Trustmarque contender in the blue corner at CRN Fight Night 

Next week, on Thursday 19 May, CRN’s legendary Fight Night returns to The Brewery London and Senior Finance Manager Billy Balson is gearing up to enter the ring. 

Raising over £220,000 for charity since the first fight in 2008, CRN will be raising money once again for a host of worthy causes, chosen by the courageous fighters. 

Once again, 20 fearless channel contenders will immerse themselves into the brutal world of boxing to raise money for their chosen charities. 

Float like a butterfly, sting like a Billy… 

In the blue corner this year is Trustmarque’s very own Billy ‘The Bee’ Balson will be taking to the floor against Stuart ‘The Hitman’ Robinson (Cloud Architect at Cloud Bridge). 

Senior Finance Manager Billy’s chosen charity will be Citizens Online who are working to close the gap and improve digital inclusion. Digital inclusion is about ensuring the benefits of the internet and digital technologies are available to everyone. 

In between ducking and diving, and of course year-end, we caught up with Billy to hear how things are shaping up with 6 weeks to go until the buzz of fight night hits.  

How did you find out about the CRN Fight Night? 

Billy: “I heard about it first from Finance Director, Pete Goodrick and Head of Services & Solutions Wez Worland… I’m pretty sure they both just want to see me get beaten up*.” 

*Both Wez and Pete were unavailable for comment on their motives for putting Billy forward. 

Is this the first time you have done something like this? 

“Actually, I’ve done two white collar fights before.  One a few years ago and another just last month as part of my preparations for the CRN Fight Night. I got back into boxing and signed up for the CRN event this year to get fit again after not training at all in lockdown.” 

“It has taken me a while to get back into good exercise habits and having a date in the diary to work towards puts that goal in place. It certainly makes it easier to get out of bed for those early gym sessions.” 

What does your training regime involve? 

“I am trying to do as much as I can, and keeping the activity varied. I box once or twice a week at a boxing club local to me. I also get out and pound the pavements on a jog and play some squash.”  

What’s your ringside entrance song and why? 

“I am going to go for ‘Jump’ by Van Halen. It’s just that song which makes me want to get up and go for it!!” 

What’s your fight night name? 

“I’ve chosen Billy ‘The Bee’ Balson – BB, or BBB I suppose!   Apart from the letters working, and the fact that I sting, the bee is a proud symbol of Manchester. I’m based not too far from there and so I’ve adopted it too!” 

Can you tell us a little more about your chosen charity, Citizens Online? 

“Digital exclusion affects those most vulnerable in society, and as more services move online our there are some really cut-off people in our communities. The money I raise will help Citizens Online ensure they can make a difference to those most vulnerable in our society who lack the skills and access to get online. I’ve set up a Just Giving page so anything my colleagues or anyone reading this can spare would be much appreciated.” 

Are your family supportive? 

“Yes! Very much like my colleagues Pete and Wez, they just want to see me get punched really.”  

Have you met your opponent, Stuart ‘The Hitman’ Robinson (Cloud Architect at Cloud Bridge)? 

“Not yet and I’m not sure I will now, before the night. It’s a little odd as we haven’t seen each other in action at all so it’s really a jump into the unknown!!”