THROWING a punch, complete with an icy stare and bulging arms, you would be forgiven for thinking Alex Walia was the real deal when it came to cage fighting.
However the builder is more used to donning a hard hat than a gum shield, but he will still compete in a full-contact cage fight for charity.
The 41-year-old will participate in three two-minute rounds at the Troxy in East London as he looks to raise £2,500 for CLIC Sargent, a charity which supports families of children with cancer.
Mr Walia's stepdaughter Francesca, 14, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2007, and now he is hoping to pay the charity back for years of support by getting in the cage and touching gloves.
The Effingham resident said: "It is not something I am into or anything, so it is completely new to me, but a friend does cage-fighting training, so I thought I would just go for it.
"I have been training for two months now and it is really hard. I do it four times a week, and I go straight from work, so obviously it's a huge commitment for both me and the family.
"But Francesca has been through the wars and I am willing to do the same," he added.
"The great thing is that she's right behind me as well so that gives me more motivation.
"I want to support the charity for all they have done as well. They help with so many things, be it financially or by offering counselling.
"They are basically there for you whatever it is you need."
The fight will take place at a "white collar" K1 event on May 4, where amateur fighters get a chance to sample the thrill of professional cage fighting.
Mr Walia, who runs AGL Building Solutions, based in Effingham, will simply don shorts, MMA gloves and a gum shield and fight under mostly traditional kickboxing rules within an octagonal cage.
He continued: "I think I will be really nervous on the night and I cannot avoid that but it is all for a good cause so I am sure I can get over the nerves.
"It is a proper thing and I am going to get hit very hard I am sure.
"The guy I am facing is not aware this is for charity so I am sure he will not be pulling his punches."
To donate to Mr Walia's appeal, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/alexwalia
