On July 23, Hawkeye Holdings logistics manager Jordan Wilson will step into the squared circle to fight for a better future for underprivileged Kelowna youth.

And his contacts in the trucking industry are already piling into his corner. The Elevation Outdoors event, organized by Los Gatos Locos/Madkatz Boxing and Fitness in Kelowna, B.C., had set a target for fighters to each raise $1,500 in donations. All donations go directly toward charity, helping local youth get into activities they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.

As of this week, Wilson has raised more than $4,500. He thanks his business contacts, friends and colleagues in the industry, and associations he’s involved with such as the Canadian Trucking Alliance for their support. And he’s taking his commitment to the event seriously. He has been training since April and by the time he steps into the ring will have prepared for nearly four months.

“About three to four weeks ago we started getting into contact and sparring and full-on hitting each other,” he told me June 24. “Now we’re getting into refining our defense. It’s pretty intense.”

He has even built a boxing gym in his garage to enhance his preparation. Wilson will be up against a much younger opponent – about 20 years younger, in fact – despite being comparable in weight and height.

Wilson said he’s prepared to take a few good punches to the face to help local youth. He has been supporting charities for years and this one spoke to him.

“I have a couple kids,” he told me. “It just makes you realize how lucky and privileged we are when you see other kids who don’t have what we have. If we can support them and put them into activities they’d never have had the chance to do, it tugs at your strings a little bit.”

There are all kinds of ways to raise money for good causes, but Wilson’s undertaking spoke to me. To get hit in the face for a cause is a big – and painful – ask! I know. I once took part in a charity boxing event as Mack Truck Menzies and retired immediately after at 0-1. I’m hoping for a better outcome for Wilson!

The trucking industry has already rallied to support his fundraising effort, but there’s still time to do so.

Donations on Wilson’s behalf can be made here. Just be sure to enter Jordan Wilson in the field requesting the 3-Round Hero you are supporting. Keep the gloves up, Justin!