Category: Featured Stories

Winter 2026 at Kingsway Boxing Club: Updates & Registrations

Posted on December 18, 2025December 21, 2025 by Jennifer Huggins

It’s been an incredibly busy and meaningful few weeks at Kingsway Boxing, and we’re excited to share a full update with all of you. 

This is one of the first major updates since our rebuild efforts over the past few months, and we want to begin with the most important message:

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

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📆 Holiday Day Schedule – Dec. 24 – Jan. 4

We’re open every day throughout the holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s Day, with a special holiday schedule in effect.

• Various class cancellations–Book classes/open gym via app: Download Now: Apple or Android
• Personal Training: confirm with your coach
• Regular Schedule Resumes Monday Jan. 5

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🥊 NEW CLASSES ADDED! Drop-In Classes are offered every day of the week at our high performance training facility!

From Junior, Youth and Adult Boxing Classes to Yoga, Kickboxing, Contrast Therapy, Nutrition, and a Free Fundamental Class every Saturday for all levels, we’ve got it all!

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🥊 KBC FEATURES TO HELP YOU GET STARTED!

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📅 UPCOMING EVENTS & SCHEDULE UPDATES

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💪 SPECIALTY WORKSHOPS

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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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Get Started TODAY: Dive into the world of Kingsway Boxing Club with our exclusive starter options:

[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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