The feature film, FLINT STRONG is seeking background performers (both ACTRA & Non-Union) for various roles. Filming will take place in Toronto and the surrounding areas.

Shoot date: Various dates through April and May

Rate: $14.00/hour with an 8 hour minimum.

We are looking for men and women to fill the following background roles:

• Boxing Judges
• Boxing officials
• Boxing fans/spectators
• Timekeepers
• Reporters
• Photographers

If you are interested in being considered, please email All of the details listed below to : Casting@wayffglobal.com

Please include:

1. Subject line:  [Flint Strong] Your Name.
2. Full Name
3. Height and weight
4. Union status (are you ACTRA or non-union)
5. City in which you live
6. Photos (close up and full body)

This is a great opportunity and will be a lot of fun! We will need background performers over the course of the shoot and will reach out to applicants we would like to book during that time. Please pass along to anyone you know who might be great!

 “NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.”

SEEKING MALE BOXERS (16 – 20 years old) FOR FLINT STRONG

Looking for African-American males with recreational or amateur boxing experience to be background performers in a feature film.

The feature film, FLINT STRONG is looking for male boxers, 16 – 20 years old, to be ‘special skill’ background performers.   (both ACTRA & Non-Union) for various roles as part of the journey Claressa Shields took during her amateur career on her rise to the 2012 Olympics.

View Recent Press: Ice Cube Cast As Supporting Role In Flint Strong 

Filming in Mississauga.

Shoot Date(s): These boxers will be needed anywhere from 1 – 5 days between March 18 – 30.

Background Performer Positions Available: (must have recreational/amateur boxing experience)

Rate: The rate is $303.00 flat for 8 hours of work. $57.00/hour of work after 8 hours.

We are looking for African American males that are 16 – 20 years old with boxing experience.

If you are interested in being considered as a ‘special skill’ background performer please email ALL of the details listed below to Casting@wayffglobal.com:

 Please Include:

1. Subject line:  [Flint Strong] Boxer_Performer’s Name.
2. Performer’s Full Name
3. Age and Date of Birth
4. Height and weight
5. Parent/Guardian’s full name
6. Parent/Guardian’s phone number
7. City in which you live
8. Photos of Performer (close up and full body) – please make sure photos are current.
9. Training Experience: Please list any and all boxing training/experience/competitions/achievements and feel free to include photos.
10. Do you have your own gloves/wraps/guards?

This is a great opportunity and will be a lot of fun! Please pass along to anyone you know who might be great.  Thank you for the help!

NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.

PLEASE NOTE: Our story is set in the impoverished world of Flint, Michigan so we are trying to reflect that hard scrabble world. Please submit all different body types, looks, ethnicities where possible. Looking for lots of grit and character here. 

SEEKING BOXING REFEREES FOR FLINT STRONG

Looking for real boxing referees who have Recreational/Amateur/Professional Boxing experience to be featured in feature film.

The feature film, FLINT STRONG is casting real boxing referees (both ACTRA & Non-Union) for various roles of referees who worked bouts for the indomitable boxer, Claressa Shields during her amateur career on her rise to the 2012 Olympics.   (Must be willing to travel to TORONTO at your own expense.)

View Recent Press: Ice Cube Cast As Supporting Role In Flint Strong 

Audition date:  Candidates must fully submit the required items listed below. If selected for next phase, you will be contacted to come in for an audition (timing to be determined)

Shoot date: Various dates through April and May

Casting Position(s) Available: (Requesting Real Boxing Referees)

[NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL REFEREE] FEMALE & MALE. ALL AGES. ALL ETHNICITIES. 5’2-5’6 HEIGHT. ATHLETIC BUILD

If you are interested in being considered for one of the role listed above, please Email us: casting@wayffglobal.com

 SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE:

1. Subject line:  [Flint Strong] Role Name_Your Full Name
2. Full Name
3. Height
4. City in which you live
5. Action Photos – Full Referee Outfit (close up and full body)
6. (1min) Referee Video – preferable to be actual footage, if this is not possible please create a mock bout with two boxers. Include: cautions, standing 8-counts etc.
7. Training Experience: Please state if your experience is in Competitive Boxing (amateur/pro), sparring only, provincial/national/international achievements… etc. and pictures.

This is a great opportunity and will be a lot of fun! Please pass along to anyone you know who might be great.  Thank you for the help!

NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.

PLEASE NOTE: Our story is set in the impoverished world of Flint, Michigan so we are trying to reflect that hard scrabble world. Please submit all different body types, looks, ethnicities where possible. Looking for lots of grit and character here. 

SEEKING FEMALE BOXERS FOR FLINT STRONG

Looking for talented women who have Recreational/Amateur/Professional Boxing experience to be featured in feature film.

The feature film, FLINT STRONG is casting real female boxers (both ACTRA & Non-Union) for various roles of opponents that faced the indomitable boxer, Claressa Shields during her amateur career on her rise to the 2012 Olympics.   (Must be willing to travel to TORONTO at your own expense.)

View Recent Press: Ice Cube Cast As Supporting Role In Flint Strong

Audition date: All candidates must be available for a boxing audition between the dates of February 19-21, to be announced on February 18.

Shoot date: Various dates through April and May

Casting Positions Available: (must be proficient in offensive and defensive skills)

[MARINA VOLNOVA] FEMALE. 20 – 30 YRS OLD. CAUCASIAN/BRUNETTE. 5’2-5’8 HEIGHT 120-150 LBS

[TIKA HEMINGWAY] FEMALE. 17-30 YRS OLD AFRICAN AMERICAN. 5’2-5’8 HEIGHT 120-150 LBS

[POOJA RANI
] FEMALE. 20 – 30 YRS OLD. SOUTH ASIAN/Brunette 5’2-5’8 HEIGHT 120-150 LBS

[SAVANNAH MARSHALL] FEMALE. 20 – 30 YRS OLD. CAUCASIAN/BLONDE. 5’2-5’8 HEIGHT 120-150 LBS

[ANNA LAURELL] FEMALE. 20 – 30 YRS OLD. CAUCASIAN/BLONDE. 5’2-5’8 HEIGHT 120-150 LBS

[NADEZDA TORLOPOVA] FEMALE 20-30 YRS OLD. CAUCASIAN/BLONDE. 5’2-5’8 HEIGHT 120-150 LBS

If you are interested in being considered for one of the 6 opponent roles listed above, please Email us: casting@wayffglobal.com

 Please include:

1. Subject line:  [Flint Strong] Role Name_Your Name.
2. Full Name
3. Age
4. Height
5. Weight
6. City in which you live
7. Photos (close up and full body)
8. Training Experience: Please state if your experience is in Competitive Boxing (amateur/pro), sparring only, provincial/national/international achievements… etc. and pictures.

This is a great opportunity and will be a lot of fun! Please pass along to anyone you know who might be great.  Thank you for the help!

NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.

PLEASE NOTE: Our story is set in the impoverished world of Flint, Michigan so we are trying to reflect that hard scrabble world. Please submit all different body types, looks, ethnicities where possible. Looking for lots of grit and character here. 

Self Testing for Restrictions, “ Try this at Home”

Written by Jim Marinow a Registered Massage Therapist, Fascial Stretch Therapist and Tui Na Practitioner at Trilogy Physiotherapy.

Dear Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer Family!

I hope you’re enjoying the few weeks before the holiday rush! Our programs are filling up quickly… Don’t miss out on being a part of our 2020 specialty programs including all new classes  and our new partnership with Trilogy Physiotherapy at our High Performance Studio. See below for program dates and registration!

PROGRAM REGISTRATION & PRICING

I have personally been missing my time with everyone this season however I wanted to update you on what’s going on! I was honoured to be elected as the President of Boxing Ontario last month and am just settling into the position. Due to the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics, I have also been selected to officiate (referee and judge) various national and international qualifying tournaments. You can follow along as I head out to Australia next then back to Quebec at the end of the year (Full Story Below). The most incredible takeaway from this experience, is to see that the boxers right here at Kingsway Boxing Club are heading in the direction of these world class athletes!

2019 has been an incredible year for both the Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer families! We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us hit the 1.5 Million Dollar milestone in direct donations to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation! We’re even more motivated to break new barriers and reach unimaginable heights as we head into our next chapter of the Fight To End Cancer!

MEET THE FTEC2020 FIGHT TEAM
(Don’t forget to reserve your early bird tickets for the 2020 Fight To End Cancer gala – Tickets and Information – prices go up Jan. 31, 2020)

YOU’RE INVITED | RSVP NOW
We would also like to invite you out to celebrate the year at our
Holiday Bash on Saturday December, 21st, 2019.

Safe and Happy Holidays,

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club
Fight To End Cancer

Dear Parents, Kids and Teens,

Our Fall Kids and Teen Program are nearing completion or have completed (see below for end dates). Thank you to those who have already enrolled for the Winter 2020 Programs!

I have personally been missing my time with the kids this season however I wanted to update you on what’s going on! I was honoured to be elected as Boxing Ontario’s President last month and am just settling into the position. Due to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, I have also been selected to officiate (referee and judge) around the world for the Olympic Boxing Qualifiers. You can follow along as I head out to Australia next then back to Quebec at the end of the year (full story). The most incredible takeaway from this experience, is to see that the boxers right here at Kingsway Boxing Club are heading in the direction of these world class athletes!

Virg, Phil and the team have been updating me with how awesome the boxers have been progressing. Thank you for being so understanding of my absence, please let the kids and teens know how much I miss them. I look forward to catching up with everyone in the Winter Season!

~ Jen

PS. You can follow my journey by visiting Jennifer Huggins Facebook and @jenhuggins Instagram

IMPORTANT UPDATES

[PROGRAM REGISTRATION WINTER 2020] KIDS 7+, CO-ED TEEN & GIRLS TEEN BOXING
Note that early enrolment is now open however programs are filling quickly. Register Now

[SPECIAL PRIVATE TRAINING] Limited Spots Available

This is a great option for the kids who are looking to not take time off between seasonal programs. These special private lessons will be conducted with our assistant coaches and will be offered at the discounted rate of $100.00 for 3 sessions. Note that availability is limited. Please “Reply-All” to request sessions.

