Canada incubates boxers

Canada incubates boxers

By Raquel Ruiz

Cape Breton, NS –Ten male champions were crowned last week in Cape Breton Isle during the 2012 Canadian Nationals. Seven of them were returning winners.  On Saturday, January 14^th, to a full house at the Convention Center ringside, legendary Larry Holmes amused audience and boxers before the bouts with a motivational speech about his life.

"Let your kids box. Let your kids go to the gym. I just wanted to box, I had no idea that I would become the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Chase your dreams." Said Holmes to the hundreds who went to cheer for their favorites.

Pat Fiacco, Boxing Canada president said at the end of the 2012 Elite championships, that it has been the most competitive event they have had for years.

"As a result, we have gone from an inexperienced team, to a team with good international experience. And our future looks very bright," said Fiacco who has been involved in boxing for more than 30 years.

Boxing Canada wanted to be as fair as possible and during the draw, they made sure that the number one and two boxers ranked nationally were in separate brackets.  The computer system randomly put the other boxers, giving the opportunity to all of the 95 male participants a chance to make it go to the finals. But in seven of the ten-weigh classes the boxer ranked one was the eventual winner.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the quality of the competition that opens expectations for better results and a bright future.  Another is to have a young team that can go for a long time, like the case of 18 year-old new national champion in the 56 kg Rodolfo Velasquez from Ontario.

His coach Vinny Ryan commented that it’s a great satisfaction to see how from a small little boy at the age of 11, skinny and not very strong, today seven years later, he has a national champion in Velasquez.

“I remember the day he walked into the gym for the first time, nobody could say that yeas later he will be in the national elite team and with the option to go to the Olympics,” said Vinny.

Velasquez has seldom left the gym since he began and in 2009, he won his first junior national. For last week’s tournament, he was training twice a day, watching his diet, put on hold his college semester and dedicated 24 hours a day to training and sleeping. No going out with friends, clubbing or girls.

“I don’t have a girlfriend, they distract you from boxing.” Said Velasquez, who assures that he boxes not only for himself, but also for his coach, his club, and his supportive parents, both from El Salvador.

Another young promise of boxing Canada is 20 years old Brody Blair, from Nova Scotia.  He repeats his championship in the 75 Kg,, is a Pan American bronze medalist and was named the Canadian Amateur Boxer of the Year.

Blair is one of those boxers whose print stays in the heart of aficionados. During the two Pan American games qualifiers in Venezuela and Ecuador, he conquered many fans because of his skills, intelligence and boxing style. It isn’t a big surprise he retained his championship on his quest to the Olympics.

“I will have to spend long days at the gym and also focus on my mental preparation, meditating, watching videos of my bouts and analyzing what I need to improve.” Said Blair.

Blair has a lot of work ahead in Brazil this May to gain his Olympic spot, but he is confident he will get there in his 100%.

Velasquez, on the other hand, will have the Canadian Box Offs at the beginning of March, and if he wins, he will go to Brazil in May.

Velasquez and Blair are two very young boxers with a long and bright future.

The other 2012 Canadian champions are:

49kg – Jonathan Quinit (Manitoba) 21 year old, new champion

52kg – Kenny Lally (British Columbia) 22 year old, returning champion

60kg – Alex Rynn (Alberta) 25 year old, returning champion

64kg – Yves Ulysse (Quebec) 23 year old, returning champion

69kg – Custio Clayton (Nova Scotia) 24 year old, returning champion

81kg – Jonathan Savard (Quebec) 26 year old, returning champion

91kg – Samir El Mais (Ontario) 31 year old, returning champion

+91kg – Kevin Champagne (Quebec) 26 year old, new champion

Canada Crowns Olympic Hopefuls

Canada Crowns Olympic Hopefuls

By Raquel Ruiz

Cape Breton, NS- The temperature outside the venue in Cape Breton Isle was zero Celsius on Friday night, January 10th. But inside the Convention Center, during the first night of 2012 Canadian National Championships finals, the warmth of the 700 boxing aficionados, along with cheers and music, helped boxers’ stamina.

The tournament took place in the Isle of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the land that saw in the mid-60’s no less than five national boxing champions in different weight classes. This year the competition attracted a total of 142 participants, 47 of them females, who went to the isle to reach their goal of wining gold. But only ten women won in the ten weight divisions.

Among the boxers competing on that Friday night, were six females in the 51, 60 and 75 Kgs Olympic divisions, whose hunger to become the Canadian Olympic hopefuls, make them develop into the goddesses of Mt. Olympus. Their force, skills, power and determination, put the audience on their feet, witnessing what may be a peek into the coming as the first time ever competition at the Olympic games in London this summer.

