Housewife Mergie Brightmore is one of only four women taking part in Dubai's second White Collar Fight Night boxing event on November 16.
Three days a week, the 27-year-old Filipina swaps her Marigolds and apron for boxing gloves and training gear.
She admits that the transformation has not been easy, but she is on a mission to satisfy her thirst for adventure, keep fit and help the needy.
"The training routine is very tough, although very effective. I thought to myself, ‘If men can do it, I can too.'
"I am up at 5am three days a week. Some days I just don't feel like getting out of bed because my body is sore from training, so I have to remind myself that someone's sponsoring this fight. And it is for charity.
"Besides, when I decide to do something I do it well. There are no half measures."
On training days, Mergie is at the gym by 6:15am for an hour of circuit training.
In the evening, she is back for lessons in boxing techniques and a sparring session to hone her newly-acquired skills.
She knows things can get messy in a contact sport, but her fervour far outweighs her fear.
"Of course, there is an element of fear. You know you're going to get hit, but that's how the game is played. I am fine with it. I will try to avoid it.
"Whatever happens in the ring will not be as tough as the training we do which is preparing us really well for the night.
"Boxing is a big thing in the Philippines. My dad was an amateur boxer. I have grown up watching boxing matches. We love boxing, it is in our blood."
Her decision to fight met with resistance from her parents and sister, but she found a pillar of strength and support in her British husband Michael Brightmore.
For someone who once sang pop songs for a living, boxing sure seems a bit off key, but not enough to stop her from taking a jab at it.
Fight Night
Proceeds of the charity fight will go to Al Noor Training Centre, a facility for children with special needs
The White Collar Fight Night boxing event will be held at the Habtoor Grand Hotel on November 16
