Category: Featured Stories

Team Kingsway Boxing Makes an Impact at the 2026 Brampton Cup Tournament, Bringing Home 9 Medals and Starting Off Our Season With An Invaluable Experience.

Posted on February 11, 2026February 16, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

The Brampton Cup 2026, held from February 5 to February 8 at the Save Max Sports Centre in Brampton, Ontario, showcased incredible performances from the Kingsway Boxing Club (KBC) athletes.

The Kingsway Boxing Club delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Brampton Cup, with several boxers achieving podium standing and significant milestones.

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Team Kingsway Boxing Club brought a full contingent of competitors to the historic 43rd Brampton Cup, one of Canada’s longest-running and most competitive amateur Olympic-style boxing tournaments, held February 5–8, 2026 at the Save Max Sports Centre in Brampton, Ontario. 

This year’s Brampton Cup was more than a weekend of matches; it was measured rounds, adversity, technical growth, and performances that reflected the preparation put in long before the first bell. All 12 Team Kingsway athletes who competed — Raul Gallart Lora, Alexandra Pistiolis Marinow, Kwasi Amoateng, William Bardsley, Andrea Young, Liv Agapito, Helia Far Sepehri, Anthony Nasopoulos, Porter Bates, Quentin Snowden, Kendall Daulo, and Tala Piscitelli-Nurse — showed grit and progression that can’t be measured in medals alone. 

This tournament wasn’t about showing up. It was about answering every bell with purpose, handling adversity when it came, and making the ring a place where effort translated to results and experience.

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Medalists and Their Achievements

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Alexandra Pistiolis Marinow Brings home Gold!

Alex put on a commanding display from start to finish, delivering a truly dominant tournament performance. She outworked her opponent in the opening match and rose to the challenge in a smart-fought final against a strong competitor. Showing composure, intelligence, and adaptability, Alex adjusted seamlessly to both opponents and left no doubt about the outcome — capturing gold and cementing her legacy as a 2x Brampton Cup Champion.

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Andrea “Badass” Young Brings Home Gold!

Andrea stepped into the ring focused and composed. She earned a commanding unanimous decision over a seasoned opponent in her opener, setting a strong tone for the tournament.

In the finals, she didn’t just win, she made a statement. Dre imposed her will from the opening exchange, overwhelming her opponent and forcing a first-round stoppage. No doubts. No debate. Just pure control and a decisive finish.

“Brampton Cup has become the kickoff to a new boxing year for me. With the atmosphere buzzing, and the place filled with boxers from around the country and sometimes international guests, it’s a great tournament to get experience regardless of your level. The work our team put in was displayed by the great performances from everyone. I’m pleased to see my own results, once again showing the dedication of the team behind me. A great start to the 2026 season.”

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Kwasi “The Prince of Darkness” Amoateng, Brings Home Gold

Kwasi captured gold with a composed yet explosive performance. In his opener, he faced a familiar rival and battled to a hard-earned split decision, showing grit and poise under pressure.

In the finals, he raised the intensity. Kwasi went to work early, investing heavily to the body and systematically breaking his opponent down. By the third round, the damage had added up — he closed the show with a stoppage. A smart, disciplined, and powerful campaign that earned him his second Brampton Cup Championship.

“Grateful for the opportunity to step in and compete. Nothing in this sport is given. Thankful to my coaches and sparring partners for the time, guidance, and pressure that helped me grow and sharpen my skills.

Every round was earned through discipline and quiet preparation. I’m grateful to see the hard work carry into the ring and translate when it mattered.”

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Liv Agapito Brings Home Silver

Liv Agapito made her debut in unforgettable fashion. From the opening bell, she came out firing — full throttle, fearless, and immediately putting her opponent on the back foot.

The pace took its toll in round two, but Liv refused to fade. She dug deep, pushed through the fatigue, and found another gear when it mattered most. In the final round, she emptied the tank and left everything in the ring.

A split decision on the scorecards, but a statement performance in her very first bout. Can’t wait to see your growth!

