Canada Wins Gold Medals in Serbia

Canada Wins Gold Medals in Serbia

By Raquel Ruiz

The male elite team gave a powerful performance in Belgrade last week with a brilliant closing on Sunday. Two gold medals hang around the necks of 64Kg Yves Ulysses Jr. and 91Kg Samir Elmais.

The 51^st edition of the Belgrade Winner tournament, April 18^th to 21^st, received five boxers from the Maple Leaf country ready to show that no matter it was the only team from the Americas Continent and with two less members that weren’t able to make the trip, they managed to stay focused and win two championships.

The team was going to Belgrade with seven boxers, 52Kg Emilien Boucher, 56Kg Kenny Lally, 64Kg Yves Ulysse Jr., 69Kg Custio Clayton, 75Kg Brody Blair, 81Kg Jonathan Savard, and 91Kg Samir El Mais. Unfortunately, Clayton’s grandmother passed away last Monday and Savard had to pull out due to an injury occurring during training. 

The two championship bouts were won by a large point margin not leaving any doubt for the judges.

Light Welter (64Kg) Yves Ulysse Jr. defeated Lewis Benson from Scotland 13:5 and Heavy (91Kg) Samir Elmais defeated Arbec Abduganiyev from Kazakhstan 17:6.

According to the Serbian Boxing Federation, 72 men boxers from four continents competed in nine weight categories from 52kg to the Super Heavyweight (91+kg).

In the last edition of the event France and Russia dominated the competition both winning three gold medals in Belgrade. But in this occasion Canada imprinted its stamp not only in the results but also in the eyes of the attendance.

“Yves and Samir had their best performance with the National Team. They were in control in all their bouts,” said Daniel Trepanier, Boxing Canada High Performance Director and head coach.

But it wasn’t  only the winners that showed great improvement of the Boxing Canada team.

“The entire team represented Canada proudly during the tournament.” Said Mark Collins, assistant coach.

Boxers and coaches are off to Poland today for another four days of competition at the Feliks Stamm Tournament in Warsaw, from April 22 to 27. Two female boxers will join them, 51Kg Mandy Bujold and 75Kg Mary Spencer. 64Kg Arthur Biyarslanov is also on his way to Poland.

“The Boxing Canada plan is starting to show great results. The hard work of our personal and National coaches in the gym with their athletes is why we are improving. We will continue to see progress thanks to the dedication of all of our coaches in every gym in Canada,” said Pat Fiacco, Boxing Canada President.

Two Boxing Canada members certified as international R&J instructors

Two Boxing Canada members certified as international R&J instructors

By Raquel Ruiz

Pat Fiacco, President of Boxing Canada and Tony Germain, 3 star referee and judge from Quebec, Canada both successfully participated last week in the AOB/APB/WSB* Referees and Judges Instructors Workshop in Assisi, Italy and passed their exams to become international Instructors.

The seminar took place from April 2 to April 9 with 35 participants from the all over the world. The course had many different modules focusing on the rule changes that went into effect March 11, 2013. Instructors will be able to conduct 1, 2 and 3 star seminars and exams throughout the world following a standardized manual that was produced by AIBA staff.

Ray Silvas, R&J commission member, from the United States was the facilitator.

The curriculum was extensive and study topics like public speaking, how to deliver the message and engage participants when the new certified instructors will conduct seminars. Aspects like volume of the voice, body language, eye contact, adaptation to the audience and speed when talking and having translators were part of this module. Pat Fiacco, AIBA R&J Commission Secretary, provided first hand experience in public speaking.

After the examinations, all participants had the opportunity to discuss the hand signals language of the Referees. The main objective of this activity was to standardize the signals used when demonstrating faults, taking into account the different cultures. The signs were shown by Gerardo Poggi (Argentina) and Rakhymzhan Rysbayev (Kazakhstan), both AIBA 5-Star R&Js.

Luiz Boselli, Vice-Chairman and Secretary of the AIBA Technical and Rules Commission, described how to use the evaluation forms and score cards, according to the new scoring system.

Seminars will be held in Canada in 2013. Announcements will be made soon on the exact dates.

• AOB/APB/WSB: AIBA Open Boxing, AIBA Pro Boxing and World Series of Boxing.

Disclaimer: Parts of this story are from AIBA.com

Last Woman Standing

Last Woman Standing: A deep view to real boxers life.

By Raquel Ruiz

The filmmakers are boxer’s aficionadas. The protagonists are World champions. The story unique: friendship and rivalry between two of the best 75 kg female boxers in the planet. But only one was a winner in the ring and reached the goal to go to the Olympics.

