Imogen Taylor talks with Xavier Osei about his involvement with Durham’s Student Fight Night, which raises awareness for testicular cancer, through their partnership with The OddBalls Foundation. Xavier discusses the determination and commitment required, his personal growth from the experience, and how important it is to promote regular self-checks for testicular cancer.
John’s student, Xavier Osei, recently took part in Durham’s renowned Student Fight Night, otherwise known as ‘Durham’s most electric black tie event’. Student Fight Night was established at Durham University in 2021 by Wilder Events, developed from the ground up by students; it’s run for the students, by the students.
Xavier describes the high-energy boxing event as a combination of ‘rigorous physical training with the excitement of competitive sports, all centred around a noble cause’. The boxers in training have seven intense weeks to prepare for the match, pushing their physical and mental boundaries to new limits.
He emphasises that the event ‘is not just about the sport; it’s about personal growth, challenging oneself, and being part of a community effort to support a significant cause.’
Wilder’s Student Fight Night is now the UK’s leading charity boxing events company. At present, the organisation has reached 12 cities, with a total of 145 events having already occurred. In total, they have raised a magnificent £60,071. By August of this year, they had made over £19,000. They are yet to release the figures for their most recent event, but Xavier managed to raise a remarkable £600 through his own fundraising page.
The boxing organisation frequently collaborates with The OddBalls Foundation to raise funds and awareness for testicular cancer. OddBalls was founded in 2015, with the hope of making a difference to male health by encouraging regular self-checks to help gain an early diagnosis and successful treatment. Their focus was on creating informative and accessible ‘Check Yourself’ guides which have been circulated in changing rooms and toilets across the UK. One of their strategies to spread awareness is through their University Ambassador Programme. These ambassadors visit schools, universities and workplaces, delivering talks on testicular cancer. They encourage adolescents and men to check their balls with the aim to remove the stigma around it. The foundation currently has 50 ambassadors across the country.
Testicular cancer is one of the less common cancers, however it is prone to affect men between 15 and 49 years of age. It is estimated that around 2,300 men are diagnosed with the cancer every year in the UK. The National Heath Service website lists the common symptoms as including a ‘painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles’.
Their website also notes that it appears that ‘white men have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than men from other ethnic groups’. It is currently unclear why this is, but it is further observed that this form of cancer has been on the rise since the mid-1970s, doubling almost every year.
Xavier’s motivation to participate in the event stemmed from a desire to challenge himself in ways he hadn’t before. Encouraged by his friend Amber, Xavier saw this as an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone, prove his capabilities to himself, and contribute towards a meaningful cause. He affirms that it was also about ‘personal growth and making a difference’.
For those who are interested in applying to fight in Durham’s next Student Fight Night, Xavier describes the process as straightforward but thorough. It involved ensuring you, as a potential participant, are fit for the intensive training, and that you understand the commitment required. There is also an emphasis on the safety, preparation and dedication to both the sport and the cause.
Clearly, the experience prepares fighters not just for the fight itself, but also instils discipline and resilience, features which are vital for success in life.
John’s are proud to announce that Xavier won the fight! Upon reflection, Xavier humbly remarks that the result was not important to him. For him the real win was the journey he has been on and bringing awareness to the cause. He does admit nonetheless that he was satisfied with his performance as it was a demonstration of weeks of hard work, determination and growth.
If you would like to sign up for Student Fight Night, click here. If you have any questions regarding participation in the event, Xavier would be happy to help. Email johns.chronicle@durham.ac.uk and we will put you in contact.
Photos provided by Student Fight Night Durham and Gui Castro.
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