[POST-EVENT RELEASE] KINGSWAY BOXING FIGHT NIGHT VOL. 2: THIS ONE HIT DIFFERENT

Posted on July 20, 2025July 21, 2025

Photo Credits: Lino Ragno, Zardasht Abdulkhalegh, Rebecca Freeman, Melanie Muto

Fight Night Vol. 2: A Celebration of Courage, Community, and Competition.

On Saturday, July 12, the gloves were laced, the lights were bright, and the energy was electric as Fight Night Vol. 2 lit up Toronto’s West End, turning up the intensity and raising the bar for what a community-driven boxing event can be.

What unfolded on Saturday wasn’t just a night of boxing, it was a showcase of spirit and resilience. Eleven action-packed bouts brought together rising stars, seasoned fighters, and even elite athletes from the Canadian National Team. Each match told a different story of perseverance and grit, as athletes gave everything they had, round after round.

The house was full, the crowd was loud, and the support was overwhelming. Kingsway Boxing Club was proud to stand at the center of it all, especially with six of our own Fight Team members stepping into the ring. These warriors brought not just power and precision, but also heart, humility, and an unshakable sense of team pride. Whether it was their first time under the lights or another notch in their competitive belts, each fighter made their mark.

While Kwasi Amoateng was sidelined due to injury, his energy and support were still felt ringside. We know he’ll be back better and stronger for Fight Night Vol. 3. We’re also incredibly grateful to our friends at Delgado’s Boxing for stepping in with a last-minute replacement, helping ensure the show and the spirit of competition carried on.

Fight Night Vol. 2 wasn’t simply a continuation, it was an evolution. From the first bell to the final cheer, the night reminded us all why we fight: for growth, for each other, and for the love of the sport… And this is just the beginning.

FIGHTER FEATURES

Porter Bates

At just 14 years old, Porter Bates stepped into the ring for his debut bout, and he didn’t make it easy on himself. After a tough start that included an early 8-count, Porter did what true fighters do: he dug deep, stayed composed, and fought his way back into the match. What followed was a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle that ended in a close split decision.

Though the result didn’t land in our favour this time, Porter proved exactly why he belongs in this sport. His heart, discipline, and composure under pressure were nothing short of impressive. A dedicated young athlete with a bright future, Porter is already back to work, and we can’t wait to see him in action again soon.

Carson Blake

On fight night, Carson Blake faced more than just an opponent in the ring—he faced the weight of everything he’s been carrying outside of it. From the moment he stepped through those ropes, it was clear that this bout was about something much bigger than the outcome on the scorecard.

Carson is as tough as they come, and his courage to show up and fight—despite life’s challenges—speaks volumes about his character. It’s never easy to step into the ring when you’re already battling outside of it, but Carson did just that. And while the result wasn’t the focus, his strength and heart were undeniable.

He’s on a journey that extends far beyond boxing, and we’re proud to stand with him—both in and out of the ring.

Markell Lee

Markell Lee stepped into the ring for his second amateur bout with something to prove. After a tough debut loss, he carried the pressure of not wanting to go 0-2, and that weight was felt as he prepared for this challenge.

Facing a taller, rangier opponent, Markell stayed composed and fought with heart. He battled through all three rounds, showing growth, focus, and resilience. In a close match, he edged out a 2-1 split decision victory—an important milestone in his young career.

Markell’s dedication to this fight speaks volumes about his work ethic and potential. We’re proud of his progress and excited to see what comes next.

Alexandra Pistiolis Marinow

Alexandra Pistiolis Marinow is a force in the ring. Stepping in for her fifth amateur bout, she showed exactly why she’s one to watch. Facing a tough, forward-moving opponent, Alex stayed composed, picked her shots, and made smart adjustments that earned her a dominant 3-0 decision victory.

Her power is undeniable. Her combinations are sharp. And her growth as a boxer continues to impress. What makes Alexandra’s journey even more special is the blend of her Muay Thai roots and evolving boxing skillset—a combination she’s refining alongside her coach, badass, and momma from Hook Up Muay Thai.

The collaboration between our two gyms has created something rare and powerful. Watching Alex develop as an athlete through this shared vision has been nothing short of inspiring. For her, it’s not just about wins—it’s about experience, growth, and continuing to rise.

William Bardsley

Will Bardsley, known around the gym as “The Butcher,” stepped into the ring on Saturday in a brand-new weight class. As he continues to grow and mature, Will has officially outgrown his previous division—marking a new chapter in his boxing journey.

In the opening round, Will controlled the distance and used his boxing skills to keep his opponent at bay. By the second round, the size and weight advantage of his opponent began to show on the inside. The third round was tight, with Will starting strong, but his opponent’s pressure edged out a few key exchanges and ultimately took the win.