As much as all of them gave all in the ring, only three were winners, claiming their gold medal and being crowned as the new Canadian champions. The trio is the same that went to Pan American games where they won two gold medals and one bronze.

In the 51 Kg. Mandy Bujold, current Pan American champion won her seventh national title with a little help from the hazards of the boxing profession. Her opponent, Amanda Galle, couldn’t box because a large hematoma on her left eye stopped her dream. During her medical in the morning, the doctors vetoed her continuing to box and Bujold won by walkover.

“It’s disappointing that I couldn’t defend my title in the finals tonight but it’s part of the boxing game. Anything can happen and it is out of my hands. I came here prepared to fight but either way I am already looking forward to the World Championships in May,” said Bujold from Ontario.

In the 60 Kg., Sandra Bizier won in a close bout with Susan Hass 8-6. Hass was the 2010, 69 kg national champion. The repeating champion and Pan Am bronze medalist, Bizier, enjoys her wining and is looking forward to the months ahead.  They will be competing in several tournaments and training in different camps, with the goal set for May in China and to win the spot for the Olympics.

"I am very happy…She’s very strong - I'm a little 60 kilos, so I have to move a lot and I think I'm getting better and I finished strong." said Bizier from Quebec.

During the most anticipated female bout in the Canadian tournament, between 75kg Mary Spencer -three time world, nine time National in different weigh categories, and Pan Am champion- and her eternal rival Ariane Fortin –two time world and three time national champion, the public at the venue didn’t hold back the excitement these two very well skilled boxers put in the ring.

Fortin took the lead in the first two rounds, but the smart and experienced Spencer got into the third, boxing her opponent and ended the fourth round with a clear victory 18-12

"She is an amazing fighter. It's a bittersweet victory for me right now,” Spencer said after the bout. “I just defeated my toughest opponent in the world, but my friend's dream is crushed. I hope we can put it behind us and it would mean the world to me if Ariane would help me prepare for the Olympics."

“It was the best bout of the tournament.” Daniel Trepanier, High Performance director for Boxing Canada said.

Before the three Olympic divisions were announced in 2009, Spencer and Fortin were very close friends and boxed in different weight divisions.  However afterwards, they became rivals in the ring.  Now their friendship has turned into respect and admiration of each other but their closeness is eliminated when they climb into the ring where each wants to be chosen the one and only.

Among the other national champions, four are returning 49kg Nathalie Goulet, 54kg Vicky Pelletier, 57kg Melissa Guillemette, and 64kg Sara Kali, all of them from Quebec.

The three new champions are 69kg Amber Groome (Alberta), 81kg Maude Bergeron (Quebec), and +81kg Annabelle C. Dube (Quebec).

According to Pat Fiacco, Boxing Canada President, without a doubt, the highlight of the 2012 Championships was the improved skill level of the boxers.

"The conditioning of these boxers was exceptional. They were just as strong in the 4th round as they were in the 1st. Their technical skills from throwing a jab to their movement in the ring was a true demonstration of excellent Olympic boxing." Said Fiacco, who was the Bantamweight Canadian boxing champion in 1980 and started his presidential tenure with Boxing Canada on June 2011.

“Boxing can’t be successful without female participants.” Fiacco said.

List of Boxers Invited at the 2012 Final Team Selection

List of Boxers Invited at the 2012 Final Team Selection.

http://www.boxing.ca/documents/1-boxing%20canada%20-%202012%20elite%20final%20team%20selection-en.pdf

Final Results from the 2012 Elite National Championships

Final Results from the 2012 Elite National Championships.


Results:

http://www.boxing.ca/documents/2-final%20results%20(nxpowerlite).pdf

Boxing Canada is pleased to announce that we are moving forward with the development of a new Strategic Plan.

Boxing Canada is pleased to announce that it is moving forward with the development of a new Strategic Plan that will provide Boxing Canada with a blueprint that will govern and establish strategic direction over the next 8 years.

At a weekend retreat in Cornwall, Ontario a group of 40 members from across Canada which included athletes, coaches, officials and board members lead the way to the development of a member-driven strategy as we move forward to the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Mr Roger Crête, the father of Boxing Canada Executive Director Robert Crête

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Mr Roger Crête, the father of Boxing Canada Executive Director Robert Crête. Boxing Canada wishes to offer its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

A Eucharistic celebration will be held December 12, 2011 at 10:30 in the church Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, 435 Montreal Road, Ottawa.

Ariane Fortin wins the gold in Kazakhstan

Ariane Fortin earned the gold medal in the 75kg at the 2011 International Women Tournament in Kazakhstan.

Full results from the contest can be found in the Events section.

