to learn a new skill and the coaches were amazing! I met some amazing people and made lifelong connections.
Jamie
My experience with TWCFightClub was absolutely amazing. From start to finish there wasn't a bad moment apart from the coaches absolutely killing me at S&C. But I loved every moment and I wouldn't change a thing!
3. Favourite part of fight camp?
Shameen
Aside from fight night? I would have to say sparring! The sparring sessions were adrenaline boosting and it was the first time I felt like a true fighter ! Seeing everything I’ve learnt finally come together and feeling so proud of what i had achieved in the last few weeks! It’s a feeling I can’t describe!
Jamie
I think my favourite moments were after the sessions everyone would gather round, talk about different tactics and fighting styles. It was truly special seeing everyone beat each other up and after the session is done we'd talk about what we're doing wrong or what's good about our fighting styles and what we can improve on. It really felt like a family oriented group.
4. Hardest part of fight camp?
Shameen
I think the first session is always the hardest! The weigh in, meeting new people and new coaches….but it’s honestly over in the blink of an eye….soon after the very same people are your new family and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Jamie
For me, hardest part of the fight camp was actually turning up, getting my self in to a healthy routine and some days I didn't wanna face anyone and it just made it hard to show up. But as the weeks went on it got easier. Coaches made it easier to show up by just making you comfortable with your own skill level.
5. Most memorable moment?
Shameen
For me, the most memorable moment was walking up to that ring. In that one minute you just feel infinite, nothing else and no one else matters….it’s your moment! the music, the lights, the people….all there screaming your name -the most epic way to end an unforgettable 8 weeks!
Jamie
Most memorable moment for me was when the ref stopped my fight. I was in two minds when that happened. First thought was yes the ref stopped it and I had felt an overwhelming feeling of achievement. My second thought was I can still go, I'm just getting in to it. And then the ref raised my hand to let me know I've won, and all the people I invited to come watch me fight went absolutely crazy! That feeling was epic.
6. Any LOLs or overshares?
Shameen
Way to many than I care to share...but getting my leg caught on the ring ropes (which happened more than once), falling flat on my face and just laying there in defeat until coach Amro had to physically lift me up is definitely one the least embarrassing ones
Jamie
Hmm this might sound a bit dark but during our first fight camp we trained for 8 weeks and we went in to lock down for the first time on our last week of training. I was so upset but I can honestly say if it wasn't for the fight camp I could have done some terrible things. I would have still been depressed and my mental health would have been really unstable. If not for the fight camp I don't know if my mental health would of coped through the first lock down.
You could say the white collar fight club saved my life.
7. Can you put into words how fight night felt?
Shameen
Oh gosh.it felt like it was my wedding day or something, one of the most important nights of my life. The anticipation, the adrenaline…indescribable! Once you’re in that ring it’s like everything disappears- your work problems, personal problems, the worries of the world. For the next 6 minutes or so none of it exists ! It’s just you, your opponent and 8 weeks of muscle memory!
Jamie
Come fight night I was overly excited, I remember first walking into the venue and seeing all the chairs, tables and the two rings. I felt like a real fighter and so proud I had come this far! I thought to myself I'm going to be in that ring in a few hours fighting in front of all my family and friends. I was very relaxed leading up to my fight and I felt very confident.
8. What were your post-fight cravings?
Shameen
Food wise- pizza ! My only other craving was getting back into the ring!!
Jamie
The thing I craved the most was a cheese burger from McDonald's, extra pickles. Two of my friends went out of their way to get me cheese burgers and I loved it!
9. What have you taken from your experience?
Shameen
My experience at TWCFightClub has allowed me to realise that there’s more to life than work….sometimes you need to let loose and kick some pads! Having some me time in the week isn’t wrong and for me the best way to do so is Muay Thai!
Jamie
I've come to understand no matter who you are, or what you do everyone is going through some sort of hardships. You are not alone in this. Showing the smallest act of kindness can change someone's whole day!
10. What's next?
Shameen
I have a few inter-clubs lined up but I’m really looking forward to the next fight camp with TWCFightClub!
Jamie
One or two more boxing fights, then I'll be making my transition in to Muay Thai, I'd like TWCFightClub championship belt if possible!
Need to talk to someone now? CALM's helpline and webchat are free and confidential. Get help from CALM (opens in a new tab).
Your first round starts here
Eight weeks of free coaching, then a real fight night. Sign up in two minutes, then hear everything at the intro meeting before you commit to anything.
Join the camp →Take the 60-second quiz