Possible Clues:

• Regular political opponent throws digs at challenger before the Ring engagement
• Careful to include king, his consort, and friend to argue with?
• Boxer's opponent during training
• What a boxer needs, a spouse may not
• One showing acceptable standard, repeatedly circling ring in stern working out
• Ring man when sporting practice is required
• Puncher
• He's needed for Boxing Day preparations!
• Argumentative friend whose attacks are helpful, in practice?
• Arrange PR prints differently for argumentative friend