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William “The Butcher” Bardsley Brings Home Bronze

William handled business in the quarterfinals, earning a strong win over a tough opponent from British Columbia.

In the semifinals, he put on a composed, commanding performance — controlling the exchanges, dictating the pace, and clearly taking the fight to his opponent in every round. It was the kind of display that should have secured the decision, even if the scorecards didn’t reflect it.

No excuses, no setbacks — just fuel for the fire. William showed exactly who he is, and this experience will only sharpen him. Big things are ahead in the coming year.

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Raul Gallart Lora Brings Home Bronze

Raul’s opening bout fell through with a last-minute opponent withdrawal. On his semi-final bout, he stayed sharp, composed, and pushing the pace from start to finish. The decision didn’t go his way, but he made the rounds count. Momentum builds from here with Open Class right around the corner.

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Helia Far Sepehri Brings Home Bronze

Helia made her Team KBC debut and proved she belonged in the ring — sharp in the first round, composed under pressure, and committed from start to finish. The decision didn’t go her way, but her performance spoke volumes. We couldn’t be more proud. She has the goods, and this is just the start of her journey.

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Porter Bates Brings Home Bronze

Porter stepped in for his second bout and showed maturity beyond his years, making smart adjustments to his opponent in a tight, hard-fought match. We thought he had it, but the split decision went the other way. Tough result, strong performance. Porter keeps growing every time he steps between the ropes, and it shows. Stay at it, kid. The progress is real. The results will follow.

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Anthony Nasopoulos Brings Home Bronze

Anthony faced a very tough opponent in his semi-final match. He showed heart and willingness to compete at a high level. His coach made the right call to stop the bout, prioritizing safety, however we’re proud of his courage!

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Quentin “The Beast” Snowden Battles With High-Level Opponent

Quentin Snowden dropped a razor-close split decision. His growth over the last few fights has been remarkable, and his work ethic continues to drive that progress. Next up is March 7 Fight Night at Kingsway Boxing, followed by a hopeful wildcard opportunity at Youth Nationals.

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Coach’s Reflections

“KBC came to Brampton Cup 2026 ready to work. We entered 10 boxers in tournament divisions and walked away with 9 medals. Every loss came by split decision, proof our athletes are right there, competing at the highest level and closing every gap. We’re proud of the growth in our junior, youth and elite boxer, and we can’t wait to see what this year brings them.

Add in Funbox divisions and female sparring, and we had 25 athletes stepping through the ropes all weekend. This is what growth looks like. Respect to every boxer who showed up and represented Team KBC.”

~ Virgil Barrow | KBC Head Coach

“The Brampton Cup has always held a special place for me. While I’m often overseas working at the highest levels of Olympic-style boxing, being back here in my home province, at a grassroots tournament like this, is inspiring. Watching these athletes take their early steps in the sport reminds me why I started. The same values we see on the world stage… discipline, resilience, respect are built right here. It’s a privilege to support the next generation, and be part of their journey.”

~ Jennifer Huggins | World Boxing Official, Kingsway Boxing Club

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The weekend also featured Fun Box bouts and female sparring — refereed by our own Jennifer Huggins, who is typically overseas working Olympic qualifying events.

Three gold. One silver. Five bronze.

More importantly: growth across the board, lessons absorbed, and a team moving forward together.

This is Team Kingsway.

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[Toronto Star Feature] A Program Geared Towards Fight Back Against Parkinson’s

Posted on February 10, 2026February 17, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

This Toronto man was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. How a surprising routine is helping him fight back

Mike Loghrin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 12 years ago and said that after his sessions at Kingsway Boxing, which he started in January, he feels “energized.”Lance McMillan/Toronto Star

View Original Article via The Star | By Daysha Loppie Staff Reporter | Visual Content: Lance McMillan/Toronto Star

People with Parkinson’s are finding strength, energy and connection at this Etobicoke boxing club’s specialized program that began in January.

