PRESS RELEASE: Eddie Melo Legacy Organization Proudly Presents a “Media Orientation with The Champs”

Posted on July 12, 2018August 2, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Press Release: EMLO
July 11, 2018

Media Inquiries | Media Accreditation
Jessica Melo, Founder-Chairwoman
Eddie Melo Legacy Organization
jessie@eddiemelolegacy.org

---

---

PRESS RELEASE: Eddie Melo Legacy Organization Proudly Presents a “Media Orientation with The Champs”

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Toronto ON. The Eddie Melo Legacy Organization (EMLO) is proud to announce our “Media Orientation with The Champs”, on Saturday August 11th 2018, at Jennifer Huggins’ Toronto Kingsway Boxing Club, located at 22-B Jutland Rd. Toronto, ON. Canada M8Z 2G9. The Media Orientation will follow the EMLO Inaugural Invitational Amateur Boxing Show which will be hosted the night before (August 10th 2018), at the Junction Craft Brewery.

The AIM of EMLO’s “Media Orientation with The Champs,” is to announce the inception of the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization’s Mentorship Program and to allow those in attendance to meet “The Champs” up close.

The “Media Orientation with The Champs,” is an exclusive affair for the participants of the EMLO Inaugural Invitational Amateur Boxing Show, their family, coaches and other youth (since some may not be attend “An Evening Under The Stars II” later that evening), for invited guests and the Media.

We would also like to invite Boxing Ontario membership to the “Media Orientation with The Champs”; present your boxing licence or membership card and bring a non-perishable food bank donation.

The Eddie Melo Legacy Organization’s Mentors (former Amateur and World boxing champions) will be on hand to speak with those in attendance and to share their involvement with the EMLO Mentorship Program.

If there is room for persons not on ‘invitation list’ who want to attend, the Eddie Melo Legacy Organization will kindly extend entry to “Media Orientation with The Champs.”

---

Treat A Human Being As They Are And They Will Remain As They Are… Treat Them As They Can And Should Be And They Will Become As They Can And Should Be.

Media Inquiries
Jennifer Huggins, President
Kingsway Boxing Club
jennifer@kingswayboxingclub.com
+1 (416) 666-9314

---

Do You Have What It Takes To Fight To End Cancer?

Posted on June 22, 2018June 22, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Our Fight To End Cancer annual gala is just one part of the yearlong fundraising initiatives executed by Fight To End Cancer. Our Annual Boxing Gala continues to be the “Main Event” celebration of our fundraising efforts, however we are expanding our Corporate Fundraising Teams and our Community Ambassador Programs. This will open the doors to allow anyone to join us in the Fight To End Cancer.

If you’re not interested in jumping into the ring for a sanctioned boxing match, the Fight To End Cancer can still be your fight… Join The Fight

---

Do you have what it takes to Fight To End Cancer?

Date: Saturday September 29, 2018

Time: 12:30 am – 2:00 pm

Location: Kingsway Boxing Club (22 Jutland Rd. Unit B. Toronto ON.)

---

Register Now

---

Let the Kingsway Boxing coaches and members from the Fight To End Cancer Fighter Alumni, put you through the workout of your life! This introductory boxing session will give you the opportunity to experience, first-hand, the commitment that will be required to take part in the Fight To End Cancer’s 2019 event. In addition to training, we will be holding a Q&A session lead by past FTEC Fighters.

The decision to fight for such a meaningful cause, is one that will be life changing. Whether you embark on this journey for yourself, a family member, or a friend who is, or has had to fight cancer, you are truly a hero. To better understand the challenges and commitments you would be taking on, please read through the material provided in the link below and be sure to read our news blogs.

---

I’m Every Woman… | Blog Post By Shireen Fabing; Fighter, Mother and Inspiration

Posted on May 13, 2018May 13, 2018 by Shireen Fabing

---

“I’ve had 5 bouts since fighting in Fight To End Cancer.  I fell in love with boxing – I think that sums it up.  Everything else stems from that –  challenging myself, pushing myself and my body and seeing/feeling myself improve daily.  Having awesome people in my corner (pun intended) in and outside of the ring and a connection with my awesome coach leading up to fights is key. Then there’s this – when my little girls says things like ‘mummy, I want to be like you when I grow up” or “mummy, you the champ’ – who can’t be motivated after that right?

