Boxing Canada is thrilled to disclose the talented group of youth athletes who will join the elite contenders participating in the Continental Championships. This prestigious event will unfold from August 1st to August 9th in Cali, Colombia.
The selection of these young athletes was a meticulous process. A youth selection camp was organized at the INS in May 2023. An expert panel evaluated the contenders based on a wide array of factors and established standards. Following exhaustive deliberations and evaluations, they reached a consensus on the best athletes to represent Canada in Cali.
The athletes listed below are poised to represent Canada at the Continental Championships:
Category | Boxer | Province | Home Club | Coach |
50kg | Maxime Lessard | QC | Stephane Monast | |
52kg | BC | Jesse Pineiro | ||
54kg | Ella Meredith | BC | John Meredith | |
57kg | ON | Spencer Wilcox | ||
60kg | QC | Moe Latif | ||
63kg | BC | Wally Dorne, John Meredith | ||
48kg | QC | Emilien Boucher | ||
51kg | QC | Mathieu Dion | ||
54kg | ON | Ajaz Khan | ||
57kg | QC | Eve Fortin | ||
60kg | NS | Peter Martell | ||
63.5kg | ON | Academy | Sebastian Cordova, Darryl Paquette | |
67kg | QC | Giuseppe Moffa | ||
71kg | QC | Patrice Volny | ||
75kg | ON | Ajaz Khan |
We would like to spotlight two exceptional athletes, Owen Paquette and Victoria Vergos, both of whom are sponsored by SPAR Boxing. SPAR Boxing is a Canadian Boxing Gear & Apparel company committed to promoting boxing in Canada through the development and innovation of top-quality boxing gear, as well as supporting local athletes across all skill levels.
Owen Paquette - Ontario - 63.5kg Weight Class (Male)
Owen Paquette is an 18-year-old boxer who embarked on his boxing journey at the tender age of 9. With over 50 bouts under his belt, this young boxer has a rich and diverse experience. Currently, he holds the number one ranking in Canada's youth national boxing team and proudly carries a gold medal from the Canada Winter Games in PEI. Owen also competed at AIBA's 2022 Youth World Boxing Championships in Spain. This exposure to diverse competitors has been instrumental in shaping him into the versatile boxer he is today.
Owen's passion for boxing was fueled early on when he met athletes like Mandy Bujold, Egerton Marcus, Bill Dunlop, and his coach Gord Apolloni. Inspired by their influence, Owen aspires to represent Canada on the Olympic and international stages. Owen trains diligently at AFT Top Glove Academy in Brantford, under the watchful eye of his father, Darryl Paquette. His family's support is a pillar of his success.
Victoria Vergos - Ontario - 57kg Weight Class (Female)
Victoria Vergos, a 16-year-old amateur boxer, is preparing to represent Team Ontario and, soon, Team Canada. Victoria boasts an impressive record, including a silver medal from the 2023 Canadian Winter Games, a 2022 Provincial Golden Gloves Championship, a 2022 Brampton Cup Championship, and a 2023 Silver Medal. She has also won numerous gold medals at local Canadian tournaments and club shows. She is set to represent Team Canada at the AMBC Continental Championships in Cali, Columbia in August 2023.
Victoria's ultimate goal is to compete in the Olympics, representing not only her province but her country. She had initially pursued gymnastics, from age six up to 13, and was part of Team Canada. However, she made the transition to boxing when she realized her growing passion for the sport.
Victoria trains at the Steeltown Boxing Club under the guidance of her father, George Vergos, who is a former amateur boxer himself, and Spencer Wilcox. She appreciates the team's dedication and believes that their mutual support is crucial to their success in boxing.
Financial Support
Participation in global sports events such as the AMBC Continental Championships often comes with hefty price tags. From attending training camps to covering travel expenses and incurring various other related costs, the financial strain on athletes can be significant. Particularly for rising stars like Owen Paquette and Victoria Vergos, self-funding their journey to such an esteemed championship can be an arduous task.
Their commitment to represent Canada on the international stage is unwavering, but they need your support to alleviate the financial pressure associated with the competition. This is a unique opportunity for us all to rally behind these gifted young athletes and help them achieve their dreams. Supporting them financially means supporting the growth and future of Canadian boxing.
Both Owen and Victoria have set up GoFundMe profiles to raise funds that will help them cover their costs associated with the AMBC Continental Championships. Your contributions can make a significant difference and help them focus on what they do best - boxing. Let's champion the dreams of these young boxers together!
To donate to Owen Paquette's journey, visit his GoFundMe page here.
For supporting Victoria Vergos, you can contribute on her GoFundMe page here.
Your donations, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Let's extend our support to these promising young athletes and help them carry the Canadian flag high and proud on the international stage. Together, we can ensure a vibrant future for boxing in Canada.
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