Ontario Boxers Make Their Mark with 40 Medals at U17/U19/U23 National Championships

Team Ontario delivered an outstanding performance at the U17, U19 & U23 Canadian Championships, earning an impressive haul of 40 medals—13 gold, 10 silver, and 17 bronze— and showcasing the exciting emerging talent of Ontario boxing.

This year, nearly 70 Ontario athletes traveled to Calgary, AB, from March 18-22 to compete at Nationals. The event brought together top U17, U19, and U23 athletes from across the country, creating a highly competitive and inspiring atmosphere.

The official Boxing Canada medal results for Ontario are as follows:

Gold and silver medalists have qualified to represent Canada on the Boxing Canada’s National Team—an incredible opportunity for young athletes to significantly advance their Olympic-style boxing journeys, represent Canada globally, and even advance their bids for the LA28 Olympic Games.

“I am extremely proud of the efforts of Team Ontario athletes who attended Nationals in Calgary”, said Team Ontario Coach Julia DiMarcantonio. “For many of these athletes it was their first national championships, and they performed brilliantly. We also saw many repeat champions from the team, and a few amazing comebacks such as Owen Paquette, a former Canadian champion who had an amazing tourney, and reclaimed the top of the podium after an 18-month layoff due to injury.”

Throughout the competition, Ontario’s athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and fierce determination. Their professionalism and team spirit exemplified the best of Team Ontario, and the entire Boxing Ontario family is immensely proud of their achievements.

“I had two fights during Nationals; my first fight was against Quebec. It was my harder one out of the two but was a great learning opportunity for me as my first ever fight at a Nationals,” says Rui Mendes, U17 48kg gold medalist from Bushido Boxing. “I say this because in my first 19 fights I’ve had over my amateur career, I have never been on the receiving end of an eight count, but this was my first time. This is why I say the first one was harder and a learning curve. It taught me to not give up if I get an eight count or am behind, and to keep pushing even harder to overcome this hurdle and prove to the judges and myself that I can still win this! In the second fight, which were my finals against Alberta, I knew nothing about this opponent and took the first round to feel him out and learn his style. The reason I came back and performed so well in the second and third rounds is because of what I learned in the first fight. My second fight was better than the first, but they were both amazing wins for me.”

Boxing Ontario would like to thank Team Ontario Coaches Julia DiMarcantonio (Napper’s Boxing Club), Danial Khan (King of the Ring), and Provincial Coach Ray Napper (Napper’s Boxing Club) for their leadership, expertise and dedication to the athletes and their success. Their efforts, including executing team training camps with Boxing Ontario’s High Performance Committee, managing the team on the road, and their corner work, contributed significantly to Ontario’s success.

Boxing Ontario would also like to congratulate the athletes’ personal coaches and home gyms for their ongoing commitment in developing these talented, young fighters.

“Going into Nationals, I didn’t have much experience in the Open class with only 11 fights, so my main focus was staying composed, trusting my training, and taking it one round at a time…” said U23 80kg bronze medalist Gourg Fares, “This was my first Nationals, so stepping onto the podium meant a lot, especially with my level of experience. It showed me that I can compete at that level. It was overall an amazing experience and something I’m really grateful for. None of this would have been possible without my coach Sebastian and all the Ontario coaches.”

Boxing Ontario wishes to congratulate the entire U17, U19, and U23 Provincial Team. Whether earning medals, setting personal bests, or gaining invaluable experience, each athlete’s effort reflects the strength and spirit of Ontario boxing.

“The depth of talent in this province is extremely encouraging. We had great results at the Elite National Championships in Winnipeg last fall, and now again at the U17/19/U23 Championships,” said Coach Julia. “It’s definitely an exciting time for boxing in Ontario. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

—ENDS—

Note: Additional uncontested national titles will be determined following successful weigh-ins.

About Boxing Ontario:
Boxing Ontario is the only governing body for Olympic-style boxing in Ontario. As such, it is affiliated with Boxing Canada (CABA), the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, & Sport, and World Boxing. Founded in 1972, our mission is to inspire and grow interest, participation, and a love of the sport of Olympic-style boxing in Ontario. Learn more at boxingontario.com

Boxing Ontario Media Contact:
Rebecca Freeman | Communications, Boxing Ontario | pr@boxingontario.com | +1 (416) 426-7250

Interview Opportunities:
Interviews are available virtually, via email, or phone with Ontario athletes, coaches, representatives from Boxing Ontario.