Category: Featured Stories

One Championship Belt. Two Silver Medals. Team KBC Makes Its Mark at the King of the Jungle National Championships.

Posted on August 18, 2026August 18, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

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KINGSWAY BOXING FIGHTER FEATURES

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Quentin picked up some valuable experience in Detroit! 

With one of the lowest  number fight counts in the field, Q faced opponents with nearly double the experience. In his first bout, he battled to a close decision win, earning his spot in the finals against a hometown boxer with twice the experience.

Q found his rhythm in the opening round and controlled the action, but rounds two and three were much closer, with the judges ultimately giving the decision to his opponent.

We didn’t get the result we came for, but these two fights gave Q some valuable lessons and experience that will help prepare him for his provincial run later this year.

Proud of the growth, the composure, and the work. The journey continues. 

“First international experience starting with a win and getting the experience to fight for a belt, so happy I can travel for this sport can’t wait for bigger things”

~ Quentin Snowden

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Andrea Young is coming off an incredible 6-week stretch that included 7 fights and 2 tournaments where she brought home the gold. 

On her second trip to the U.S., Andrea was ready to go for her semifinal bout, but her opponent didn’t show. That meant straight into the finals against a tall, crafty switch-hitter from Chicago, Illinois.

Andrea embraced the challenge, battled through the adjustments, and did what all strong boxers do: find a way to win.

Another fight. Another win. Another beautiful belt.

Congratulations, Andrea!

“Nothing about this tournament went according to plan, except, thankfully, the final result. Along the way came excitement, disappointment, refocusing, preparation, and eventually throwing the plan out the window and pivoting. It was a reminder that sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t the opponent in front of you, but your ability to adapt when things don’t go as expected.

Thank God it all led us exactly where we wanted to be.”

~ Andrea Young

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We came for the challenge and to gain experience.

We came home with a belt and two hard-fought 2nd-place finishes

One of the biggest takeaways from this tournament is that each of us faced a moment where we had to overcome something. And that, in itself, made this trip a success.

Proud of this team… not just for the results, but for how they handled the adversity along the way.

The work continues.

~ Virgil Barrow | Head Coach, Kingsway Boxing Club

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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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46 Future Champs, One Unforgettable Summer: Kingsway’s Youth Camps Continue to Build Champions

Posted on August 17, 2026August 18, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

Kingsway Boxing Club’s Youth Development Camps delivered another unforgettable week of energy, learning, and growth!

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Our first guest coach of the July camp was Leda Grovestine, who introduced campers to a unique blend of Pilates and mindset coaching, equipping them with valuable tools to strengthen both their physical performance and mental resilience. Drawing on her extensive experience working with OHL teams and athletes across a variety of sports, Leda led sessions focused on Pilates-based movement, breathwork, visualization, and practical mental performance strategies to help athletes manage performance anxiety, stay composed under pressure, and compete with confidence. Her sessions emphasized movement quality, core strength, body awareness, and the powerful connection between mind and body, while equipping athletes with techniques to stay calm, focused, and resilient in challenging moments.

Through her engaging coaching style and wealth of high-performance experience, Leda provided our young boxers with skills that will benefit them not only in the ring, but in sport and throughout everyday life.

One of the most impactful additions to our camps this year has been incorporating more focus on the mental side of sport. At our August Youth Development Camp, we welcomed Yoga and Mindfulness Coach Katerina Muchnik as a special guest, introducing our young athletes to yoga, mindfulness, breathwork and recovery. Kat helped them understand that becoming a stronger athlete isn’t only about training harder… it’s also about learning to slow things down, stay present, manage pressure and allow both the body and mind to recover.

These are skills that translate directly into the boxing ring, but more importantly, far beyond it. Kat brought a completely different energy and perspective to the camp, reinforcing our goal of developing not just better boxers, but stronger, more confident and resilient young people.

Among the standout sessions was a special workshop led by Olympic pathway boxer Andrea Young, who guided July and August campers through practical boxing workouts, technical drills, and an honest discussion about the dedication, discipline, and sacrifices required to compete at the highest levels of amateur boxing. Drawing on her experience as both a national-level boxer and former Trinidad and Tobago national team soccer player, Andrea gave campers valuable insight into the mindset, resilience, and work ethic needed to pursue excellence in sport.