[END DATES] WINTER PROGRAM

• [Tuesday 4:30 pm] Kids 7+ Boxing – Ended
• [Saturday 10:30 am] Kids 7+ Boxing – Ends Nov. 23, 2019
• Co-Ed Teen Boxing – Ends Dec. 7, 2019
• Girls Teen Boxing – Ends Dec. 9, 2019

[NEXT STEPS] YOUTH RECREATIONAL & COMPETITIVE PROGRAM
Offered Year-Round

This is the next progression for boxers interested in taking boxing the next step. Participants can remain recreational, however they will be invited into sparring (optional) and continue their growth as technical boxers. We offer membership and Drop-In packages.

Our Youth Boxing Programs are run by Canadian National Coaches Jennifer Huggins, Virgil Barrow, Phil Daniels alongside our Boxing Ontario Assistant coaches. Those who participate in these classes learn the technical components of the sport, and are given an opportunity to explore their confidence in ways that will help them in all walks of life. The Youth Boxing Membership is appropriate for participants ages 11-19, we also have a special junior program for boxers 7-11 years old. More Info

Please don’t hesitate to contact me back if you have any questions or concerns.

In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up! 👊

Best Regards,

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club

www.kingswayboxingclub.com
E. info@kingswayboxingclub.com
T. +1 (416) 234-0075
Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn

Click here to share your journey with Kingsway Boxing Club.

To Stretch or Not to Stretch! And how much?

Written by Jim Marinow a Registered Massage Therapist, Fascial Stretch Therapist and Tui Na Practitioner at Trilogy Physiotherapy.

Well….. that all depends. Flexibility is important when it comes to healthy joint function as we take our body through various planes of movement (after long periods of sitting) Taking the time to stretch is great, but making the most of how you stretch is even better.

The stretch before an activity is best done as a dynamic (or moving) stretch. This means, taking whatever muscle groups you will be using, through movements similar to your intended activity.

As an example, if your activity is running your warm-up might include: standing on one leg and touching the floor, followed by gentle walking lunges.

The first part (standing on one leg and doing floor touches) helps to initiate the weight transfer that happens during running and ‘wakes up’ the ankle, knee and hip. The second part (walking lunges) help to activate the Quads, Glutes and Hamstrings, get some blood moving to those muscles. Add in a couple more moving stretches and you have sent the message to your muscles and joints that say ‘Hey its time to work!’

The type of stretch after an activity that is most useful is a static stretch. This is the stretch that you hold for a longer period of time and relax into. As an example: a seated hamstring stretch, where you reach for your toes and hold can be a part of a great injury prevention strategy.

Aggressive static stretching causes muscles to get protective about being forced into a stretch and create unwanted tightness. Listen to your body, take your stretch to the very first “barrier” (this is where you feel a gentle pull?) and breathe. Hold until you either no longer feel the stretch or feel less stretch. This may take up to 2 minutes.

My rules for stretching

• Pre-game: Dynamic (moving)
• Postgame: Static (holding)
• Less is more, keep it gentle,
• Find the first barrier of stretch and hold
• Hold until you feel a ‘relax’

Learn more about our coaching and physiotherapy team and services, or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Currently Booking Appointments With Trilogy Physiotherapy At KINGSWAY BOXING HIGH-PERFORMANCE STUDIOS | 3046 Bloor St. W. Toronto ON. 

Phone: 416 – 232 – 2343

How to ‘Save your Neck’, after all, it holds your head up!

Written by Jim Marinow a Registered Massage Therapist, Fascial Stretch Therapist and Tui Na Practitioner at Trilogy Physiotherapy.

We all tend to slump a bit at our desk, we look down into our lap to view the screen on our handheld device, and our chin pitches forward a little when we drive….Yikes!

When your chin moves forward and your shoulders ‘round’ inward, a number of unpleasant things happen at your neck and shoulders.

For every 15 degrees that our head comes forward (from upright), there is roughly 15lbs of pressure exerted on the cervical spine (your neck). So, at 45 degrees of ‘forward pitch’, (which is roughly where your head is when looking down at your handheld device), you have the equivalent of a 4-year-old child sitting on top of your head.

Most of us do this for over 1,000 hours a year!

This can lead to a complex of problems known as Upper Crossed Syndrome: The muscles of the upper back become over-active and strained, while the chest muscles become shortened and tight which eventually leads to headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, and postural disorders.

The fix: The best position for sitting at your desk is movement! Standing work stations are great but don’t try standing all day. The magic to diminishing the ill effects your desk is to keep changing your position.

For example:

Sit for a while and try to be mindful of your posture, as soon as you notice yourself slouching, move to a standing position,

If you take a phone call, walk around while you are talking.

Go back to sitting for a while, then return to standing with one foot elevated on a couple of books (be nicer than that to your books and use a low box).

Getting regular manual therapy to help the process along is also a great idea to helping keep your neck and shoulders healthy. The hands-on release of Trigger Points (Knots) in your neck and shoulders, enables those muscles to move through their intended Ranges of Motion, have better circulation and allow your body to feel relaxed while maintaining good posture.

Our muscles instinctively move away from pain and discomfort, so if a muscle is tight, sore, and ‘talking’ (or screaming) at you, your body will try to move into a position that avoids discomfort. Massage therapy removes the discomfort and allows your muscles to maintain great posture without struggling.

In my practice, I provide manual therapy to release tight and overexerted muscles. I also activate muscles that have been weakened by underuse and I teach my patients simple and effective exercises that can be done in the office or at home to help offset the postural problems which are associated with sitting for long periods of time.

Learn more about our coaching and physiotherapy team and services, or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Currently Booking Appointments With Trilogy Physiotherapy At KINGSWAY BOXING HIGH-PERFORMANCE STUDIOS | 3046 Bloor St. W. Toronto ON. 

Phone: 416 – 232 – 2343

The Ultimate Ab Workout for Men

If you look at a list of body parts men want to tone, somewhere up near the top, you’ll see abs. Sure, bulging biceps would be great, and you probably wouldn’t mind pecs that pop either. But abs — those elusive, sculpted, six-pack symbol of hyper-fitness — are universally sought on any fitness list. And yet, there is a cottage industry selling misguided, haphazard ab advice. The best abs workouts for men are pretty hard to come by.

We recommend the following top 5:

Flutter Kick

Lie on your back, legs extended, heels about 6 inches off the ground. Place your hands by your sides or under the small of your back for support. Begin to scissor your legs up and down, as if you are doing the backstroke in the pool. Flutter kick for 20 seconds, rest 10, then do 20 seconds more.

Leg Drop

Lie on your back on the floor, legs straight up in the air, feet together. Place your hands by your sides or under the small of your back for support. Without bending your knees, lower your legs to just above the floor, then raise them back to their vertical position. Do 10 reps, rest 10 seconds, then do another 10 reps.

Russian Twist

Grab an 8-10 pound medicine ball or dumbbell. Sit on the floor, knees bent, feet flat in front of you. Hold the weight with both hands, arms straight in front of your chest. Lean back so that your body is at 45 degrees (mid-situp position). Twist to the right, letting your arms swing over to your right side. Twist back to the left, letting arms swing to the left side of your body. That’s one rep. Do 10 reps, rest 10 seconds. Do 3 sets.

Plank

Get into an extended pushup position, then lower yourself to your elbows. Keeping your body in a straight line from head to toe, hold the position for 60 seconds. For variations on the theme, try a side plank (prop yourself up on one elbow, then raise your hips off the ground to create a straight line from your feet to your shoulders).

See our October #KBCChallenge – PLANKS

V-Sits 

Sit on the floor, knees bent, feet flat in front of you. Place a medicine ball between your feet. Lean back and lift your feet off the floor, straightening your legs until your weight is balanced in a V position. From here, either hold this position for 30 seconds, or for a more advanced challenge, bend and straighten your legs while maintaining the V-hold. Relax, then repeat.

For a longer list please click here

Fighting-Fit For Guys, Every Thursday, at our High-Performance Studio 7:30 PM

More Info

Are You Up To The Challenge? Kingsway Boxing Club Is Featuring A Monthly Challenge… For A Great Cause!

#KBCchallenge October 2019 – PLANKS

As our fall season is in full swing we thought we’d set up a series of monthly challenges to motivate you on a daily basis. Because moving EVERY DAY is important to building and maintaining optimal health and fitness.

Our first challenge for the month of October is a PLANK challenge. You can get your plank done in a class at home, at the office or in the gym, we just want you to get it done! Click here for a printable version.

Here’s how it works:

Follow the chart and record how many days you completed a plank. Those who complete the chart AND can hold the plank longer than the allotted 2:00 minute maximum will be challenged even further. You will have to do a plank with another person present (for verification) and send us a photo of you doing the plank and your final time. The person who can hold a plank the longest will win a pair of Fight To End Cancer boxing gloves and be featured on KBC social media!

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF OUR GYM?

More Info

Kingsway Boxing is proud to officially partner with Trilogy Physiotherapy, Welcome Team Trilogy!

The team at Trilogy Physiotherapy are top-notch and experts in their field. Already established in Downtown Toronto, with a second location right here in The Kingsway, Trilogy brings many years of experience and advanced techniques for treating athletes and sports enthusiasts of all kinds. In September, Trilogy Physiotherapy was nominated as one of the Top 10 physiotherapy clinics in Toronto, and Jason Gallant (clinic founder) as one of the Top 10 physiotherapists. Hundreds voted, & the results are finally in! Congratulations Trilogy Physiotherapy and Jason for this incredible achievement.

ℹ️ Learn more about our coaching and physiotherapy team and services, or contact us to schedule an appointment.

