Perth Tradie Steps into the Ring for a Cause Close to His Heart
In a powerful display of resilience and compassion, Perth tradie Jalen Smith is preparing to compete in this year's Corporate Rumble charity boxing event. The 25-year-old is driven by a devastating personal loss, as he lost his mother to melanoma in 2021. His father's participation in the same event the following year for the Melanoma Institute Australia inspired him to take up the challenge.
Mr Smith explained how his family and friends have created a meaningful tradition. "He kind of started a snowball effect. One of my good mates competed in it the next year, and then the following year, another one of my mates did it, and now I'm the fourth person," he said. Tonight, he will follow in his father's footsteps, stepping into the ring at Crown Towers before a sold-out crowd.
Grueling Training and Lifestyle Transformation
The annual Corporate Rumble has been running for a decade, requiring all fighters to undergo an intense eight-week training program. Mr Smith described the experience as "pretty brutal" and unlike anything he has ever done. "It's pretty full on, it takes a toll on your body, but I'm feeling good," he admitted. Having never punched anyone before, he finds the prospect of fighting "next level."
Despite the physical demands, Mr Smith vows to maintain the positive lifestyle changes and social connections from the training, regardless of the outcome. "I've never been this fit in my life. You obviously lose a bit of weight as well and just feel better in yourself," he said, highlighting the personal benefits beyond the ring.
Supporting the Saba Rose Button Foundation
While fighters gain from their involvement, the event serves a greater purpose as a fundraiser for the Saba Rose Button Foundation. This charity was established in honor of Saba Button, a Perth girl who suffered extensive brain and organ damage after receiving the Fluvax shot at 11 months old in 2010. Now 16, she lives with cerebral palsy from an acquired brain injury, spastic quadriplegia, epilepsy, and respiratory weakness.
Her mother, Kirsten Button, sees a deep connection between the boxers and the children supported by the foundation. "I saw the synergy between the fighters who train for the boxing event and the little fighters that we support through the Saba Rose Button Foundation," she said. The Buttons partnered with event directors Nigel Groves and Glen Austin about six years ago, forming a special alliance that has raised over $300,000, including $45,000 from last year's event.
Emotional Impact and Community Support
Mr Austin noted that the fighters are deeply moved, especially during the training camp when the Buttons deliver a speech. "Kirst words it well, saying, 'you guys are in for a tough fight, but kids like Saba are in for tough fights every single day of their life'," he shared. "Every time she says that, there's quite a few tears in the room, it hits a nerve with people."
The funds raised directly support approximately 250 events and programs annually, along with therapies and equipment not covered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This year's Corporate Rumble is expected to surpass previous fundraising efforts, continuing to make a significant impact in the community.
