Team KBC Highlights from The Brampton Cup
Posted onTeam KBC brought a contingent of 12 youth and elite boxers to showcase their skills at the historic Brampton Cup Tournament last weekend.
We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support from our community as our boxers prepared to enter the ring! In addition to our dedicated fighters, our coaches traveled across the province to arrange sparring sessions for the team as they honed their skills for the first tournament of 2024. With the entire team putting in hard work and excitement building up, the action commenced on Thursday, February 1st, with scheduled competitions highlighting our boxers alongside talented athletes from around the world.
The recent Brampton Cup boxing tournament witnessed a display of skill, determination, and heart as athletes from various backgrounds showcased their skill in the ring. Among the standout performers from Team KBC were: Erick Medina, Quentin Snowden, Wesley Snowden, Corson McDonald, Carson Blake, Kwasi Amoateng, Kevin Phan, Noel Fridmann, Saeed Haje-saeed, Colin Brown, Moises Cassanova and Jamal Henry.
Day 1 Recap:
In the first session, Carson Blake and Erick Medina made their debut with impressive performances against formidable opponents. Both secured unanimous wins, advancing them to the next round of competition. Corson Mcdonald also emerged victorious in his 9th bout, securing a unanimous win and securing his spot in the finals. Despite facing his toughest opponent yet, Noel Fridmann fought a strategic bout, gaining invaluable experience despite not clinching the win. This serves as valuable preparation as he gears up for the nationals next month in Calgary.
Day 2 Recap
In the second session, the team’s performance was mixed, with a record of 1-3. Kevin Phan and Wesley Snowden engaged in closely contested matches but unfortunately didn’t secure the victories. Notably, Saeed Hadje-Saeed faced a tough opponent from the UK national team, boasting four times his experience, providing invaluable preparation as he gears up for a shot at a national title next month at the Canada Cup.
Despite the challenges, the team demonstrated resilience, seizing the opportunity to learn and grow. The sole triumph of the session came from Quentin Snowden, who delivered a third-round stoppage. His impressive victory propels him into the finals, marking a significant achievement for the team.
The third session yielded an impressive 5-1 record, including a Gold medal win in the finals. Erick Medina showcased his skills with a second-round stoppage victory. Corson McDonald claimed the title of 2X Brampton Cup champion. Despite coming up short, Carson Blake demonstrated relentless determination throughout his match. Colin Brown secured a gutsy victory, propelling him to the finals. Jamal Henry delivered a solid performance, earning his spot in the finals. Kwasi secured a decisive first-round stoppage, showcasing his prowess in the ring.
Day 3 Recap
Corson McDonald’s stellar performance earned him another gold medal, solidifying his status as a two-time Brampton Cup champion. Meanwhile, Jamal Henry also clinched gold for the second time, further establishing his dominance in the ring.
Kwasi’s journey to the finals was nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing a formidable opponent, he displayed remarkable resilience and courage, ultimately securing a silver medal in a hard-fought battle.
Colin Brown, the eldest athlete in the competition, proved that age is no barrier to success. His silver medal win was a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Erick Medina, making his debut in the tournament, impressed with a semifinal stoppage and a valiant effort in the finals, earning him a silver medal.
Moises Cassanova’s skills were evident throughout the tournament, although he narrowly missed the opportunity to showcase them in the finals, settling for a silver medal.
Lastly, Quentin Snowden’s remarkable performance highlighted his potential as a rising star in the boxing world. With a victory over a more experienced opponent in the semifinals and a stellar performance in the finals, he emerged victorious with a well-deserved gold medal.
The Brampton Cup provided a platform for these athletes to demonstrate their talent and dedication to the sport, leaving spectators in awe of their exceptional performances and eagerly anticipating their future endeavours in the ring.
Special Shout Out:
A special acknowledgment goes out to the following team members who dedicated themselves to preparation, although circumstances prevented them from stepping into the ring.:
- William Bardsley works through an injury as he gears up for his chance to compete for a spot on the Australian National Team and pursue his journey to LA2028.
- Shireen Fabing, our dedicated Masters Class Open fighter, always remains prepared to face any competition, despite the challenges of finding opponents who match her level of experience.
- Henri Zekan, who was prepared and ready for the match, unfortunately fell ill to the flu just days before the tournament commenced.
- Julia Howe was poised to step into the ring for her third bout. However, prioritizing her education, she made the wise decision to put school first, ultimately opting to step aside for this competition.