Photos provided by Rebecca Freeman (article continues below photos)

Strength Coach Mitchell Cairns, led the teams through an intensive strength and conditioning day, specifically tailored for boxing and cross-training. His expertise helped the participants build the physical endurance and high performance strength needed for success in and outside of the ring.

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The camp also featured an inspiring visit and training session with professional boxer Sara Bailey and professional boxing coach Stevie Bailey. Sara, a WBA Lightweight World Champion with an impressive professional record, has been a valued supporter of our youth camps for over a decade, continuing to give back to the next generation of athletes. Her journey from first stepping into a boxing gym at 16 to becoming a world champion resonated deeply with the campers and offered a powerful example of where dedication to the sport can lead.

This year, Sara was joined by Stevie Bailey, who helped lead the campers through a series of technical drills alongside her, sharing his experience, knowledge, and coaching perspective with the group. Together, Sara and Stevie worked directly with the athletes, offering individual encouragement, answering questions, and reinforcing the discipline, resilience, and consistency required to succeed both inside and outside the ring. Having them share their time and passion for boxing made the session especially memorable and left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Photos provided by Zardasht Photography (article continues below photo)

For some, this camp was just the beginning, as several participants are now moving on to join our competitive program. Others will continue refining their skills in our youth technical program. No matter their path, each of these young athletes leaves the camp with a strong foundation in boxing and a renewed sense of confidence.

The Kingsway Boxing Youth Development Camp was designed for youth of all genders and fitness levels, providing a safe, effective, and exciting environment to learn, improve, or test their skills as Olympic-style boxers. Whether they were recreational sports enthusiasts or aspiring competitive boxers, this camp offered an unparalleled opportunity to take their boxing skills to the next level.

We’re incredibly proud of the progress these young athletes have made and can’t wait to see where their boxing journeys take them next. The future looks bright for these future champs!

The camp was run by international Olympic-level official Jennifer Huggins and Head Coach Virgil Barrow, who earlier this year led Team Ontario to the Youth Nationals in Calgary. Together, this dynamic duo provided a safe and inspiring environment for the youth to explore a sport they both love.

All photos courtesy of Zardasht Photography and Rebecca Freeman. If you would like to order special prints or high res digital files, please reach out to Thelayzeephotographer@gmail.com or

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Special shout out to the dedicated individuals who made our recent camp a resounding success:

• Assistant Coaches Raul Gallart and Ethan Muia dedicated the week to coaching at camp, sharing their athleticism and boxing skills through hands-on demonstrations all week long.
• Coach Shireen Fabing: Generously supported our introduction to technical sparring day during our July Camp and throughout the August Camps, ensuring the safety and confidence of our young boxers.
• Kobe, Kendall and Kurt Daulo, Liv Agapito, Acacia Fabing, Aemon Courey, Olivia Crouse, Paul Marcial, Jacob and Rebecca De Nino who were instrumental throughout the week, partnering with campers and helping facilitate safe and effective sparring drills. Their leadership, patience, and focus on safety played a key role in creating a supportive and empowering environment for everyone involved.
• Justine Ly and Jessica Zado: Providing invaluable support throughout the week, contributing to coaching, photography, and even sparring sessions.
• Competitive Team Member Quentin: A special thank you to Quentin Snowden, who devoted his entire Thursday and Friday to assist with the camp’s strength session and finale simulation bouts.
• Rebecca Freeman and Zardasht Photography: For capturing the special moments for our campers and coaching team.

Their collective efforts and dedication significantly enriched the experience for all participants, embodying the true spirit of our boxing community.

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

Posted on February 10, 2026August 18, 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 Rigid Fighters. “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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Rigid Fighters Boxing & Strength Program: Designed to Fight Back Against Parkinson’s & Neurological Conditions

Posted on January 25, 2025September 3, 2026 by Jennifer Huggins

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The Rigid Fighters Boxing & Strength Program is a specialized fitness initiative designed to help individuals combat the challenges of Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions through the empowering discipline of boxing.

This program is tailored to support those affected by various neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and others that impact the nervous system.

According to Parkinson’s Disease Canada, “Engaging in aerobic activity, along with other activities for strength, flexibility and balance, improves Parkinson’s symptoms and sense of well-being.” This 1-hour class is designed to improve overall health, manage Parkinson’s symptoms, and enhance neurochemistry and brain plasticity. Combining strength training, yoga, and boxing, the class focuses on:

💪 Strength Training: Build muscle, balance, and coordination.