BOOK IN TODAY!

Currently Booking Appointments With Trilogy Physiotherapy At Their New Location In Etobicoke! 

Phone: 416 – 232 – 2343

LET’S MEET THE TEAM

Jason Gallant

Registered Physiotherapist
Clinic Director – Trilogy Physiotherapy
BSc, BPHE, MScPT, CIDN, FCAMPT
jason@trilogyphysio.com

Jason is clinic director and co-owner at Trilogy Physiotherapy. He brings years of experience from various sports and orthopaedic clinics in the GTA. Jason graduated with dual Bachelor degrees in Physical & Health Education and Biology from Queen’s University. From there, he completed a Master of Science Physical Therapy degree, also from Queen’s.

He is licensed and registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and the Ontario Physiotherapy Association, with a special interest in orthopaedic and sports medicine. Jason has furthered his skills by completing post-graduate courses in medical acupuncture, integrated dry needling, and manual therapy. More about Jason

“Our performance therapy helps you recover from injury and allows you to train and perform at your best.”

Trilogy specializes in sports therapies, advanced massage & registered physiotherapy focusing on the needs and goals of Toronto’s active community.

So, next time you are at the studio be sure to pop downstairs and say hello to the team, especially if you require any of the following:

• Physiotherapy
• Registered massage therapy
• Fascial stretch therapy
• Cupping
• Acupuncture/dry needling
• Personal exercise programs and training
• Athletic taping

More about Trilogy Physiotherapy 

TEAM KBC WELCOMES JOSHUA BUATSI & DEEDRA CHESTNUT

Deedra Chestnut and Joshua Buatsi stopped by the gym to speak to the Kingsway Boxing Club youth and elite boxing teams.

Last Tuesday, British Olympic Medalist, Joshua Buatsi and past Canadian National Boxer Deedra Chestnut, spent the afternoon talking with our youth, and later our elite boxers. Both athletes are incredibly humble, wise and inspiring. As they spoke with the teams, you could feel the dedication they both have for boxing and it was clear how much they bring to the sport. You could also see the inspiration in everyone’s eyes as you looked around the room as they told their stories. Deedra and Joshua described their journeys and what’s next for them. Following their talk, both champions hung out at the gym, watching our athletes show off their talents offering tips to the aspiring athletes.

Thank you to both for inspiring greatness amongst our youth and elite boxer! It was so amazing to hear their boxing stories and how the hard work and dedication continues to pay off for these athletes.

ABOUT JOSHUA BUATSI

Joshua Buatsi (born 14 March 1993), is a Ghanaian-born British professional boxer. He competed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the light heavyweight division, winning an Olympic bronze medal.[1] He turned professional on 5 June 2017, signing with Matchroom Boxing. He is managed by former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.

ABOUT DEEDRA CHESTNUT

Deedra Chestnut, Canadian Born Amateur Boxer, will be training her heart out as she prepares for the African games in 4.5 weeks. Deedra is honored to be the first women to represent Sierra Leone at ANY international competition ever. Keep your eyes on this one, as it won’t be the last you see of her or Joshua.

Dear KBC Friends and Family,

Summer has flown by! As we enter into September, Virgil, myself and our team at Kingsway Boxing are excited to share our Fall 2019 programming! Thank you to those who have already secured their enrolments for our 2019 Fall Programs – Our kids/teen programs and many of the High Performance programs are nearly full!

See below for all the new programs available at both locations! Also be sure to Join the Kingsway Boxing and  Fight To End Cancer Families outside of our studio location at Royal York and Bloor (3046 Bloor St. W) this Friday through Sunday! This will be our 13th Annual attendance at the festival and we are celebrating with Boxing Lessons, Raffles, Special Packages and much more! We’ll also be searching for our FTEC2020 Fight Team (info at the bottom of this email).

In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up!

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club

E.  jennifer@kingswayboxingclub.com
T. +1 (416) 234-0075
www.kingswayboxingclub.com
Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn

BBC EXCLUSIVE: EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL: HOW BOXING HELPS TEENS WITH ADHD

These teenagers all have ADHD and have been excluded from mainstream school. Here they tell how the sport of boxing is helping them channel their excess energy and improve their life skills.

In an amateur boxing gym in Barry, 14-year-old Levi is tugging on his boxing gloves, ready to join his friends in training.

Some are already practicing in the ring, aiming jabs and uppercuts.

Others are punching the bags or skipping as music plays in the background and the smell of sweat and chalk permeates the air.

Levi is a fighter.

He always has been. In fact, he has been excluded from school twice for disobedient behaviour.

Read More

Join our Co-Ed Teen Summer and Fall classes every Saturday from 11:15 am-12: 00 pm at Kingsway Boxing Club.

More Info

TORONTO.COM EXCLUSIVE: Enter The Ring In South Etobicoke

toronto.com slips on the gloves and goes a few rounds

The “sweet science” is practiced in the “squared circle,” also known as “the ring.” In south Etobicoke, budding pugilists hone their skills at Kingsway Boxing Club. The club offers competitive and recreational boxing programs, that aim to take athletes to the next level of competition. Kingsway’s mission is to help improve every athlete that takes up the game, regardless of their sporting goals. The coaching staff has real-world boxing experience, that they share with each and every athlete in training.

Read Full Story

[Summer Enrolment Closing]
Last Class and Next Steps

Dear Kids, Parents and Teens,

This will be the last week of classes for our Spring Kids, Girls and Co-Ed Teen Programs. Thank you to those who have already enrolled for the Summer 2019 Program. I wanted to remind you that this will be the last opportunity to register your teens at the discounted rate.  Our Summer programs are nearly full, so please register this week.

REGISTRATION: 2019 Summer Programs Restart First Week Of July!

• Kids Boxing
• Girls Teen Boxing
• Co-Ed Teen Boxing

IMPORTANT UPDATES

Youth Amateur Boxing Program

Every Tuesday and Thursday 5pm – 6pm
Saturday 11:00 am (year-round)

This is highly recommended to all participants who have attended our seasonal programs, especially those who are looking to take boxing to the next level.

We will be registering with the following options:

• $65/month for 1 session weekly
• $75/month for 2 sessions weekly
• $85/month for unlimited sessions weekly
• Pre-Paid Drop-In Classes: View Options

Important Notes:

• More Info & Registration
• All active members of our Youth Program will receive $100 of the regular seasonal programs rates.

New Group Training Program

Offered Year-Round
If you have 3 or more people are interested in the same time this is a great option.

• Book at your convenience
• Packages start at 5 sessions for $115 per participant
• Private Lessons start at 3 sessions for $100
• Inquire Now

See You At Bronze Gloves This Weekend!

As you know, we have a competitive boxing team that trains and competes year-round at tournaments and club competitions. Many of our kids and teens have recently started boxing and are interested in taking the next steps. Be sure to stop by this weekend to support the team and see what competitive boxing is all about! Note that the “Fun-Box” division will be competing on Saturday at 1pm. This is for the little ones 12 and under! More info

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club
www.kingswayboxingclub.com
E. info@kingswayboxingclub.com
T. +1 (416) 234-0075
Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn

Click here to share your journey with Kingsway Boxing Club.

POUND-FOR-POUND: Heavyweight Works by Fight To End Cancer Artists: A Knockout Success

On May 7^th, in partnership with Steam Whistle and FUJIFILM Canada, The Fight To End Cancer held their inaugural Pound-For-Pound: Heavyweight Works by Fight To End Cancer Artists gallery launch event.  The event was hosted at the fantastic Steam Whistle Gallery in the heart of Toronto.  The show features approximately 30 photos donated by talented members of the Fight To End Cancer family, printed on metal, by our newest photo  partners at Fujifilm Print Life.

Our exhibit photographers will be exhibiting 1-5 pieces on site at the Steam Whistle Gallery for the month of May and on our online auction open to the world at ftecauction.ca 

Exhibit Photographers:  Spencer Wynn, Virgil Barrow, Rebecca Freeman, Chris Small, Matteo Forgione, Jeff McNeill, Chris Hominuk, Kaitlyn Black, Sandi Ralph, Krissy Turriff,  Mette-Margrethe Nielsen (view bios and preview photos).

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The launch event saw over 200 art and cancer research supporters who came together to enjoy live music, food, art, drinks and some inspirational words, all in support of a great cause.  The guests also had a chance to win some prizes and purchase some great pieces.  Each of the beautiful pieces on display in the gallery are for sale, with all proceeds going to the Fight to End Cancer benefiting The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

The night was kicked off with a great set by Soda Blue, welcoming guests as they arrived.  Once inside and enjoying the music, the crowd was able to enjoy tasty appetizers paired with Steam Whistle Pilsner or a selection of wine, as they perused the fantastic art.

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View Event Album

In addition to the photos on display, the guests were treated to a live painting demonstration by the very talented artist Grace Miah.  Grace’s wonderful painting, along with a striking mixed media piece, the photos on display in the gallery and some additional pieces, are all available for purchase through the online auction site. (www.ftecauction.ca)

In addition to raffle tickets, for a chance to win prize packs from the Fight To End Cancer and Steam Whistle, guests could purchase Fight To End Cancer tie bars and lapel pins from our friends at Grafton Apparel.  Their annual campaign, which has raised over $235,000, continues now through to the end of June.  You can visit any of their stores including Tip Top Tailors, George Richards and Mr. Big & Tall Menswear and for a $20 donation pickup a tie bar or lapel pin.

Beyond the art and fun, the crowd was reminded why we chose to fight, with inspirational words from Jim Mosher of Landscape Plus, each of the contributing artists in attendance and the incomparable Jennifer Huggins.

The inaugural event was a huge success and is already generating thousands of dollars for the Fight To End Cancer with artists already asking about next year’s gallery.  If you didn’t make it to this year’s launch event, you can still go visit our friends at Steam Whistle and enjoy a tasty beverage while enjoying the photos.  The show runs through until the end of May.

