Boxing Ontario Honours Outstanding Members at Annual Awards

The Boxing Ontario Awards were presented on the evening of October 17 during the Golden Gloves: Provincial Championships, recognizing outstanding members of the Boxing Ontario community. Included in the honours were Female and Male Athletes of the Year, Official of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

Individuals were nominated by members of the Boxing Ontario community throughout September, and finalists were selected by the Boxing Ontario Board of Directors. Award recipients were honoured with plaques presented by the Board.

The 2026 Boxing Ontario Award recipients are:

Female Athlete of the Year: Andrea Young (Kingsway Boxing Club)
Male Athlete of the Year: Aayan Khokhar (Bramalea Boxing Club)
Coach of the Year: Artem Artiukhov (Atlas Boxing)
Official of the Year: Joyce Findlay

Female and Male Athletes of the Year

The Athlete of the Year award recognizes exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and achievement in the ring, as well as the ability to serve as a role model and represent Boxing Ontario with integrity.

Andrea Young is a two-time Provincial Champion and a local and international tournament champion. She was recognized not only for her achievements in the ring, but also for her impact on the wider community. One nomination noted:

“She has made a strong and lasting impact on our community, creating a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can come together through boxing. Her dedication and passion have also played an important role in developing our female fight team.”

Aayan Khokhar is a member of the National Team who has competed across Canada and internationally. He was recognized for his dedication, including training six days a week, as well as for the compassion he shows others in his community, including mentoring the next generation of young boxers. As one nominator noted:

“Aayan is a talented boxer and an extremely hard worker. He shows respect to others and is very compassionate. He is a polite young man with a great attitude, and members at the club look up to him. He is a great mentor.”

Coach of the Year

The Coach of the Year award recognizes a coach who inspires athletes through mentorship and effective training, promotes fair play, fosters a safe and respectful environment, and supports athletes’ development and well-being.

Artem Artiukhov was praised for his approach to athlete development and his continued work toward national and international coaching qualifications. His nomination highlighted the experience and dedication he brings to preparing athletes to compete at a higher level:

“Artem makes an important contribution to boxing by sharing his extensive competitive and international experience with developing athletes in Canada. He creates a disciplined, supportive and motivating training environment and dedicates significant time to helping athletes improve both inside and outside the ring. He also actively collaborates with other coaches and boxing clubs, sharing knowledge and supporting athletes throughout the boxing community. His commitment to developing young athletes and helping newcomers integrate into the Canadian boxing system demonstrates his dedication to the growth of the sport.”

Official of the Year

The Official of the Year award recognizes an official whose support advances the growth and professionalism of Ontario Olympic-style boxing while upholding the rules, safety, and integrity of the sport.

Joyce Findlay was recognized for her excellence in officiating, as well as her mentorship and professionalism. One nominator wrote:

“Joyce is one of the most well-respected officials/supervisors in Canada. I, as well as many others in the sport, look up to Joyce for support, feedback, and guidance. Numerous coaches, officials, and boxers have all approached me over the years commending Joyce for her dedicated service. Joyce is seen as a great mentor to all officials. She is a great ambassador for boxing in Ontario.”

Boxing Ontario’s success is built on the passion, commitment, and dedication of its members, whose efforts fuel the growth of our sport and make each season bigger and better. Congratulations to all the award winners, and sincere thanks to every nominee for their contributions to the Boxing Ontario community.

Nominations for the 2027 Boxing Ontario Awards are expected to open in September 2027. All members of the community are encouraged to submit a nomination.

—ENDS—

About Boxing Ontario:

Boxing Ontario is the provincial governing body for Olympic-style boxing in Ontario. Its mandate is to organize, promote and develop interest and participation in the sport while supporting athletes, coaches, officials and clubs across the province. Learn more at boxingon.ca

Media Contacts:

Rebecca Freeman | Communications, PR | pr@boxingontario.com

Interview Opportunities:

Available upon request. Interview opportunities can be arranged with award winners and Boxing Ontario President Rod Power.