Knockout Success: Future Champs Emerge from the Kingsway Boxing Youth Development Camp!

Transforming Passion into Power: 15 Young Athletes Discover New Strength at Kingsway Boxing Youth Development Camp

This summer, the Kingsway Boxing Youth Development Camp was a transformative experience for 15 young athletes, ages 12 to 17. Over just five days, these future champions developed into skilled, technical boxers, impressing everyone with their dedication and passion for the sport.

In addition to the rigorous training sessions led by Boxing Ontario Nationally Certified Coaches and Officials, the camp was enhanced by special guest appearances. Mindset coach and yogi Katerina Muchnik shared invaluable techniques to help the kids not only cope inside the ring but also manage anxiety and nerves in everyday life. Her sessions offered the young boxers practical tools to stay calm and focused under pressure.

Coach Daniel Allen led the team through an intensive strength and conditioning day, specifically tailored for boxing and cross-training. His expertise helped the participants build the physical endurance and strength needed for success in the ring.

Photos provided by Rebecca Freeman (article continues below photos)

The camp also featured an inspiring visit from professional boxer Sara Haghighat-Joo. With an impressive record as a WBA Lightweight World Champion, a 4-0 professional career, 140 amateur fights, and titles including 5x Canadian National Champion and 2x Irish National Champion, Sara’s journey resonated deeply with the campers. She started boxing at 16, and her story of perseverance and achievement served as a powerful motivation for the young athletes.

For some, this camp was just the beginning, as several participants are now moving on to join our competitive program. Others will continue refining their skills in our youth technical program. No matter their path, each of these young athletes leaves the camp with a strong foundation in boxing and a renewed sense of confidence.

The Kingsway Boxing Youth Development Camp was designed for youth of all genders and fitness levels, providing a safe, effective, and exciting environment to learn, improve, or test their skills as Olympic-style boxers. Whether they were recreational sports enthusiasts or aspiring competitive boxers, this camp offered an unparalleled opportunity to take their boxing skills to the next level.

Development camp participants were presented with their official certificates by the team of coaches following the 5-day intensive camp.

We’re incredibly proud of the progress these young athletes have made and can’t wait to see where their boxing journeys take them next. The future looks bright for these future champs!

The camp was run by international Olympic-level official Jennifer Huggins and Head Coach Virgil Barrow, who earlier this year led Team Ontario to the Youth Nationals in Calgary. Together, this dynamic duo provided a safe and inspiring environment for the youth to explore a sport they both love.

A special thank you to Coach Colin Brown, who generously volunteered his week to work with the team. We are also incredibly grateful to Acacia Fabing, a competitive boxer at just 12 years old, who assisted the coaching team and ensured all participants felt safe and supported in the ring. Coach Shireen Fabing dedicated multiple days to coaching the camp in between her early hours with our regular programs at the gym. Additionally, a shout-out to our competitive team members Will Bardsley, Erick Medina, and Christian Desautels, who spent their entire Friday helping with the camp finale simulation bouts.

Future camps will be announced for the fall and winter seasons.

---