Last Woman Standing, documentary director Juliet Lammers, and co-director, Lorraine Price knew in 2011 that Ariane Fortin and Mary Spencer’ story had all the ingredients for a great documentary. The filmmakers followed their instincts; applied for funding with Canada Documentary Channel (CBC's), embarked on a quest for two years and followed these two characters everywhere they went.

The goal was to finish by Spring 2013. Last Woman Standing is an 85 minute documentary produced by Prospector Films that will premiere at Hot Docs Festival April 26^th at 6:30 pm in Toronto, the second largest documentary film festival in the world. They will be other screenings April 28^th and May 3^rd. For complete schedule and tickets go to http://www.hotdocs.ca//film/title/last_woman_standing

But what is happening behind the scenes when the two boxers have been friends for long time and destiny puts them in the ring in opposite corners to box for their dreams? Is friendship stronger than their passion and goals? Or to the contrary, their love with the sport is stronger and when they face each other in the ring and only one wins, the friendship is lost? And what did happen between them in the end?

Last Woman Standing will answer all these questions and according to filmmakers and protagonists, will give viewers goose bumps, no matter if they aren’t boxing lovers.

“It’s a sad story”. Said two-time world champion Fortin who last month returned to the international competition with Canada’s team in the Dominican Republic.

Spencer believes that it is a very well done documentary and one that the public will appreciate.

“It’s a piece of history, to the ones who saw Ariane and I box for the the Olympic dream and to the rest, because it will only happen once in life time”, said Spencer who continues training in her hometown of Windsor.

The filmmakers’ first stop was the Nationals in Canada in 2012 when Ariane Fortin and Mary Spencer needed to box their lives and dreams in the ring, but only one was going to be the winner. And all of us know by now who that boxer is, because she was followed to London 2012 and continues to be in the spotlight in Canada for her tenacity, driven passion for boxing, professionalism and strong standing to continue working towards her goal to get in the next Olympics in 2016 and box for that precious Gold medal that in 2012 eluded her.

Lammers and Price feel very pleased with their documentary because the goal was accomplished and the story line never changed.

“The documentary shows emotions, and how the boxers’ lives was altered in such an historic moment,” said Lammers, co-founder of Pop Montreal’s film festival.

Fortin a fierce boxer, believes that the film is very well balanced.

“At the beginning I was afraid that the filmmakers would take one side, but when I saw the product in December I was very pleased at watching both sides of the story. They didn’t take sides, they showed the facts,” said 28 years old Fortin.

Spencer hasn’t seen the film but said is confident of the work of filmmakers and producers.

“I’m expecting to be in tears. It was a big deal in our lives,” said Spencer. “I won, but another boxer who was so close to it, didn’t.”

Last Woman Standing comes to viewers in a very important moment in the history of women’s boxing, when they showed to the world at the Olympics why they deserved to be recognized.

“It’s been a wonderful experience following these two boxers because they showed why champions are champions: stronger and driven to a goal,” said Price, who is a photographer and with this documentary jumps for first time to the filmmaking scene.

Last Woman Standing will also take viewers to Mexico, Germany, Poland, London, China and to six cities in Canada. With this traveling they will meet other boxers and coaches around the world. It’s a ticket to history, culture diversity, and entertainment.

Women Boxers, are boxers in all the meaning of the word. Their punches and work in and out of the ring are real and powerful in Canada and the rest of the world.

“We feel very pleased that Last Woman Standing chose two great Canadian boxers and ambassadors. We augur that this film will be watched in Canada and the rest of the world and as a result, a new generation of women boxers will enter boxing gyms” said Boxing Canada president, Pat Fiacco.

Last Woman Standing was produced by Prospector Films in association with CBC's Documentary, with the financial support of Rogers Documentary Fund, The Canadian Media Fund and Rogers cable Network Fund, and Quebec and Canadian tax credits

Canada' Elite Women's National Team heading to Toulouse, France

Canada Elite Women's National Team heading to Toulouse, France for a training Camp and Dual Match. 

This is the team first international competition in 2013. The training camp will happen from February 1st to 7th. Dual Match vs France Feb. 8th and 9th.

Here is the list of team, coaches and referee.

48kg - Katie Saull (MB)

51kg - Mandy Bujold (ON)

54kg - Vicky Pelletier (QC)

57kg - Sabrina Aubin (QC)

57kg - Caroline Veyre (QC)

60kg - Stephanie Walker (NS)

60kg - TBA

64kg - Sara Kali (QC)

69kg - Myriam Da Silva (QC)

75kg – Mary Spencer (ON)

Coaching Staff:  Danielle Bouchard and Kevin Howard

R/J:  Nathalie Lacombe

The picture was taken during Continentals 2012 in Cornwall. (No all the boxers in the list are in the picture and some who are in the picture aren't traveling.)

