Fighting for change is not just about politics and who runs the country. Everyone can fight for change in all facets of life.
For instance, there’s a fight on the cards this Nov 23. And it aims to change the way people, especially the young, view mixed martial arts. It is also aimed at helping to protect the welfare of journalists.
It may seem a crazy idea, dangerous even, but Twentytwo13 co-founder and editor Haresh Deol is determined to do his part by stepping into the cage to take on professional fighter Shareh Nasrullah of Lekir Fitness and MMA Academy.
Joining Twentytwo13 in Fight For Change 2019 at the Cobra Club in Petaling Jaya is co-organiser Malaysia Mixed Martial Arts Association (MASMMAA). The event is supported by the National Press Club of Malaysia (NPC) of which Haresh is deputy president. Twentytwo13 is powered by Professional Storytellers.
It’s not an exhibition match and it’s as real as it gets.
Of course, the odds are heavily stacked against Haresh as pro Shareh holds a 3-3-1 Muay Thai record and 1-2 mixed martial arts record. But when you are fighting for change, it doesn’t matter what the odds are. You just go for it.
We want to help our friends from MASMMAA change the way people view mixed martial arts (MMA). Just like any other martial arts, MMA is all about respect and discipline.
We also want to fight for the welfare of journalists. Many of our colleagues have been forced out of jobs while some have been threatened for doing their jobs. We hope to create awareness and help our colleagues through NPC’s Journalist Welfare Fund.
Last year we organised ‘Sila Lari, Jangan Duduk‘ a 5km fun run at Padang Merbok. The name of the run was a play of words based on an amusing remark by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V in the Dewan Rakyat. Despite the perceived sensitivity, over 800 runners took part, including representatives from Istana Negara, the Olympic Council of Malaysia and the Football Association of Malaysia.
The event was publicised by our established peers, including New Straits Times, The Star, The Mole, Bernama News Channel and BFM. Their support shows the spirit of brotherhood in the media fraternity is alive.
We have been assured by our friends in the media that they will support Fight For Change 2019 too. Familiar faces in the MMA circle have also promised to support our event.
There will be martial arts demonstrations and at least three exhibition fights involving exponents from various age groups, leading to the highlight of the day.
WE PROMISE IT WILL BE EDUCATIONAL, FUN AND WE HOPE THE EVENT WILL LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT.
Ticketing details will be announced soon.
Be part of this cause. To find out more about Fight For Change 2019, email us at [email protected].
We leave you with advertising veteran Rob Siltanen’s quote:
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently.
“They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
Selamat Hari Malaysia!
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