Important Links:

Fight to End Cancer: Visit Fight To End Cancer
Steam Whistle Brewing: More About The Roundhouse Gallery
Gallery Tickets: Free

Important Dates:
–> Official Media Day: Thurs. May 23, 2019 6pm – 8pm | Request Media Access
–> 2019 Charity Boxing Gala: Sat. June 1, 2019 5pm – 11 pm | Old Mill Toronto Request Media Access

About The Fight To End Cancer

The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year round initiative carried out by ambassadors, sponsors and volunteers worldwide.  Over $1,000,000 has been donated to date since our inaugural year in 2012.  Funds raised by FTEC are donated directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  Each year we celebrate the incredible hard work and dedication of our FTEC family with a black-tie charity boxing gala.  This gala showcases ten men and women who represent our Official Fight Team.  Our goal is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners.  Let’s make a difference now in the fight to end cancer for a long and successful future for everyone.  This is an event like no other and has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in Toronto. www.fighttoendcancer.com

About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation

The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca

About Steam Whistle | visit online

The Steam Whistle story begins in the spring of 1998 with three friends on a canoe trip through Ontario’s beautiful heartland.

Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps and Greg Cromwell had been colleagues at one of Canada’s premier microbreweries in the late 1980’s and 90’s, before it was bought out by a national brewer and closed down, like so many of Ontario’s independent breweries.  As they sat around the campfire, the self-named “Three Fired Guys” dreamed of running their own brewery one day—one that would make a Pilsner to compete with the best in the world.

Over the past two decades, Steam Whistle has grown from a dream hatched by the fireside into one of Canada’s largest and most beloved independent breweries.  But our Founders’ vision of creating a Pilsner Canadians can be proud of is still the driving force behind why we show up every day.

About Fujifilm |  www.fujifilmprintlife.ca

We are excited to be the official photo printing partner for the Fight To End Cancer.  Since the 1930’s, Fujifilm has been developing film technology and suppling the world with its legendary film stock. Over the past 65 years, Fujifilm papers have been used to create, document and preserve moments in world events and in people’s lives.

Today, as a world leader in advanced imaging technology, Fujifilm has never strayed from its roots. Fujifilm’s Print Life business is printing fine art metal enlargements for the Fight To End Cancer art exhibit. This technology and the wow-factor these prints provide are available to everyone online, not just for the exhibit. Visit our web site to see how you can create works of art just as beautiful as those being displayed at the Steam Whistle gallery for the Fight To End Cancer. We look forward to an exciting fight this year and will look forward to all the special moments in the coming years. 

Shireen Fabing To Compete in ALL WOMEN Boxing Tournament | West Coast Wonder Women

Kingsway Boxing Club is cheering on one of our own, Shireen Fabing. Help us cheer her on as she embarks on an amazing journey.

“After participating in the second annual Fight to End Cancer back in 2013 I thought, ‘just one more, one club fight’ and then I would have the experience of a big fancy gala and a regular club show.  Who would have thought, here I am training for my 10^th sanctioned bout and it’s my first out of province match – actually first time travelling anywhere outside of the GTA to compete.”

Born in Capetown, South Africa and raised by a single mom for most of her life, Shireen Fabing helped to her raise her younger brother and sister.

Shireen started her career in Public Relations/Marketing in Cape Town. She and her husband moved to Canada in 2002 to be close to family where she continued her PR work. Shireen went back to college and one day found herself covering exciting events and concerts for a few years.

A friend talked Shireen into going to a boxing conditioning class with her 10 years ago and she was hooked. After years of training, she entered her first amateur fight in 2013 where she took part in the Fight To End Cancer That year she fought for her surviving “second mom” in South Africa and others touch by cancer.

2013 was a year of firsts, she also became a mom, adopting an 18 month old girl. “Life has changed in so many amazing ways, what an incredible journey. She’s my ray of sunshine and my light at the end of every tunnel.”

Shireen recently lost another significant person in her life to cancer. Together with her own family and her boxing family, she is more determined than ever to help “kick cancer’s ass”.

SHIREEN FUN FACT: According to her husband, people think Shireen has the hardest, meanest looking mug, but what they don’t know is that she has a huge heart and that she is really a softie!

All female International boxing cards are few and far between. Worldwide there are only 5, with West Coast Wonder Women being one of them. This event is highly regarded in the amateur female boxing world. Female bouts are hard to find as female boxers aren’t as prevalent as male boxers. We want to change that and redefine the historical and societal perceptions of who defines as a boxer.

On the card, there will be a wide variety of athletes in the sense of experience. Everything from brand new athletes, getting into the ring for the first time, to National Champions. There will be all ages, from as young as 7yrs old to as old as possible! Boxing isn’t geared towards any specific size, as we will have flyweights to heavyweights with everything in between.

“When I found boxing (or boxing found me), for a while I thought “why didn’t I find this sport earlier in life” but as I began to progress, that thought is now a distant memory.  I believe we found each other at the right time.  Boxing is on the rise.  Women’s boxing is on the rise and I’m living it now.  The opportunity to showcase all the hard work leading up to the big moments will always be the bonus for me along with demonstrating that we are capable of accomplishing anything we put our minds to.  I can burst with gratitude when I think about the journey to date.  Hasn’t always been easy and there’s still quite a bit of hard work ahead and I’m so ready.  Let’s not forget the dope factor here – I’m going to fight on an all-female card with boxers as young as 9 years old all the way up to 50+.  That, is an opportunity in itself and a true testament that we can do anything  put our minds to regardless of age!”

~ Shireen ‘The Machine’ Fabing | Amateur  Boxer, Kingsway Boxing Club

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION:
Sooke Community Hall | 2037 Shields Road, Sooke, British Columbia

• Friday, May 17th @ 7 pm
• Saturday, May 18th @  noon
• Sunday, May 19th @ noon

Tickets & Info

Coast to Coast Against Cancer Contest | Featuring Gabriel Pietrangelo

Kingsway Boxing Club has a long history of giving back to the community that builds our team. From supporting through our corporate program, Fight To End Cancer, to always donating local schools and charities. It has become very apparent that the next generation values investment in the future, with many of our kids and youth taking the initiative to fundraise in various ways.

Gabriel Pietrangelo is a 17 year old student attending Richview Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke. In addition to preparing for graduation, with the hopes of  attending University to become a Geography Teacher, Gabe has recently joined Kingsway Boxing’s apprentice coaching team.

“I’m an avid fan of superheroes and video games, as well as sports such as Hockey, Mixed Martial Arts, and of course Boxing. I go to the Kingsway Boxing Club often, where I’m continuously learning many different techniques and skills thanks to the teachings and knowledge from my coaches.

Boxing has always been an interest to me since I was around 8, watching a fast paced Boxing match gets me off my feet every time, which would explain why Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Ray Leonard are my two favorite Boxers to watch, and observing my coaches and their teaching methods inspire me with enthusiasm to hope that one day I will be able to be just as good of a teacher as they are.”

Gabe is now mixing his passion for boxing with his love for his community by raising funds for the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation.

I’m asking you to please support my friends and I’s effort in The Inside Ride Ontario to help Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. Your donation will support kids and teens with cancer and their families in Ontario.

The Inside Ride in Ontario funds critical programs in the province including camps, scholarships, work placement and educational support for survivors and kids in treatment, financial support for families with a child in treatment, parent patient advocates, parent support groups and resources.

My team and I are raising money for this cause because it’s important to us to support our peers struggling with cancer as well as aiding them as they fight for their lives on a daily basis. We hope that you feel the same way.

Sponsor Now

The Inside Ride is produced by Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation and is Canada’s first indoor cycling challenge and fundraising event dedicated to raising money in support of children with cancer and their families.

The Inside Ride Ontario benefits numerous childhood cancer organizations whose programs include family support, financial support and child support and quality of life programs and research.

The Inside Ride powers POGO (The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario) by providing significant funds for both the POGO Financial Assistance Program and the SAVTI (Successful Academic and Vocational Transition Initiative)

Learn more about Inside Ride Ontario

2019 Campaign Photo Description:
The individuals in the campaign photo represent the 2019 Fight Team and Coaches.
[Campaign Photographer: Spencer Wynn]

• Top Row Standing (from left to right): Renata Reynolds, Paul Agapito, Lisa Ventura, George Boutsalis, Virgil Barrow, Jennifer Huggins
• Middle Row Sitting (from left to right):Fedele Rosins, Josh Hillinger, Deren Hasip, Ceilagh MacDonald, Rick Denley
• Bottom Row:Talia Joundi

THE FIGHT TO END CANCER IS WORKING TO RAISE $2 MILLION DOLLARS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER FOUNDATION

The 2019 Fight Team Showcases The Unyielding Commitment Of Diverse Individuals Dedicated To Making A Difference!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — TORONTO, ON. The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) 8^th Annual Fight To End Cancer Charity Gala, benefiting the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is a Black Tie, exclusive, must attend event, hosted at The Historic Old Mill Toronto, on Saturday June 1, 2019. 

The FTEC 2019 Fight Team has dedicated SIX MONTHS of their already busy lives to transform themselves from never having boxed, to becoming sanctioned fighters.  This unyielding commitment culminates at the FTEC Gala when they step into the ring.  Angie Seth, Anchor and Reporter with the CTV News Channel, will guide you through this incredible experience as Emcee for the evening’s events.

The FTEC Fight Team, in concert with our presenting partners Landscape Plus Ltd. and Grafton Apparel Ltd., are working to make FTEC history by taking the total funds raised to $2 million dollars. Be a part of history and Join The Fight!