Are you interested in helping shape the future of drug-free sport?

Are you interested in helping shape the future of drug-free sport?

First Look at 2015 Anti-Doping Rules

(Ottawa, Ontario – July 5, 2012) – Phase 2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) rules consultation is under way with the release of a first draft of the World Anti-Doping Code that will come into effect January 1, 2015. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) has compiled a summary of the major changes, and is collecting feedback from the Canadian sport community to fuel Canada’s national response to this draft.

This affects you! The Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), the set of rules that govern doping control in Canada, will be revised during 2014 to remain compliant with the new Code. National sport organizations that have signed on to run their programs in accordance with CADP rules will need to re-adopt, and as a result, athletes will be subject to these new rules when they come into effect in 2015.

Are you interested in helping shape the future of drug-free sport? Please read through the summary of changes below or download the full redlined version, and send any comments or concerns to cadp2015@cces.ca by the end of August.

(For WADA, this phase also includes a full review of their international standards. The CCES already collected feedback from Canadians on the standards as part of our initial consultation in February. However, if you would like to comment further on the standards, please email cadp2015@cces.ca.)

General:

• There is an express statement that proportionality and human rights will be respected when the Code is applied. (The Code)
• A drug must be deemed to be performance-enhancing to be included on the Prohibited List. (Article 4.3)
• Responsibilities for granting therapeutic use exemptions are better defined. (Article 4.4.2)
• Retired athletes are required to give six months notice before returning to competition, during which time they may be tested. (Article 5.3)
• New definitions are added for Administration, Fault, and a High Priority Athlete Pool (which replaces the current Registered Testing Pool). (Definitions)
• Minors are now defined as persons under 14 (no longer based on local law). (Definitions)

Whereabouts:

• After 12 months (no longer 18) a whereabouts ‘strike’ will be eliminated. (Article 2.4)
• Only athletes in the High Priority Athlete Pool will be required to file complete and detailed whereabouts information, although anti-doping organizations will still have some discretion to require other athletes to file some types of personal location information. (Article 2.4 comment)

Testing

• There is no longer a “B” sample taken or tested. (Article 7)
• Athletes may be tested at any time of the day or night. (Article 21.1.2 and comment)
• There is the potential for partial menu testing. (Article 6.4)

Violations and Sanctions

• A new anti-doping rule violation prohibits athletes from associating with banned coaches or support staff. (Article 2.10)
• The limitation period for many violations is extended to 14 years. (Article 17)
• Sanctions may be reduced for violations caused by contaminated products. (Article 10.4.2)
• Sanctions are more flexible for violations caused by substances of abuse, and may include mandatory rehabilitation. (Article 10.4.3)
• The use of marijuana in the context of a doping violation is better positioned. It could be listed as a “substance of abuse” (10.4.3) so that a period of rehabilitation can be substituted for an appropriate part of the sanction time. It may be one of the substances that need NOT be tested for. (Article 6.4)
• It will be harder to get a reduced sanction for a specified substance, as the three-part test for will be harder to satisfy on the issue of intent to enhance performance. (Article 10.4.1 and comment)
• Sanctions are much more flexible to encourage substantial assistance. (Article 10.5.3.2)
• More violations can be considered to involve aggravating circumstances, which increase the sanction to four years. (Article 10.6)
• A wider scope of ineligibility (conduct that is prohibited) has been defined. (Article 10.10.1 and comment)
• There are new rules regarding a return to training. (Article 10.10.2)
• Penalties are much stricter if there is a breach of the ineligibility sanction. (Article 10.10.3)
• Participation in the next Olympic Games will not be allowed as a mandatory component of many sanctions and a discretionary component of others, known as the Osaka Rule. (Article 10.15)
• There are increased consequences for the team in team sports when two or more athletes on the team incur violations with sanctions imposed that are over one year in length. (Article 11.2)
• The disqualification of doping-related competition results has been clarified. (Article 9 and 11)
• Greater flexibility is allowed in sanctioning and public disclosure for athletes who are minors. (Article 14.3.6)
• Consequences – The restrictions placed on an athlete serving a provisional suspension are now the same as those imposed once a violation is confirmed (i.e., no longer simply a ban from competing). (Definitions)