Mike Loghrin’s grey hair is plastered to his forehead with sweat, as he sports a navy blue T-shirt that reads “It’s so weird being the same age as old people.” He picks up the thick black battle ropes anchored to the gym wall, each weighing about 22 kilograms, and for 15 amazing seconds, he lifts and slams them in rhythmic waves against the floor.

 

“Physical activity is truly one of the best ways we can deal with Parkinson’s,” he said. “We can get medication from our doctors, and then you’ve got to get into a gym or whatever keeps you moving. You need that.”

Jennifer Huggins, the club’s owner and creator of the program, said the isometric exercises — holding a muscle without moving the joint — help build strength and stability to support everyday movement.

What research says about exercise and Parkinson’s

Recent Canadian research highlights the importance of early intervention and exercise alongside medical care for people with Parkinson’s.

“The best exercise is the one that you actually do, that you do consistently.” said Dr. Eliza Freitas, a neurologist at Baycrest Hospital, specializing in movement disorders like Parkinson’s. “Consistency is the one variable that matters long term.”

Freitas said specialized boxing programs have been around for a while across the GTA. Boxing incorporates cardio and aerobic exercises, which studies have shown can slow disease progression by reducing inflammation in the brain triggered by Parkinson’s. People with Parkinson’s do non-contact boxing, using pad work and bag work under supervision, with no sparring or head contact.

“It’s very important to start exercising as soon as you have the diagnosis,” said Freitas.

More than 110,000 Canadians are living with Parkinson’s, a number expected to rise to about 150,000 by 2034, according to Parkinson’s Canada.

“I lost my grandfather to Parkinson’s,” said Huggins. He was diagnosed with the disease after head trauma from a motorcycle accident. Huggins never got to meet her grandfather before he died.

Research shows that in Canadian African and Caribbean communities, health challenges are sometimes kept private to protect family reputation and show strength.

“Parkinson’s should be something we are very aware of, educated about and know what to do,” said Huggins. That belief prompted her to start the program after people asked for it.

What a training session looks like

Huggins first started her gym above a hair salon in Etobicoke’s Royal York area 20 years ago. It has moved several times and along the way has attracted many participants with Parkinson’s, like Lloyd Taylor.

“I met him 15 years ago and he was just coming to us for the sport of boxing,” said Huggins.

Taylor now participates in StrikeBack. “It’s only a few weeks old, but already people are signing up,” he said.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, sessions, led by Huggins with support from Patricia Else and Rob Gorican, begin with power moves. Then they move into conditioning like planks, burpees and battle ropes, and then some weight work.

“Then we put the gloves on, which is the exciting part,” said Taylor.

“You’re dripping with sweat, you are getting a great physical workout. But the mind is working the whole time.”

When Taylor was diagnosed five years ago, he said he and his wife, Jane, agreed not to tell anyone. “Thankfully, my wife can’t keep a secret.”

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2026 Starts Now — Winter Programs Open at Kingsway Boxing Club

Posted on January 9, 2026February 26, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

As we mark 20 meaningful years at Kingsway Boxing, we’re filled with gratitude for the community, commitment, and support that brought us here. Full Update

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💪 SPECIALTY CAMPS & WORKSHOPS

🥊 KBC FEATURES TO HELP YOU GET STARTED!

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📅 UPCOMING EVENTS & SCHEDULE UPDATES

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📰 KBC NEWS & UPDATES!

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That support was felt on the national stage this past week. Team Kingsway represented both our club and our province with pride at the 2025 Elite Nationals, demonstrating not only competitive excellence but the resilience, professionalism, and integrity we strive to instill in every athlete. As our program continues to grow, we’re humbled to see Kingsway boxers earning recognition nationally and internationally—proof of what a dedicated community can build together.

Your contributions ensured Andrea, Kwasi, and Coach Virgil Barrow were fully supported throughout the week in Winnipeg, allowing them to stay focused on their performances and development.

Stay tuned—we’ll be sending a personal thank you and full update to each of our donors, sharing more about this journey and where 2026 and beyond will take this team.

Thank you for being part of this story, and for helping shape the next generation of Kingsway athletes. The momentum is real, and because of you, it’s only growing.

