Category: Featured Stories

Team Kingsway Boxing Makes History at Athena’s Reign, Bringing Home Two Gold Medals

Posted on June 22, 2026June 27, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

In a fitting reflection of the tournament’s purpose, Kingsway Boxing was represented by two championship athletes in the ring. For Team KBC, the weekend reflected the values that continue to drive our competitive program: hard work, preparation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence both inside and outside the ring.

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KINGSWAY BOXING FIGHTER FEATURES

Each athlete’s journey through the tournament was unique, but every competitor represented Kingsway Boxing Club with pride, demonstrating the growth that comes from embracing challenges and competing against strong opposition.

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Over the past seven weeks, Andrea stepped into the ring seven times, gaining valuable experience and continuing to develop with every bout.

This past weekend, she competed at the inaugural Athena’s Reign Female Tournament, where she put together her most impressive performance to date. 

In the semifinals, Andrea faced a tall, lengthy opponent. Applying relentless smart pressure from the opening bell, she broke her opponent down and forced a stoppage in the second round when the opposing coach threw in the towel.

Three words can sum up the weekend; Preparation, Trust, and Growth. 

This tournament was an exciting one! Trusting the training and my abilities allowed me to perform at my best, showcasing the hard work we’ve been putting in; and achieve the results we were working toward. I’m proud of the performance and the outcome though still finding room for improvement as we continue the journey. 

~ Andrea Young

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“Success isn’t just measured by medals—it’s measured by the lessons learned, the challenges accepted, and the progress made along the way.

Both Andrea and Alexandra embodied that mindset throughout the tournament. They stepped into the ring prepared to compete, embrace adversity, and showcase the hard work they’ve put in day after day. Their performances reflected not only their skill and determination, but also their commitment to continuous improvement as athletes.

Congratulations to both athletes on outstanding performances and well-deserved gold medals. The hardware is great, but the development, confidence, and experience gained are what will continue to drive future success.“

~ Virgil Barrow | Head Coach, Kingsway Boxing Club

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Looking Ahead

A Historic Weekend for Women’s Boxing

While the medals are worth celebrating, the significance of Athena’s Reign extends far beyond the podium.

The tournament demonstrated the remarkable growth of women’s boxing in Ontario and created an environment where athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers could come together to celebrate and advance the sport. Athena’s Reign served as a powerful reminder of how far the sport has come and the opportunities that continue to be created for the next generation of female boxers.

For Kingsway Boxing Club, bringing home two gold medals while contributing to the success of a landmark event made for a weekend that will not soon be forgotten.

Congratulations to Andrea Young and Alexandra Pistiolis Marinow on their championship performances, and congratulations to everyone who helped make Athena’s Reign a historic success.

The future of women’s boxing is bright, and Team Kingsway Boxing is proud to be part of its continued growth.

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ANNOUNCING: FIGHT NIGHT VOL. 4

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JOIN TEAM KBC | SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Because behind every successful athlete is a community that believes in them.

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As Team Kingsway Boxing continues to grow, so does the community that stands behind it. We are incredibly grateful to our members, families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who make these opportunities possible for our athletes.

Every achievement in the ring is backed by a team of people in the corner, and your support continues to fuel the journey.

Stay connected for upcoming fighter announcements, event updates, and opportunities to be part of the next chapter as we continue building champions and growing the legacy of Team Kingsway Boxing.

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

Join Us in Supporting 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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Team Kingsway Boxing Builds Momentum in Quebec, Bringing Home Medals and Setting the Stage for Provincial and National Championships

Posted on June 17, 2026June 22, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

The results reflected not only the work put in during training camp but also the commitment our athletes have shown throughout the season. Team Kingsway Boxing returned home with two gold medals, two silver medals, and valuable experience that will help shape the remainder of the year.

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KINGSWAY BOXING FIGHTER FEATURES

Each athlete’s path through the tournament was unique, but every competitor represented Kingsway Boxing with pride, demonstrating the growth that comes from stepping into challenging environments and competing against strong opposition.

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William “The Butcher” Bardsley Strikes Gold

William Bardsley put together one of the most impressive performances of the tournament, capturing gold after winning three consecutive bouts.

With each fight, Bardsley showed noticeable improvements, building momentum throughout the weekend and finishing with a dominant second-round stoppage in the championship bout.

His performance reflected years of hard work and development and demonstrated the confidence and composure that continue to emerge in his boxing.

“It’s great to see all the hard work, dedication, and discipline pay off in the ring over the weekend, and I was really glad to be able to showcase my improvements in my boxing which I’ve been working super hard on improving over the last years. I’m grateful for my team and family for the continuous support and learning experiences and I can’t wait for the next tournaments and fights to come to show even more improvements and development.”

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Andrea “Badazz” Young Continues Her Winning Ways

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Quentin Snowden Earns Silver and Valuable Experience

For Quentin Snowden, the Quebec Open represented another important step in his development as a boxer.

After receiving a no-show in the opening round, Snowden advanced directly to the semifinals. Following a difficult first round, he made the necessary adjustments, battled back, and earned a hard-fought victory to secure his place in the finals.

In the championship bout, he faced a strong opponent and competed with determination from start to finish. While the result wasn’t what he had hoped for, the experience gained throughout the tournament will prove invaluable moving forward.

Snowden leaves Quebec with a silver medal and, more importantly, a deeper understanding of what is required to compete at the next level.

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Raul Gallart Lora Shows He Belongs in the Open Division

Competing in his first Open Class tournament, Raul Gallart Lora demonstrated exactly why the future is bright.

Following a bye into the semifinals, Raul came out aggressively, set a relentless pace, and earned the victory to advance to the championship bout.

The final proved to be a competitive back-and-forth contest against a skilled opponent. Although the decision did not fall in his favour, Raul showed tremendous heart, toughness, and maturity throughout the weekend.

No excuses. No regrets. Just growth.

The experience gained competing at the Open level will serve as an important building block as he continues his development.

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Looking Ahead

The Quebec Open was another important milestone for Team Kingsway Boxing as we continue building toward the second half of the 2026 season.

With two gold medals, two silver medals, and numerous lessons learned, our athletes leave Quebec with confidence, motivation, and a clearer understanding of the adjustments required to reach the next level.

The work continues.

Provincial championships, national championships, and future international opportunities remain firmly in our sights, and this weekend’s performances demonstrated that Team Kingsway Boxing is moving in the right direction.

Congratulations to William Bardsley, Andrea Young, Quentin Snowden, and Raul Gallart Lora for proudly representing Kingsway Boxing Club.

The medals are earned. The experience is gained.

Now it’s time to get back to work.

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ANNOUNCING: FIGHT NIGHT VOL. 4

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JOIN TEAM KBC | SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Because behind every successful athlete is a community that believes in them.

---

---

As Team Kingsway Boxing continues to grow, so does the community that stands behind it. We are incredibly grateful to our members, families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who make these opportunities possible for our athletes.

Every achievement in the ring is backed by a team of people in the corner, and your support continues to fuel the journey.

Stay connected for upcoming fighter announcements, event updates, and opportunities to be part of the next chapter as we continue building champions and growing the legacy of Team Kingsway Boxing.

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

Join Us in Supporting 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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May 2026 at Kingsway Boxing Club: Updates & Registration

Posted on May 4, 2026May 13, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

Our exciting Summer Specials & Events are here to help you crush your fitness goals and elevate your training—all while connecting with an incredible community! From fun, all-ages events to high-energy classes, there’s something for everyone.

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

[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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🎥 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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