The FTEC ring will feature five incredible bouts on Gala night, including not one but TWO main events.  In the first main event, Lisa Ventura will square off with Renata Reynolds – these fiercely independent and successful fighters are relishing their roles as agents for change in the FIGHT TO END CANCER as they cash in months of hard training for research dollars.  In the second main event, Josh Hillinger of Steam Whistle Brewery, faces George Boutsalis – both successful, professional and uniquely suited.  They are not only dedicated to taking the fight to each other, but also landing some heavy body blows against Cancer!  The action won’t stop there with three additional bouts on the card.  Each fighter has been equally dedicated in their training and raising funds in support of the Fight To End Cancer.  Join the fight and be part of making the difference.

Official FTEC national ambassadors, Grafton Apparel, have raised over $250,000 to date through over 100 stores across Canada, including Tip Top Tailors, George Richards, Mr. Big & Tall and Kingsport.  This year, they hope to raise $200,000 in additional donations with their “Wear Your Support” Campaign – featuring exclusive FTEC tie-clips – available in all Grafton Apparel stores across Canada, up to and following, the 2019 Gala.

Jennifer Huggins, FTEC founder and CEO, keeps the team on track, along with her partner in crime and Official FTEC Team Head Coach, Virgil Barrow.  The duo inspires those who are fortunate enough to step into the ring, with their unwavering commitment to the cause and the Fight Team.  In addition to being the driving force and visionary behind the Fight To End Cancer, Jennifer maintains a very busy schedule as a globally recognized ambassador for the sport, a 3-Star boxing Referee and Judge with AIBA International Boxing Association.

“The reality of what the Fight To End Cancer represents is bittersweet.  Something that threatens to tear our lives apart has brought so many people together.  Eight years ago, I started this event to give back to the community.  The Fight To End Cancer has since become a community in itself; a family working together towards one goal.  My vision evolved from being a fundraiser, to becoming a global movement that we are all part of.  We are fighting for a future free of cancer, and we will succeed.”

~ Jennifer Huggins, Fight To End Cancer
Founder and Executive Director

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION!

— 30 —

Important Dates:
–> Steam Whistle FTEC Gallery: Tues. May 7, 2019 7pm – 11pm | Request Media Access
–> Official Media Day: Thurs. May 23, 2019 6pm – 8pm | Request Media Access
–> 2019 Charity Boxing Gala: Sat. June 1, 2019 5pm – 11 pm | Old Mill Toronto Request Media Access

Public Relations Team, Fight To End Cancer
pr@fighttoendcancer.com

Donations to our 2018 Fight Team can be made at: www.fighttoendcancer.com. Photos available upon request.

Interview Opportunities:
Interview Opportunities available in studio, on site and via phone or email with:

• Jennifer Huggins (Executive Director and Founder, Fight To End Cancer)
• Virgil Barrow (Fight Team Head Coach, Kingsway Boxing Club)
• FTEC 2019 Fight Team members (contacts available upon request)
• Presenting Partners:
  • Landscape Plus Ltd. (Since 2015)
  • Grafton Apparel Ltd. (Since 2014)

About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year round initiative carried out by ambassadors, sponsors and volunteers worldwide.  Over $1,000,000 has been donated to date since our inaugural year in 2012.  Funds raised by FTEC are donated directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  Each year we celebrate the incredible hard work and dedication of our FTEC family with a black-tie charity boxing gala.  This gala showcases ten men and women who represent our Official Fight Team.  Our goal is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners.  Let’s make a difference now in the fight to end cancer for a long and successful future for everyone.  This is an event like no other and has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in Toronto. www.fighttoendcancer.com

About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca

Let’s Take A Moment To Meet This Years Incredible Heroes…

Paul Agapito | View Full Bio

As a marketing professional, Paul Agapito has an incredible ability to highlight the positive attributes for a wide range of products and services.  But there is nothing positive about cancer, so he has decided to let his fists and his heart take the lead as a member of the FTEC2019 fight team.  This “spin doctor” will be raising funds to support the doctors and researches working hard to end cancer in our lifetime.

Deren Hasip | View Full Bio

Deren Hasip is all too familiar with the impacts cancer has on a family having watched his daughter and father take on their own fights.  At work Deren coaches others to help them achieve their goals.  As a member of the FTEC2019 fight team, the coach will become the student as he and his teammates submit themselves to 6 months of intense training.  Keep those hands up!

Ceilagh MacDonald | View Full Bio

Ceilagh MacDonald works with clients every day who are struggling to come back from injury.  She sees first hand how hard they try, the good days and the not so good days.  She has seen this same fight in family and friends who have faced a cancer diagnosis.  Not one to step back from a challenge, FTEC2019 provides Ceilagh with the opportunity to punch cancer in the face and show what she’s made of.

Talia Joundi | View Full Bio

As an Immigration & refugee lawyer, Talia Joundi is used to taking on tough challenges, but as an FTEC2019 fighter she’s taking on the biggest one yet.  Not one to take her health for granted, Talia is stepping into the ring to use her good fortune to help raise funds to support the vital research of the doctors, chemists, and volunteers of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Josh Hillinger | View Full Bio

Josh Hillinger is the most recent member of fighters coming from Steam Whistle Brewing.  Like all of us, he has been directly touched by cancer, seeing his grandmother, father and father-in-law fight for their lives.  Not one to stand on the sidelines, Josh has joined the Fight to End Cancer as a member of the FTEC2019 fight team and promises to “provide the best guest experience” to his opponent.

George Boutsalis | View Full Bio

As a perennial fundraiser George Boiutsalis has focused his efforts on raising funds for cancer and Alzheimer’s research, both of which have affected his family.  As a professional, George spends his days generating new opportunities and expanding his markets, but keeps his feet firmly entrenched his community. As a member of the FTEC2019 fight team, his community has grown leaps and bounds with one common goal; ending cancer in our lifetime.

Renata Reynolds | View Full Bio

Renata Reynolds is committed to the success of her clients, helping them build winning sales teams and strategies that result in real success.  She is also committed to taking a punch in the face to move one step closer to finding a cure for cancer.  Good news Renata, your opponent is committed to helping you with that challenge.

Lisa Ventura | View Full Bio

As a CEO, Lisa Ventura is responsible for all aspects of her company; definitely a person comfortable being in charge, getting things done and making stuff happen.  Lisa is not comfortable feeling helpless, like she has when friends and loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer.  True to form, she has decided to do something about it by becoming a member of the FTEC 2019 fight team, raising funds and awareness on behalf of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Fedele Rossi | View Full Bio

When Fedele Rossi’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, he and his family went into a state of shock.  Escorting his mother to all of her treatments exposed Fedele to the roller coaster of emotions experienced not only by his family, but by many others.  He used his anger and frustration as a motivator to first get in great physical condition and now to become a member of the FTEC2019 fight team.  He knows, as we all do, that Defeat is not an Option.

Richard Denley | View Full Bio

Through his business, Richard Denley spends his days motivating individuals to become better leaders.  As an FTEC2019 fighter he will put those motivation skills to good use raising funds and awareness for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  His motivation for becoming an FTEC2019 fighter…ending cancer in our lifetime.

Important Dates:
–> Official Media Day: Thurs. May 23, 2019 6pm – 8pm | Request Media Access
–> 2019 Charity Boxing Gala: Sat. June 1, 2019 5pm – 11 pm | Old Mill Toronto Request Media Access

LAST CALL | Spring 2019 Program Registration

5 Strategies To Use With Your Tween/Teen by Power4Teens

Article By: Charlie Page | Power4Teen

Working as a psychotherapist for youth and being a mother of two teenage girls has shown me some startling differences in how I approach and communicate with my own children compared to other peoples children (my clients). The results from my clients and the ease and connection they feel in sharing their stories with me has led me to strengthen and use the same skills on my own kids. These strategies have improved my relationship with my children and, I believe have made me a better parent (although I’m often still reminded of my flaws).

It has become very clear to me that making an impact on children and ‘being heard’ as a psychotherapist is much easier than achieving these results as a parent, so give yourself time and be easy on yourself:

1. Listen and shut up…

You may think you are listening, you might even rejoice in your conversations with your children and how wise and impactful you are being, but are you really or do you have an agenda? My main goal as a psychotherapist is to really listen and ask the right questions to direct their thought process, to understand them and make them feel understood. The questioning helps them feel empowered and directed to make quality decisions based on who they are and the goals they set for themselves. As a parent, when our kids communicate with us we have a tendency to think about the person we want and hope they will be and advise them based on that. We try to advise and impart our wisdom by giving advice when most of the time kids want to voice their concerns and feel challenged to formulate their own decisions. They have wisdom, help them find it. Remind yourself that they aren’t you… and they most likely don’t want to be! There is absolute power and use in parental wisdom, just spread it out a little.

Trust…

Try to trust in their decision making skills as much as possible to improve their belief in themselves and their capabilities. Believing that your children have the ability to make great decisions even when they have failed (sometimes often) in the past is an incredibly powerful performance enhancer for children. I often see children who have lost all hope of trying to make their parents proud and they have given up trying. These kids always have a deep need and hope for their parents to be proud and connected with them, no matter what they are telling you.

Wait ….more will come.

Our children have become conditioned to expect our analysis and opinions about the direction of their life and their problems. They will talk about an issue with a friend, school or their mental health and we are ready to impart our wisdom of what they should do, sometimes even expressing ‘if I was you I would do….’…. well guess what, we aren’t them! We give our parental advice and the conversation ends shortly afterwards. Our child continues to feel confused and frustrated because there is so much more there that we didn’t ask and they feel misunderstood. So when they talk about their issue don’t immediately try to problem solve it, just look and wait, more always comes out. You can actually become an expert on their problem with them and they will master it knowing you understood and were really there for them.

Hmmmmm….Interesting. Hmmmm…. that’s very observant. Hmmm…..keep going with the story.

Never underestimate the power of a hmmmm…….. This is way more impactful on creating successful kids with a sense of self acceptance than telling them our stories.

Wow…that’s a lot of passion!

