In the red corner, Carol Fisher, a battler who stunned everybody when she hung up her gloves at COI Communications earlier this year but is still capable of giving agencies a bloody nose.
In the blue corner, Bruce Haines, the president of the IPA with all the fleet-footedness of a senior account man and always able to land a telling hit.
Thus was the scene set at last week's Solus Club dinner for the pair to resume their much- publicised spat that began at this year's ISBA conference.
This time the protagonists were debating the motion "This house believes that ad agencies no longer 'get it'".
The ensuing contest wasn't so much a punch-up, more a case of punches being pulled lest anybody should feel too bruised.
Here's a few highlights. Haines' advice to clients who insist on getting loved up with the luvvies: "If you want to meet the creatives then do so - and I hope you enjoy the experience!"
Fisher on realism in adland: "How can an agency whose creative director takes his personal trainer on to his yacht during Cannes ever be taken seriously?"
Garry Lace, Grey's newly installed chief executive, took exception at such a low blow. "Mark Wnek wasn't on a yacht. He was in a £22,000-a-week villa," he protested.
Somehow the motion was defeated. Who says this business can't punch above its weight?