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

Posted on July 20, 2025July 30, 2025 by KBC Admin

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

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

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.

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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.

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COACHES REFLECTIONS

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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!“

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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.

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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.”

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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!”

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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.

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

JOIN TEAM KBC | SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Join Us in Supporting a Future Champions

Boxing may be a solo sport in the ring—but no one gets there alone.

Our team is proud to stand behind one of our most dedicated athletes as they transition from a successful high-level soccer career into the world of competitive boxing. With proven work ethic, discipline, and elite athletic ability, this athlete is ready to take on the challenge of representing our province—and ultimately, our country.

As a team, we’re rallying support to help cover the financial demands of training and competition. Your sponsorship or contribution will directly support the essentials that keep this athlete sharp and fight-ready:

• Training camp and competition fees
• Equipment (gloves, wraps, headgear, shoes, etc.)
• Travel and lodging for tournaments
• Nutrition and recovery support

This journey will take a community—and we’d love to have you in our corner.

If you’re able to support or connect us with someone who can, please reach Email Now. Together, we can help build something extraordinary.

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KINGSWAY BOXING FIGHT NIGHT VOL. 2 PHOTO ALBUM: Images Courtesy of Rebecca Freeman

KINGSWAY BOXING FIGHT NIGHT VOL. 2 PHOTO ALBUM: Images Courtesy of @thelayzeephotographer

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🎥 ASCENSION: The Story Of Kingsway Boxing | Featuring Jennifer Huggins

Posted on December 20, 2022September 2, 2024 by Jennifer Huggins

Ascension is a short film focused on International Boxing Offical, Gym Owner and Fight To End Cancer Founder, Jennifer Huggins. The feature takes a look how her gym and community engagement has had an impact that goes far beyond the sport of boxing.

ACT 1: THE SWEET SCIENCE: A look into boxing for what it truly is. A sport. An art form and the sweet science.

ACT 2: THE STORY OF KINGSWAY BOXING: The formation and rise of Kingsway Boxing and Jennifer Huggins.

ACT 3: THE FIGHT TO END CANCER: The inspiration and creation behind the life-changing “Fight to End Cancer” charity.

ACT 4: THE COMMUNITY: A look into the community that Kingsway and Jen have built and inspired.

ACT 5: THE FUTURE: After accomplishing so much already, what’s next for Jen and Kingsway?

“The eight of us were tasked with doing a final culminating project for school. However, once we began production on this documentary, it became apparent that we wanted to do something more than just a school project. We wanted to make something that would resonate with the audience and tell the amazing story of Kingsway Boxing and Jen Huggins.”

~ Pound 4 Pound Team

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About Pound 4 Pound Production

Over the last three months, the group that makes up Pound For Pound Productions has worked tirelessly on this documentary. There were many long nights and early mornings. However, their hard work was rewarded with a meaningful and passionate final product. The team put their heart and soul into creating this documentary, as this story deserved to be told. Pound 4 Pound Production comprises eight fourth-year RTA Sport Media students who were asked to participate in a university practicum project to demonstrate the skills they have learned in their three years. The crew consisted of David D’Amico, Frankie Iantorno, Cristian Sturino, Andriejus Simkus-Sukauskas, Marc Vicioso, Mitchell Cairns, Ben Botelho and Nicolas Ambrosio. 

The production team decided that a documentary would best fit for presenting the skills they had learned. From there, they decided to use boxing as the highlight of the documentary, as it is a sport that displays the skill, dedication and competitiveness of its fighters. At the same time, it had also become increasingly popular. One of the group members, Mitchell Cairns, who had been part of the Kingsway Boxing Club for four years, spoke about how incredible the gym and community were at KBC. From there, after interviewing Jennifer Huggins, the team decided to centre the documentary around Jennifer and how her boxing gym and community have had an impact on her that goes beyond the sport. However, once they began production on this documentary, it became apparent that they wanted to do something more than just a school project. They wanted to make something that would resonate with the audience and tell the incredible story of Kingsway Boxing and Jennifer Huggins.

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