When things between you have escalated and your kid has totally lost it, your job is to attempt to not totally lose it too. With a strong belief in the need to teach, amend and improve a child’s behaviour we need also to be mindful of how we are responding to them and how we can amend our own behaviour to get the optimum results. As adults, we still have a tendency to sometimes respond to our kids from the child we once were (sometimes I notice responding to my teen daughter with an eye-roll back!!). We respond from our past hurts, feelings of rejection or feelings of being disrespected and it rolls into a big ball of reaction. This powerful reaction can be bigger than what may be required. A mindfulness strategy I use to slow things down when they get heated is to admire the passion my child is showing. (This is not the same as accepting their behaviour when it is inappropriate, it is a flow through to creating an environment where learning and change can happen). Once you recognize the passion and express the power of its beauty when used in other directions the whole energy of the discussion changes. This passion they show is a great tool in life and although it may be coming out wrong in this situation can we comment on the usefulness and power of anger and then address the issue at hand more calmly. We do not want to discipline or quell passion as it is the driving force behind success.

Psychotherapy (Youth, Parents, Relationships)

Contact Charlie at 416 697-8748 to discuss whether psychotherapy is right for you or your child. Referrals available to psychologists or psychiatrists as required.

Stress/Anxiety, Friendships/School, Depression, Loss of Hope ,Eating Disorders, Self Harm,Parent/Child Relationship

Our Girls Teen and Tween Conditioning and Self-Defence Program is brought to you by our fitness guru Charlie Page, founder and owner of Power4Teens. This program focuses on improving the function of both the mind and body to create improved physical fitness and mental positivity. This is a workout with a difference – as you sweat, condition and build confidence, Charlie brings her experience with teen psychology to inspire, motivate, reduce stress and anxiety, help with body image issues and create personal positive affirmations to live life more fully.

Charlie Offers Programs At Kingsway Boxing Club and has become a staple for teens in Bloor West Village! Learn more about her day and overnight camps for girls, boys and even parents! Visit Power4Teens Online

Happy Family Day KBC Parents and Members!

Hope you are ready for a wonderful long weekend with the family! We have a busy few months on the horizon as we head toward an exciting Spring 2019. Please take note of the following updates:

THIS WEEKEND! FEB. 16-18 | FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Please see below for the special Family Day Holiday Scheduling and Cancellations. Note that all cancellations appear on the website home page.

Special Class: HIIT Family Day Class (open to public)

• Monday Feb. 18 at 9:30am-10:30am with @Jo-Anne Sheffield
• Registration Fee: $20
• More Info & Registration

Cancellations:

• Saturday Feb. 16, 2019 – ALL CLASSES CANCELLED
• Monday Feb. 18, 2019 – ALL CLASSES CANCELLED
• Regular Schedule Resumes: Tuesday Feb. 19, 2019

KBC TEAM COMMUNICATION GROUP
Join Using This Link (must have WhatsApp on your phone)
The purpose of this group is to keep KBC Members and Amateur Boxers updated with important information and share educational and sparring videos to help progress the athletes. In an attempt not to lose track of important information, you will be unable to reply in the group. Direct message your coaches and team.

MISSED CLASSES | KIDS 7+ – CO-ED TEEN – GIRLS TEEN PROGRAMS
The programs have been priced with the knowledge that most kids will miss 1-2 classes. If your kid or teen would like to make up classes, please send us a note that you would like them to make up in the Tuesday 5pm Youth Program (teens) or one of the Kids 7+ programs on Tuesday at 4:30pm or Saturday at 11:45 am.

• View Client Resources (including how to wrap, training program handouts and important forms for sparring and competing)

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP | TUESDAY & THURSDAY 5PM, SATURDAY 12:30PM
Many of the teens and kids have taken the next step from our seasonal Kids 7+ and Teen programs, into the Youth Membership Program. If sparring or competing is something your child is interested in, please visit the program info page: Youth Program Information

HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPEN
Register Now (monthly members review 5% off regular enrolment rates)
We wanted to let you know that our Fall High-Performance Programs for Spring are online and ready for you to reserve your spots! We will be sending out the official program announcement to all members early later this month, so please register asap to ensure you don’t miss out.

Please don’t hesitate to contact your coach or I directly with any questions or concerns.

In the Meantime, Keep Those Hands Up!

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club

E. jennifer@kingswayboxingclub.com
T. +1 (416) 234.0075
www.kingswayboxingclub.com

3 Great Reasons Women Over 40 Should Take Up Boxing ASAP

Article By: Punch Love Womens Fitness View Original Article

Are you over 40 and considering what exercise will get you through this next stage of your life? 40 is the new 30 and your body will love and perform better for you for this next era with just the right balance of exercise and intensity. Here’s why all women regardless of fitness level should be taking up boxing as part of a weekly fitness regime.

Part member story , part excerpt from ‘The Huffington Post’

Girlfriends — Boxing is for us! Yes, us, women over 40! We were raised never to hit, punch, or hurt anyone, especially with our fists. We were raised to think of boxing as the brutish, aggressive domain of men. But fitness boxing isn’t about combat or competition. Fitness boxing — sometimes called non-contact boxing because you never hit another person — is simply the best cardio & strength gift we can give ourselves. If you’ve never thought about how much fun it would be to hit that punching bag at your gym — if words such as jab, cross, hook, and uppercut aren’t in your vocabulary yet — buy or borrow a pair of boxing gloves and start boxing.

So, here I am, age 46, with my own red boxing gloves and some newly found muscles, having almost too much fun at the gym. I even caught myself actually laughing! At first, I kept thinking — this isn’t something I should be doing — really, is it okay to hit? — but with each jab, I overcame my reluctance as I punched my way around the room. This deeply-ingrained cultural training — girls don’t hit —prevents most women over 40 from considering boxing. But nobody is hitting me, and I’m not fighting anyone. No sweaty boxing ring is needed. And as I’m learning the techniques of boxing from my trainers, I’m appreciating the beauty in the sport, especially the athleticism it requires. In boxing, power starts in the hips, requiring muscles I never knew I had to serve a purpose, linking hands and hips in a rhythm. Here are three big reasons to start boxing today:

1. Physical: From the first moment you throw a punch, you are breathing heavily, heart pumping, arms, chest, shoulders, core, and legs working in unison. Boxing burns over 500 calories/hour, builds lean muscle, develops stamina and endurance, and triggers the metabolism. As we age, we lose muscle mass, strength, flexibility, and balance. Boxing reverses all this, giving us back what we lose, developing hand-eye coordination and entire body strength. For women over forty, boxing is one of the most complete cardiovascular and resistance workouts … and it is fun.

2. Mental: Boxing forces women out of our comfort zone, overcoming fears, and requiring 100 percent mental concentration. It is demanding and strategic, stimulating new parts of our brain, challenging our minds and bodies. The research on successful aging urges us to learn something new, strategic, and to keep testing ourselves with new sequences and moves. Sure we can push our minds doing Sudoku and crossword puzzles, learning new foreign languages, even attempting to learn new card games, but boxing is both physical and mental. To box is to be steeped in rhythm and movement, coordinating the swing of hips, the swivel of feet, and the power of the arms. It is exhausting, exhilarating, fun, and immensely rewarding. I swear when I walk out the door I’m 10ft tall and invincible. Any problems in my world have melted away and I feel like I could take on the world.

3. Spiritual: Boxing, like meditation, focuses attention and calms the mind. When boxing, my mind unplugs from day to day schedules and family responsibilities, from the noise and chatter of the outside world, the ping of the phone and the distraction of social media. I have never been more present in my life than at boxing.

Boxing is for EVERYBODY! With programs for girls, women, kids, teens, even men over 50… Just try it out!

View All Programs

Article By: Punch Love Womens Fitness View Original Article | Nik Fox

Happy New Year KBC Clients, Members and Parents!

Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday and are ready to hit the ground running! We have a busy few months on the horizon as we head into 2019. Thank you to those who have already secured their enrolments for our 2019 Winter Programs – Our kids/teen programs and many of the High Performance programs are nearly full!

Please take note of the following updates:

FIGHTER MEDICALS | SATURDAY JAN. 12 – 4PM
Dr. Venturi will be onsite at the Kingsway Boxing Club for a special boxer medical session. Must arrive no later than 4:oopm on Saturday Jan. 12, 2019.
Register Now

ANNUAL FIGHT CAMP | SATURDAY JAN. 19 – 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
This 1-day intensive camp is lead by Boxing Ontario Nationally Certified Coaches, Officials and assisted by licensed competitive boxers. FightCamp was developed to fast track students to learn the essentials of amateur boxing in a safe and effective manner. The program has been used by the average recreational sport enthusiast, all the way up to the elite boxer looking to further their skills in the sport. Open to men and women, we will give you the chance to learn, improve or test your skills as an Olympic style boxer.
Register Now (appropriate for ages 15+ Please inquire for special consideration)

KBC TEAM COMMUNICATION GROUP
The purpose of this group is to keep KBC Clients and Amateur Boxers updated with important information and share educational and sparring videos to help progress the athletes. In an attempt not to lose track of important information, you will be unable to reply in the group. Please send Jen your full name and personal cell phone number so you can Join Now (must have WhatsApp on your phone)

Please don’t hesitate to contact your coach or I directly with any questions or concerns.

In the Meantime, Keep Those Hands Up!

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club

E. jennifer@kingswayboxingclub.com
T. +1.416.234.0075
www.kingswayboxingclub.com
Visit Jennifer on LinkedIn

Dear Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer Family!

We hope you’re enjoying the last couple weeks before the holiday rush! Our programs are filling up quickly… Don’t miss out on being a part of our 2019 specialty programs including all new classes at our High Performance Studio. See below for program dates and registration!

PROGRAM REGISTRATION & PRICING

2018 has been an incredible year for both the Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer families! We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us hit the Million Dollar milestone in direct donations to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation! We’re even more motivated to break new barriers and reach unimaginable heights as we head into our next chapter of the Fight To End Cancer!