Competition Equipment

Dear Boxing-Canada Members,

In order to avoid any miscommunication, this letter is to advise you that for ALL competitive, sanctioned bouts, across Canada, both AIBA and USA Boxing approved gloves can be used in accordance with the rules of Boxing-Canada.. And this at the sole option of the organiser (promoter).

Notwithstanding, AIBA approved gloves and headgears, as furnished by Boxing-Canada will be used for the National Championships and FTS as per AIBA regulations.

All other competitions across Canada can use either USA or AIBA approved gloves.

Please note that no provincial ruling or regulation, regarding competition gloves and/or headguards can supersede the rules of Boxing-Canada. Failure to comply can result in disciplinary action.

Please post this on your respective websites to avoid any confusion, and advise your officials.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.

Trusting you find the above in order.

I remain

Pat Fiacco�
President, Boxing-Canada

Robert Crête
Executive Director, Boxing-Canada

Canadian Team gets set for the AIBA Men Elite World Championships

The National Team final preparations is underway in Hennef, Germany, for the AIBA Elite Men World Championships which will takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan from September 22 to October 08.

The AIBA Elite Men World Championships are the first qualification for the London 2012 Olympic

The Canadian Team Won Two Medals at the 2011 Youth Commonwealth Games

Jessy Brown and Cody Crowley have won medals at the 2011 Youth Commonwealth Games .

Jessy Brown led the way with a silver medal in the 56kg and Cody Crowley took the bronze meldal at 75kg.

Final Results 2011 Youth Commonwealth Games

http://www.boxing.ca/events-international.php

AIBA Elite Men World Championships Team Announced

A team of five boxers will take on World's top boxing nations at this year's AIBA Elite Men World  Championships, which are being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from September 22 to October 8.

The boxers selected are as follows:

52kg – Kenny Lally (British Columbia)
60kg – Alex Rynn (Alberta)
64kg – Yves Ulysse Jr (Quebec)
69kg – Custio Clayton (Halifax)
91kg – Samir El Mais (Ontario)

The Boxing Team will be supported by Adrian Teodorescu, Sylvain Gagnon and Daniel Trepanier.

As part of the preparation for the AIBA Elite Men World Boxing Championships in Baku, the team is participating in a preparatory training camp from September 8 to September 21 in Germany.

Nikolaev Cup Team Announced

Eight Canadian boxers have been selected to be part in the forthcoming Nikolaev City Cup in Nikoalev, Ukraine, (4 - 11 September 2011).

The team includes the two times World Champion Ariane Fortin and the 2010 Pan-American Women Championships silver medalist McKenzie Wright.

The boxers selected are as follows:

48kg McKenzie Wright (Ontario)
51kg Jackie Lachapelle (Ontario)
54kg Vicky Pelletier (Quebec)
57kg Melissa Guillemette (Quebec)
69kg Susan Haas (Alberta)
75kg Ariane Fortin (Quebec)

The Boxing Team will be supported by Laszlo Marien and Jill Perry.

Commonwealth Youth Games Team Announced

Boxing Canada is delighted to announce five Youth Boxers have been named as part of a strong Canadian Youth Team that will travel to Isle of Man for the 4^th Commonwealth Youth Games which take place from the 7^th-12^th September 2011.

The boxers selected are as follows:

49kg – Brody Pigeon (Saskatchewan)
56kg – Jessy Brown (British Columbia)
60kg – David Theroux (Quebec)
69kg – Luis Valdivia (Ontario)
75kg – Cody Crowley (Ontario)

The Boxing Team will be supported by Bob Pegues and Pat Lafleur.

Around 1000 athletes coming from different Commonwealth countries, aged between 13-18 years, will compete for in all seven sports on the programed: Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rugby 7s, and Swimming.

Mary Spencer earned the gold medal in Greece

Mary Spencer earned the gold medal in women’s 75 kilos at the 2011 Minoas Womens Cup in Heraklion, Greece .

Full results from the contest can be found in the Events section.

Mian Hussain and Joey Laviolette qualified for the Pan American Games

Canada will send four boxers to the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October.

Indeed, the Quebec Mian Hussain and Nova Scotians Joey Laviolette earned their pass to Mexico this week during the third and final qualifying tournament, held in Panama, the capital of the same name. They will join the Quebec Steven Harvey and Nova Scotians Brody Blair, who had already secured their place in previous competitions.

Note in conclusion that, for the first time, the 2011 Pan American Games will also present a female boxing tournament. Canada will send a full team with Mandy Bujold, Sandra Bizier and Mary Spencer, who had already qualified before this week

The Canadian Team gets seven medals at the 2011 Copa Olimpica

The Canadian Team gets seven medals at the Copa Olimpica in Puerto Rico. Custio Clayton has won the gold medal against the Brazilian Myke Carvalho while Brody Blair Jr and Yves Ulysses Medal is awarded the money. Kenny Lally, Jonathan Quinis, Andrew Gardiner and Alex Rynn get a bronze medal.