Despite the result, Will’s commitment to the sport speaks for itself. This bout was another step in his development, and learning to navigate the challenges of a new weight class will be the focus moving forward. We know he’ll be back in the ring, stronger and smarter, ready for the next test.

Andrea Young

Andrea Young didn’t just step into the main event, she owned it. Originally scheduled for the co-main, Dre embraced the moment and lit up the crowd with her slick punch selection, smooth movement, and undeniable presence. This Trini gyal had the audience ooo’ing and ahhh’ing from the opening bell.

Her opponent was a tough fighter from a highly respected gym, but Andrea showed exactly why she’s a force in the ring. She stayed composed, executed her game plan, and walked away with a unanimous decision victory.

It’s been a standout year for Andrea, with gold medals from two major Canadian tournaments already under her belt. Next up, she travels to Michigan for her next challenge. The journey continues, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Kwasi Amoateng

Kwasi Amoateng, the Prince of Darkness, was set to close out the night in the main event. But as fight week unfolded, a minor shoulder discomfort turned into something that rest alone couldn’t resolve. With his health as the priority, the tough call was made to withdraw him from competition.

Kwasi is no stranger to discipline. He’s always taken care of his body, and this moment is no exception. With a little more rest and some focused physio, we’re confident he’ll recover quickly and come back stronger than ever.

We missed seeing him in the ring this time, but his return is already something to look forward to.

ANNOUNCING: FIGHT NIGHT VOL. 3

Following the incredible success of our first two events, we’re excited to share that Fight Night Vol. 3 is officially on the way. Get ready for another unforgettable night of action. Advance tickets are now available—secure yours at the link below!

Buy Tickets Now

COACHES REFLECTIONS

Virgil Barrow | Kingsway Boxing Club Head Coach, Boxing Ontario Provincial Coaching Team

“Fight Night Vol. 2 took things to another level. The gym was packed with and the energy was electric from start to finish. Our athletes stepped up big time, showcasing the hard work and heart they put in every single day. These matchups weren’t easy—our fighters were tested by some of the best talents around, and that’s exactly what this is about. Growth. Challenge. Experience.

A massive thank you to all the clubs that came through ready to compete—boxers on weight, paperwork tight, and corners sharp. Shout-out to Stockyards Boxing, Siberia Boxing, Nappers Boxing, Bland’s Boxing, Toronto Boxing Academy, Dog Pound, Kingston Youth, West End Athletics, Destiny Boxing, and Delgado/Battle Arts. Your commitment helped make this night another huge success.”

KBC Fight Night Vol. 3 will be announced for mid-December. See you there!“

Jennifer Huggins | Kingsway Boxing Club Owner, World Boxing International Official

Boxing has taken me around the world, but it’s the work at home—the grassroots, the community, the day-to-day hustle, that truly fuels my passion. After two decades of building Kingsway Boxing, weathering everything from the 2008 recession to the pandemic, a major relocation, and now the opening of our nearly 8,000 square foot facility, this Fight Night was more than just another event. It was a full-circle moment.

Our motto, ‘Defeat Is Not An Option,’ has carried us through every challenge, and on nights like this, it resonates more than ever. Watching our athletes step into the ring and our team rise to the occasion reminded me just how far we’ve come, and why we keep fighting. As we continue advocating for the future of boxing on the international stage, it’s these grassroots moments that prove how vital this sport is in shaping lives and creating opportunities.

Geoff Britnell | Kingsway Boxing Team Coach

“Our fighters fed off the energy in the room. The heat, the crowd, the atmosphere—all of it added to the moment. The support was incredible and helped fuel some truly impressive performances. Despite the tough conditions and strong competition, our athletes stepped up and delivered. These are the kinds of experiences they will grow from and carry into future bouts.”

TJ Mosher | Kingsway Boxing Team Coach

“Thanks to our KBC family, the energy in the gym was unlike any other club show. Win or lose, KBC fighters continue to perform at a high level and represent the club with pride. and we can’t wait for Volume 3!”

Thank you for being part of the journey as our Fight Night legacy continues to grow. The energy and support from our Kingsway Boxing community are more powerful than ever, and we’re excited to have you in our corner. Stay connected for upcoming fighter announcements and opportunities to get involved — the bell may have rung on Vol. 2, but this fight is far from over.

Thank you to our Official Strength & Conditioning Team

Special shoutout to Jose Lima for dedicating weekly sessions with our Competitive team, ensuring they’re strong both physically and mentally for the ring! A huge thank you to Paul McIntyre for your incredible support of Team KBC. Check Out Crossfit Colosseum

Thank you to our sponsors who help power our team year-round!