🧘🏼 Yoga: Increase flexibility, reduce rigidity, breath work and promote relaxation.

🥊 Boxing: Boost motor function, cognitive focus, and rhythm.

Key Program Features:

✅ Customized Training: Personalized exercises to accommodate different levels of ability and progression.

✅ Comprehensive Workouts: Combining boxing techniques with full-body conditioning to improve overall health and well-being.

✅ Supportive Environment: A community-driven approach fostering encouragement and camaraderie.

✅ Expert Guidance: Led by coaches trained in addressing the unique needs of those with neurological conditions.

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

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MORE ABOUT RIGID FIGHTERS (formerly StrikeBack)

Incorporating PWR! Moves, our program is built around two key components: boxing-based training and targeted neurological movement work. Together, they enhance physical fitness, coordination, balance, and strength within a structured and supportive environment.

Led by nationally certified coaches with experience in neurological conditions, the program is designed to be safe, progressive, and engaging. What sets it apart is the intentional integration of real boxing structure with evidence-based movement principles, creating a more dynamic and transferable training experience. Tailored for all fitness levels, it supports neuroplasticity, improves mobility, and enhances quality of life while building confidence through skill and community.

More About PWR!Moves®

The program contains a strength, agility and balance section led by a PWR!Moves®certified instructor.  PWR!Moves® is a research based Parkinson’s Disease specific exercise program, developed by a physiotherapist, and targets the movements that are impacted by PD such as weight shifting, stiffness and size and speed of movement.  PWR!Moves®can be done in any position including, standing, sitting and on the floor, and can be adjusted to meet each person’s individual ability. They are designed to support and build confidence in everyday movements such as walking, twisting, and reaching. You can see the movements demonstrated here: https://www.pwr4life.org/moves/

These movements are incorporated into the conditioning programming done in a group setting. The exercises are supervised, will challenge you physically and cognitively and are designed so that they can be done at a variety of levels.  PWR!Moves® fits extremely well with the technical boxing skills you will learn in the Rigid Fighters program. 

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Join Rigid Fighters today and take the first step toward a stronger, more resilient you.

Whether you are looking to maintain your fitness, improve your quality of life, or simply enjoy a new challenge, our program is designed to help you fight back and thrive.

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📅 RIGID FIGHTERS PROGRAM OPTIONS

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📆 Private and group training options available. To start a small group, a minimum of 3 participants is required.

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MEET THE RIGID FIGHTERS COACHING TEAM

Jennifer’s broader career includes leading Kingsway Boxing Club, involvement at national and international levels of Olympic-style boxing, and founding initiatives that use sport to create positive community impact. Through Rigid Fighters, she continues that mission, helping participants use fitness and strategy to confront physical challenges with strength and resilience.

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Yoga brings both physical and mental challenge to any program, inviting us to tune into how we feel in movement and in stillness. Meditation and mindfulness are also essential tools for reducing anxiety and supporting emotional well-being.Parkinson’s work is especially meaningful to me, as it has impacted close friends and may affect any of us — Parkinson’s is currently the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world according to Parkinson’s Canada.

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Beyond the physical training, Rob is committed to the community at the heart of Rigid Fighters. He works closely with participants and the coaching team to ensure the program remains welcoming, adaptable, and focused on helping every member challenge themselves at their own level.

For Rob, Rigid Fighters is about more than boxing—it’s about keeping people moving, connected, and fighting forward together.

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His motivation to volunteer is deeply personal. He has witnessed the impact of Parkinson’s disease firsthand through his grandfather in the Netherlands and the husband of his wife’s aunt in Austria. These experiences shaped his understanding of both the physical and social challenges associated with the disease, including the frequent misconceptions that lead people to unfairly underestimate those living with Parkinson’s. Through his work with Rigid Fighters, Barend has gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse manifestations of the condition and the resilience of its participants.

Born in the Netherlands, Barend moved to Austria in 1993 before relocating to Toronto in 2017. He previously worked as a Senior Vice President / Director until May 2025. During an unplanned career break, he transitioned from a desk-based lifestyle to boxing and strength training at Kingsway Boxing Club and chose to dedicate his time to supporting the Rigid Fighters program.

🎥 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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