MEET THE FTEC2019 FIGHT TEAM

(Don’t forget to reserve your early bird tickets for the 2019 Fight To End Cancer gala – Tickets and Information – prices go up Jan. 31, 2019)

Safe and Happy Holidays!

Jen & Virg
Kingsway Boxing Club
Fight To End Cancer

Video: HBO Boxing’s Jim Lampley signs off with teary farewell after 45 years

View Original Article via MMA Mania

The internet has turned the media landscape upside down, with countless people cutting the cord on traditional TV and moving over to online subscription services and / or pirating. That’s caused a ripple effect that’s changed the way we watch combat sports as well. “Canelo” Alvarez recently signed a blockbuster $365 million deal with sports streaming outlet DAZN, and then there’s the UFC, which is being paid $750 million to deliver 15 events a year for five years to ESPN’s online offering, ESPN+.

But not all the media subscription services out there are making big plays on sports. HBO is doing the opposite, shutting down their long running HBO Boxing division to focus their effort on original dramatic content. Last night marked the final boxing event on the channel, and it was a pretty underwhelming affair headlined by unified welterweight champ Cecilia Braekhus vs. Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes. As expected, Braekhus coasted to victory, winning all 10 rounds on two judges’ scorecards in front of a very thin crowd.

While the fights themselves were fairly lackluster, there were some truly heartfelt moments throughout the broadcast as HBO Boxing flexed their always impressive promo muscles. Both the opening and closing montages took us on a journey through some of the highlights and historic moments carried on the network over the decades. You can watch those above.

Commentators Jim Lampley, Roy Jones Jr., and Max Kellerman all struggled to hold back tears as they thanked HBO for supporting the sport for decades and paid tribute to the athletes who put everything on the line for money, fame, and glory. Take a listen and tell us you didn’t get a little misty eyed too.

The end of boxing at HBO may have been anti-climactic, but the effect HBO Boxing had on countless fight fans and the sport over the decades can’t be overstated. 1111 fights over 45 years. So long, HBO, and thanks for the memories.

The Girls Teen Boxing Program at Kingsway Boxing Club, is run by  coaches Virgil Barrow and AIBA International Referee, Jennifer Huggins. After recognizing the incredible impact the sport has had on her life, she felt it was necessary to share her passion with the youth of the community. The girls who participate in this class learn the technical components of boxing and are given an opportunity to explore their confidence in ways that will help them in all walks of life. We look forward to welcoming the girls back and opening the doors to others looking to share in the experience.

Those of you who follow Jennifer Huggins on social media, know that she is away on assignment for the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Delhi, India.

“I was very fortunate to be involved with the Olympic Boxing Qualification process for Rio 2016 and now leading into Tokyo 2020. I’m honoured to visit many countries and officiate the top athletes of the sport.”

Jennifer has also had the honour of watching some of our talented Canadian boxers reach the Olympic level, including PanAm Gold Medalist, and Rio 2016 Olympian, Mandy Bujold.

“As I prepare to embark on a 24 hour journey to get to the World Championships in Delhi, India, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to participate in Olympic sport in a very different capacity.”

Follow The Journey

Read more about the Canadian athletes heading out to represent boxing on the world stage! 

SIX BOXERS TO REPRESENT TEAM CANADA AT THE 2018 AIBA ELITE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

With less than a week to go, Boxing Canada unveils the team that will represent Canada at the 2018 Elite Women’s World Championships. Organized by AIBA, the competition is set to take place from November 15^th– 24^thin New Delhi, India. Here are the six Canadians who will partake in this international competition:

A ‘Wicked’ Halloween With The Kingsway Boxing Kids

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The boxing kids came prepared with costumes to match their skills for their Halloween class!

Boxing is one of the most enjoyable sports for people of all ages. Introducing the sport at a young age helps kids develop the skills and confidence they may need moving forward in other sports, and even in everyday life. With registration at capacity each season, the Kids Boxing Classes have proven to be one of our most popular programs. We look forward to welcoming the kids back and opening the doors to other children looking to share in the experience.

Winter Registration is NOW OPEN!

With registration at capacity each season, the Kids Boxing Classes have proven to be one of our most popular programs. We look forward to welcoming the kids back and opening the doors to other children looking to share in the experience.

Space is limited, sign up today!

More Info or Register Now

2018 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES: A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE FOR THE CANADIAN BOXING TEAM

Regrouping the best 82 Youth boxers in the world, the 2018 Youth Olympic Games have come to an end for the two Canadian boxers, Spencer Wilcox and Tethluach Chuol, after four days of intense competition. Here is an overview of the performances of our boxers on the world’s biggest stage:

91 + kg Tethluach Chuol (Edmonton, AB)

After a unanimous win over Vaisilika Toalua Tuigamala from Samoa during his first bout, Tethluach suffered a 0-5 loss against Kazakh boxer Damir Toibay, the 2018 World Championships’ silver medalist. Determined to finish on a high note and win a medal, Tethluach was confident going into the Bronze medal final against Ahmed Elsawy Awad Elbaz from Egypt. Unlike other AIBA competitions, only one bronze medal is available at the Youth Olympics, meaning the losers of semifinals have to square off in order to step onto the podium.

In what started as a strong performance by the boxer from Edmonton, Tethluach was unable to keep up with his much taller opponent and lost by unanimous decision. Cumulating one victory and two losses, Tethluach finishes in 4th place at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games!

“It feels amazing to perform at the Youth Olympics. Where I come from [Edmonton, Alberta], not many people realize the benefits of boxing and I am just so proud to represent my sport, my country and my fellow Edmontonians,” stated Tethluach after his victory during his first bout.

---

60 kg Spencer Wilcox (Hamilton, ON)

Receiving a quota reallocation only a few days prior to the opening ceremony, Spencer Wilcox was ready to compete on the world’s largest stage against the best youth boxers each continent has to offer. Leading up to his final bout of the tournament, Spencer cumulated two losses: a 2-3 split decision against Nurlan Safarov from Azerbaijan in the first round and a 1-4 decision against 2018 Youth World Champion Atichai Phoemsap from Thailand in the second round. Despite his two defeats, Spencer came in strong for his last bout against New Zealand’s boxer, Kasib Hunter Murdoch-McKeich, as he was looking to claim a win before the end of the competition.

With a height advantage and a hunger to get the victory, Spencer imposed his rhythm over his opponent, leaving no doubt in who would be the winner of this bout. After three intense round, Spencer was declared the winner by unanimous decision and finished in 5th place in the 60 kg category at the 2018 Youth Olympic Game!

This was an experience of a lifetime , something I will never forget, affirmed Spencer Wilcox after his unanimous decision over New Zealand. I didn’t get what I cam here for, which was the gold medal, but life has its ups and downs. I got a win on my last fight which was the cherry on top. I like to thanks the entire staff of the Olympic committee for allowing me to be apart of such a great event. With the Youth Olympic Games now done, it is time to focus on Tokyo 2020.

For more information on the competition (schedule, results, draw), visit our Event web page or the official website for the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

 

HIGHLIGHTING SHAWN O’SULLIVAN | Canadian Lightweight Champion

Resources: Wikipedia| 16:9 Global News – Against The Ropes | Leaside Life

About Shawn O’Sullivan:

Do you remember when Leasider Shawn O’Sullivan won the gold medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in 1981 and again in 1983? At the time he was the toast of the town and the Borough of East York.

Shawn grew up on Donlea Drive along with his twin sister Maureen and his younger brother Kevin. Shawn jokes that he is the eldest because he was born a few minutes before Maureen. He first learned to box under the guidance and instruction of his father Michael O’Sullivan who was a TTC bus driver.

As an amateur boxer, Shawn rang up 94 victories while losing only six times, a record matched by very few, if any, other Canadian boxers. At the age of 16 he won the Canadian Junior title in Whitehorse, Yukon. Then in 1981, as a 19 year old, he defeated the Cuban Olympic gold medalist, Armando Martinez, twice on his way to winning the gold medal as a light middleweight in the World Amateur Boxing Championships. That year he was named Canada’s Athlete of the Year.

In 1984 at the Los Angeles Olympics, after totally dominating his earlier opponents, he fought an American, Frank Tate, for the gold medal. During the second round of the championship match, Shawn took Tate to two standing eight counts and nearly a third as the round ended. But the judges awarded the match and thus the gold medal to Frank Tate. When the gold medal was draped around Tate’s neck, the crowd booed. Later, even Tate’s coach admitted Shawn may have won.

After winning the Olympic silver medal, Shawn turned professional. He won his first 11 bouts as a welterweight. When he finally retired from boxing he had recorded 23 wins, 16 of them by knockouts.

In 2015, Leaside’s pride, Shawn O’Sullivan, was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.

Amateur Highlights:

• 1981 World Amateur Champion – This fight was hailed as possibly THE BEST BOXING FIGHT EVER. SHAWN O’SULLIVAN-CAN VS ARMANDO MARTINEZ-CUB.
• 1981 Canadian Athlete of the Year
• Commonwealth Games: Gold medal – first place 1982 Brisbane Light Middleweight
• Olympic Games: Silver medal – second place 1984 Los Angeles Light Middleweight

Olympics and Controversy:

Leading up the 1984 Olympics, O’Sullivan and fellow Canadian Willie de Wit were both favoured to win the gold medals in their classes: de Wit as a heavyweight and O’Sullivan as a light middleweight.
 
In the gold medal bout with Frank Tate, O’Sullivan took Tate to two standing-eight-counts in the second round (and nearly a third as the round ended), but the judges unanimously gave the decision to Tate. O’Sullivan dominated the second round; however, four of the judges (Keith Walker of New Zealand, Han Dong Jin of South Korea, Noureddine Addala of Tunisia and Muili Ojo of Nigeria) gave Tate the round by the slim margin of 20-19.
 