The Canadian team is continuing is trip in Puerto Rico by participating in the tournament Jose ''Cheo'' Aponte from July 5th to July 08th.

Boxing Canada Sets New Direction

Boxing Canada Sets New Direction

Today, Boxing Canada's Board of Directors set a new direction for its sport at the annual general meeting (AGM) in Toronto by electing a new president and executive.  

Pat Fiacco, of Regina, was elected president of the organization.  Mr. Fiacco is a currently a member of the International Amateur Boxing Association's (AIBA) Referee and Judges Commission.   He is the first Canadian appointed to the Commission.  

Joining him on the executive is Ryan Savage, Vice President, from Winnipeg, Manitoba.   

Also, on the executive is Hank Summers from St John’s, Newfoundland who is Treasurer.  The two at large members are Marcel Toulouse from Sherbrook, Quebec and Val Ryan from Hamilton, Ontario. Former presidents John O’Shea from Vancouver, British Columbia stay on the executive as the past president.

"I'm very happy with the team that's been assembled," said President Fiacco. "Everyone brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the sport with a united goal of elevating the excellence of our athletes on the world stage".   

All the positions are two year terms.   

For media inquiries contact:  
Mark Rathwell
Senior Advisor to Mayor Fiacco
(306) 537 9015

Mary Spencer wins the 2011 Investors Group bursary

ATHLETESCAN AND INVESTORS GROUP ANNOUNCE THE 2011 TEAM INVESTORS GROUP AMATEUR ATHLETES FUND BURSARY RECIPIENTS


OTTAWA (May 26, 2011) – AthletesCAN and Investors Group are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2011 Team Investors Group Amateur Athletes Fund bursary.

In keeping with their commitment to amateur sport in Canada, Investors Group established a bursary fund for Canada’s top amateur athletes. A national leader in delivering personalized financial solutions to Canadians, Investors Group annually awards twenty $5,000 bursaries to assist Canada’s elite amateur athletes with the costs of training and competition. Selection criteria includes: athletic achievement, financial need and community involvement. Since its inception in 2000, the Team Investors Group Amateur Athletes Fund has awarded over $1,100,000 to Canadian athletes. AthletesCAN administers the bursary on behalf of Investors Group.

AthletesCAN Executive Director Jasmine Northcott adds: “The athletes recognized through the Team Investors Group Amateur Athletes Fund are champions both on and off the field of play. AthletesCAN is proud to partner with Investors Group each year to recognize Canada’s top athletes and thanks Investors Group for their continued leadership and support.

To view the 2011 Team Investors Group Amateur Athletes Fund bursary recipients click here.

Canada win the 2011 Mayor's Cup

Canada win the 2011 Mayor's Cup againts England.

Canada beat England 5-3 at the Ken Goff Memorial

Friday night’s action featured eight bouts of action at the Credit Union Eventplex. Canada won the 2011 Ken Goff Memorial 5-3 over England.

http://www.boxing.ca/events-international-schedule-and-results.php#54

2011 Ken Goff Memorial and Mayors Cup - Regina, Saskatchewan

The Elite National Team will host England in International Boxing Action at the Ken Goff Memorial and the Mayors Cup on May 06 and May 08 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The boxers Kenny Lally (52 kg), Alex Rynn (60kg), Yves jr Ulysse(64kg), Custio Clayton (69kg), Vincent Thibault (75kg), Mitch Hunt (81kg), Patrick Thibault (91kg) and Simon Kean (+91kg) will participate in the 2011 Ken Goff Memorial and Mayors Cup edition. The team is accompanied by the coaches Sylvain Gagnon and Adrian Teodorescu.

2nd Panamerican Qualifier - Quito, Ecuador

The boxers Benoit Fleury (49 kg), Joey Laviolette (56kg), Jag Seehra (60kg), Jessie Wilcox (64kg), Brody Blair (75kg), Jonathan Savard (81 kg), Mandy Bujold and Sandra Bizier (60 kg) will participate in the 2nd Pan Am Qualifier in Quito Ecuador from April 30 to May 07. The team is accompanied by the coaches Jimmy Boisvert, Kevin Howard and Danielle Bouchard.

Two Athletes Qualify for the 2011 Panamerican Games

Mary Spencer and Steven Harvey have qualified for the 2011 Panamerican Games on Tuesday night at the 1st Panamerican Qualification in Venezuela.

Mary Spencer led the way with a second place in the 75kg and Steven Harvey took the 3rd place at 91kg.