Hearings and Appeals

• Hearings may be waived by expressly signing a waiver or by implication if the person fails to engage in the process after a deadline has been set. (Article 8.3)
• The matter of payment of CAS cost awards has been addressed. (Article 10.13)
• If an athlete can prove he or she was at “no fault” for the violation, the violation will be eliminated. (Article 2.1.1 and comment, Article 10.5.1)
• Clarification of the concept of strict liability in the context of a doping infraction. (Definitions)
• All appeals are now a full de novo review instead of a limited review on a reasonableness standard. (Article 13.1.1)

Intelligent Testing

• In doping cases involving minors or multiple athletes under the same club or coach, an investigation of athlete support personnel involved is mandated. (Article 20.5.8)
• Governments are required to establish legislation to allow for the sharing of doping information between their departments, e.g., border agencies, police forces, and national anti-doping agencies. (Article 22.2)

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

For further information, please contact:

Justin MacNeill
Communications Coordinator

613-521-3340 x3314
jmacneill@cces.ca

Judges Denied Clayton's Olympic Medal

Judges Denied Clayton’s Olympic Medal

Raquel Ruiz

Wednesday night at the Olympic Games’ Excel London Exhibition Centre, home of the Boxing venue, Canada’s Custio Clayton was standing on the blue canvas with his hands still wrapped after the battle of his boxing carrier.

He was waiting for the referee to raise his arm and be declared the winner. But that didn’t happen.

What came next was the announcer’s voice indicating that the score at the end of the third round was 14-14 and after the tiebreaker count back the winner was Clayton’s opponent, Great Britain’s 21 year-old Freddie Evans.

This bout determined who would move on to the semifinals and be guaranteed a bronze medal.

The usual roar of the crowd for their home country boxer wasn’t as loud as it usually has been. Perhaps they knew that maybe it wasn’t the right decision.

Clayton fell behind in the first round 7-2, but boxed very aggressively in the second and third rounds winning 6-3 and 6-4, thinking that it was enough to move him to the medal rounds.

The North Preston father of two accepted the decision with grace, never loosing control of his emotions. He congratulated his opponent and left the ring holding his head high.

After the bout Boxing Canada submitted a protest. More than an hour later because there were two protests that night, the Jury felt there was no reason to reverse the decision. The same happened in the bout between France and Ukraine.

Custio Clayton had three bouts at this Olympic Games and should be boxing a fourth for a medal. Boxing Canada believes the judges got it wrong and took away Custio’s dream of taking a medal back home to Canada to share with his two children.

2012 Olympic Female Boxing History Begins in Canada

News Release

For immediate broadcast

2012 Olympic Female Boxing History Begins in Canada

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, March 26, 2012 - - Canada will host the best amateur female boxers from the Americas and 2012 Summer Olympic hopefuls from April 4-7, 2012. Sixty-five boxers from 15 countries will compete in ten weight categories during the 2012 American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Women’s Elite Continental Championships.

This is the first time the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association (Boxing Canada) will host the championships. The tournament takes place at the NAV Centre, 1950 Montreal Road in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada and will be streamed live at www.gfl.tv.

Almost 150 athletes, coaches and officials will show the Canadian public why 2012 is the year of female boxers. This is expected to be the largest of the seven Continentals ever held. The 2012 London Olympics will mark the first time female boxers will compete at an Olympic Games.

"This tournament is a preview to the Olympics. Fans will see some of these boxers in the Olympic Games," said AMBC Women’s Commission President, Dr. Christy Halbert who was instrumental in getting women’s boxing into the 2012 London Olympics.

The AMBC’s President, Dr Domingo Solano, declared that “ for its 40 affiliate federations, this is only the beginning of the future for women's boxing in the Americas”.

Boxing Canada's ten-member National Team will be competing including three-time World Champion, Pan American and Continental Champion Mary Spencer, along with Pan American and three-time Continental Champion Mandy Bujold.

“Boxing Canada is pleased to play host to this tournament for the first-time in our organization’s history,” said the President of Boxing Canada Pat Fiacco. “We look forward to welcoming the Americas to Cornwall and an intense competition full of world-class talent.”

Bouts will take place nightly beginning at 7 p.m, with the finals on April 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available from Boxing Canada at 1-613-238-7700 or Champs Eastside Boxing Club at 1-613-938-3281. Cost is $25 for the week or $15 for a daily pass.

The Continental Championships will feature a strong field of boxers from the Americas vying for spots to the 2012 London Olympics at the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateure (AIBA) Women’s World Championships from May 9-20, 2012 in Qinhuangdao, China. Twenty-four spots in three weight categories will be contested.

-30-

Please note media accreditation is required for entry into the Continental Championships.

Media inquiries: Francis Beaulieu, Project Manager, Boxing Canada

1-613-866-3442 / fbeaulieu@boxing.ca / 1-613-238-7700, ext. 221

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.

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.