Tate was booed when the gold medal was draped around his neck. Tate had won in a 5-0 decision and even his coach, Emanuel Steward, admitted O’Sullivan may have won.[3] O’Sullivan, who himself had benefited from a controversial decision against Christophe Tiozzo in the semifinals, was gracious in defeat and called the outcome “unfortunate”.
 
His results were

• 1st round bye
• Defeated Mohamed Halibi (Libya) RSC 2
• Defeated Ahn Dal-Ho (South Korea) RSC 1
• Defeated Rod Douglas (Great Britain) 5-0
• Defeated Christophe Tiozzo (France) 5-0
• Lost to Frank Tate (United States) 0-5
   

Dear Team KBC!

Virgil, myself and our team at Kingsway Boxing are so excited to welcome you all back this Fall! Kingsway Boxing now operates out of two separate locations, which allows for a wide range of people, with varying interests, to accomplish any goal. We successfully run competitive and recreational boxing programs, while hosting a variety of fitness and high performance athletic programs out of both locations.

We even offer Sport Specific Registered Massage Therapy and High Performance Yoga!

See below for all the new programs available at both locations!

In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up!

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club

PROGRAM UPDATE: BOX-FIT FUSION IS NOW ONLY $120 RUNNING WEDNESDAY ONLY

The Eddie Melo Legacy Organization will bring together some of Toronto’s Greatest past and present boxing legends in support of at-risk youth.

Article By Jennifer Huggins | View Original Article via Toronto Guardian

Boxing has an incredible way of connecting people in a deep and profound manner. Maybe it’s the intensity of the training, the dedication required or simply the type of people that the sport attracts. Whatever the cause, the strength and respect within the boxing community is undeniable. It is a community that understands, respects and reveres its history and those that came before. It’s a community that doesn’t care if you’re a former or current champion, a kid trying to find their way or an executive that trains whenever their schedule allows. We are all part of the community; We are all boxers.

From the first time I stepped into a boxing gym almost 20 years ago I have heard the words “boxing made me who I am today”. Although I didn’t really understand it then, I know those words are true for me today. Boxing has given me so much professionally and personally, I can’t imagine who or where I would be without the sweet science. Beyond my own experience, I have witnessed the transformative effects of boxing on countless lives. I have seen children walk through the doors of my gym, too nervous to make eye contact, become smiling, laughing beings with a sparkle in their eyes after 10 minutes of throwing punches. I have seen a CEO, who never climbed a set of stairs, become a legend in the ring. I have witnessed a boxer lose every round of a fight, and somehow find the strength and courage to stop their opponent in the last 10 seconds of the final round.

Three months ago, I received a call from the other side of the country. The young woman on the other end of the call introduced herself as Jess Melo, a family name familiar to most every Canadian boxing enthusiast. Over the course of the call, Jess spoke to me about the Organization she had launched to honour her father and the boxing legends she had recruited to help. Later that day as I walked around my gym, looking at the posters that adorn the walls I began to notice there in print all the names Jessie had mentioned during our call; truly a collection of boxing legends.

Fast forward to this past weekend and Friday night found me referring a card of amateur matches outside under a blanket of stars on a perfect summer night in front of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd that included a long list of boxing legends. Saturday afternoon I was back in my gym, sharing the ring with the same laundry list of boxing legends that included George Chuvalo (5x Canadian Champion & World Heavy weight Contender), Nicky Furlano (3x Canadian Boxing Champion and World Super Lightweight Contender), Billy Irwin (Canadian & IBO World Boxing Lightweight Champion), Mark Simmons (Canadian Olympian), Iran Barkley (5x World Boxing Champion), Junior Jones (5x World Boxing Champion), Mark Breland (Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Welterweight Champion), John Scully (New England Middleweight Champion and former Light Heavyweight Contender), Tom Patti (Amateur Boxing Champion, Advocate & Politician) and a few others. Watching these accomplished athletes work with a collection of young boxers, I was awed by the strength and beauty of this community that I am so proud and humbled to be part of. Following the training sessions, each of the legends in attendance said a few words, all of which were inspiring and heart-felt and centered around a common theme: Boxing made me who I am today.

Both events were in support of the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization. The organization, founded by Jessica and Joey Melo, daughter and brother of the late Eddie Melo, is dedicated to helping young at-risk amateur boxers experience positive influences and sociability and to help keep them off the streets and in the boxing gym. As well as children who have lost a parent due to a homicide; this is a platform for giving back to them and sponsoring them through anything that can help lessen the burden and give them support during such a tragic time.

In addition to raising the awareness of The Eddie Melo Legacy Organization, the event on Saturday announced the inception of the Eddie Melo Legacy Mentorship Program. The program will use the organization’s unprecedented access to boxing legends to enhance amateur boxers’ aspirations in the sport with an acute attention to their social development, education and future.

I could go on for pages describing the honour and privilege of sharing the ring with the incredible collection of boxing greats, but I think the impact of the event is best described by the words of a mother who attended with her children.

“Meeting Junior Jones and the other legends was inspiring. My children have a new respect and interest in the spirt!”

~Lisa Ventura, Media Orientation Attendee

Photo Credit: Virgil Barrow

About The Eddie Melo Legacy Organization | www.eddiemelolegacy.org

Jessica Melo, Founder/Chairwoman of the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization and daughter of the late Eddie Melo, founded Eddie Melo Legacy Organization to support amateur boxers and children who’s parent(s) were the victims of homicide.

With the help of her uncle “Jersey Joe” Melo she aspires to not only educate Canada’s amateur boxers and those who have been victims of homicides, they endeavor reaching out to all youths in hopes of giving them a platform where they can develop and grow into successful human beings.

About Kingsway Boxing Club | www.kingswayboxing.com

Kingsway Boxing Club is located in the west end of Toronto, Canada. We operate out of two locations; The High Performance Studios and The Boxing Gym Facility. Having the two separate locations allows for a wide range of people, with varying interests to accomplish any goal. Kingsway successfully runs competitive boxing programs out of the Boxing Gym, while hosting a variety of fitness, recreational and high-performance athletic services out of both locations.

Boxing is undeniably one of the top mentally and physically challenging sports. Many athletes, businesses and recreational sport enthusiasts use the sport as a cross training tool. It is a great sport to get into supreme shape, it is also a challenging, but amazing sport to take to the next level of competition.

It’s our priority to invest into our community, helping to build mental, physical and emotional strength with each individual who walks through our doors. With programs for all ages and fitness levels, there’s no reason to wait!

After Much Anticipation, We Are Now Welcoming Boxers Into Our Youth Amateur Boxing Program

Our Youth Boxing Programs are run by Canadian National Coaches Jennifer Huggins, Virgil Barrow, Phil Daniels alongside our Boxing Ontario Assistant coaches. After recognizing the incredible impact the sport has had on their lives, the team felt it was necessary to share their passion for boxing with the youth of the community.

Those who participate in these classes learn the technical components of the sport, and are given an opportunity to explore their confidence in ways that will help them in all walks of life. The Youth Boxing Membership is appropriate for participants ages 11-19 and generally requires a good understanding of the sport.

Important Note: For beginners we suggest our Co-Ed Teen and Girl’s Teen Seasonal Programs

Youth boxers will develop a true understanding of:

• The rules of Olympic Boxing
• Basic boxing technique
• Shadow boxing
• Heavy, speed and double ended bag work
• Self defence
• Offensive tactics
• Safe atmosphere to explore optional Sparring/Competition

Membership Access:

• Unlimited Teen Conditioning and Sparring classes at Boxing Gym Location
• Unlimited access to the “Open Training” at the Boxing Gym
• Member rates for all specialty and seasonal programs (including programs at The HIGH PERFORMANCE STUDIOS | 3046 Bloor St. W. Toronto ON.)

Are You Ready To Get Started!?

Program Details

TAKING OVER THE STREETS AT THE TASTE OF THE KINGSWAY 2018

Friday Sept. 7 through Sunday Sept. 9
5pm – 10 pm (Friday) and 11 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday

Taste Of The Kingsway was the ‘birth place’ of Kingsway Boxing Club in 2006,  and we continue spending time investing back into our community.

Join the Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer Families outside of our new high performance studio location at Royal York and Bloor (3046 Bloor St. W) on Friday Sept. 7 from 5pm until 10pm and Saturday Sept. 8 and Sunday Sunday Sept. 9 all day! This will be our 12th Annual attendance at the festival and our first year ever in our new location. We are celebrating with an Open House, Boxing Lessons, Raffles, Special Packages and much more!

This annual fall festival runs along Bloor Street West between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Rd., isn’t the same old food festival – this is a culinary and physical experience!

The Taste of the Kingsway is renowned for the quality of entertainers showcased on our TWO GRAND STAGES with continuous live entertainment from well known artists, performers and musicians.

Over 200 exhibitors will be participating in this year’s event. Beer & Wine Gardens. Food! Be sure to come out and support Kingsway Boxing and The Fight To End Cancer (Festival Specials Listed Below). See you there! In The Meantime, Keep Your Hands Up!

50% of all Kingsway Boxing Club event sales will be donated to the Fight To End Cancer benefiting the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation

FESTIVAL SPECIALS

• $2.00 Boxing Lessons
• 400 Punch Challenge
  • ALL participants receive a special gift valued at $80.00 (courtesy of Fight To End Cancer) and challenge winners additionally receive Beginner Package ($150.00 value)
• $55.00 Beginner Packages (reg. $150)
  • Includes:
    • 1 Private Lesson
    • 3 Scheduled Classes
    • 1 month Unlimited Access To Individual Training Hours
• $250 Fall Specialty Kids and Teen Program Registration (Reg. $275)
• $95.00 FightCamp Special Registration (-$55.00 off regular price)
• Become A Fighter | FTEC2019 Tryout Registration
  • Register as a charity fighter in our exclusive corporate program Fight To End Cancer
  • 2019 Tryout/Orientation Saturday Sept. 29, 2018 @ 12:30 pm
  • More Info/Application