---

I’m Every Woman… It’s All In Me!
Blog Post By Shireen Fabing; Fighter, Mother, Inspiration

---

Tell me you all can relate!  Whether it’s #Chaka or #Whitney belting out the lyrics I know you’re singing along and, if you’re like me, you get up out of your chair and dance like nobody is looking.  Am right!  Hell to the yes!

Over the last few years I’ve heard people shift from asking “how do you do it all” to “wow, you’re really making a difference,” or “you’ve inspired me to become healthier and be more active” or “you’re paving the way for others”.  It’s awesome and inspiring to hear and to say.  Let’s keep this up – myself included.

So, back to the queens Chaka and Whitney.  How am I every woman?  How is it all in me?

Pre-boxing and pre-mom – maybe 8 years or so ago.  Actually, I was already taking boxing classes but that’s not relevant here.  I worked in Sponsorship Marketing and I kicked ass at what I did.   I was consistently doing things not just outside the box but at times I was operating with my own box, taking chances and having the freedom to do so – within reason of course, not my company after all.  Sometimes they were lessons vs success stories, but I learnt lots and owned every outcome.  With that came lots of amazing perks and many, many long days and nights.  I was doing it all back then too, just a different life and while most days felt like a superwoman, I got to realize eventually that sustaining, 12-14-hour days consistently over time, had an expiry date.  I believe that I just said at one point “I need to do something else” and “I need balance” and man was it a boss move!  Liberating but at the same time I was grateful for it all.  The value of the hard work I put in back then is still priceless and today and even though my career took a different path it still comes with it’s hard work and daily challenges – I still kick ass though!

Fast forward to present day.  I still feel like a wonder woman but for very very different reasons.  Firstly, being a mother/parent is badass!  Yes, I said badass.  Unlike boxing, there is no training camp or prep work for this role and unlike my work life, current included, there is no contingency plan.   And guess what?  You must be ON all the time.  My mini is always watching us, learning, imitating and it’s amazing.  Sometimes, you want to just go with the flow, give in and take the easy way out and let her do whatever she wants….ok, I have folded but it’s very rare lol.  Anyone who knows me well will likely be nodding and grinning right now.  I was never one for the easy way out and when it comes to my most prized little human, why would I?  You put your best foot forward 100% of the time.

You make mistakes, dust your butt off and you step back in.  All parents will agree, it’s not easy all the time but it’s THE best, most rewarding role to have, period. 

At lease for me this is the case.  Making the above decision to do something else in my work life started that balancing I needed.  I will say though, when the time came a couple of years later and motherhood started, I had to learn a whole lot!  Mostly not to be so hard on my damn self.

Over to boxing.  Being a boxer is surreal.  Seriously.  Every time I prep and the week leading up to a fight I still have the “I’m really a boxer” moment.  Post-fight, same thing “wow, I just did it again”.  People ask me what’s my record is and I laugh inside.  One, because it’s small record but two “holy crap, I have a record”.  I don’t know if that feeling will go away but I like having it.  Stepping into the ring is my reward for all the hours of work I put in.  Time to showcase and time to shine!  The work that goes into this sport requires will over skill and mind over matter.  To go deeper it’s consistent discipline both in and out of the ring/gym.  Come on, learning all your punches and learning to throw them properly, footwork, head movement, take your time but be the busy one, fight your fight, off the ropes, own the middle, distance range, get in get out and the list goes on.  Plus, remembering and applying all of this during a fight is a tall order for anyone.  With all of that said, I fell in love so long ago and like being married after 20 years (for me) same feeling #cheesealert yeah yeah.

So, I was going to document how I do this all and talk about planning, having support, making many sacrifices, making the time vs not having the time etc but no.  I also got motivational quotes for days but even those won’t work unless you do.  Period.

Got passion?  Got drive?  Want something so bad you can’t stop thinking about?  It’s possible.  It’s achievable.  It’s do-able.  I am proof that it is. 

Each of the above snippets I shared I went through the motions I described.  Being new in Canada, and finally landing a job I wanted came with a hustle of temp work, volunteer work and going back to school because I kept being told “you don’t have Canadian experience” – I did what I had to do to get there and make a success.  Deciding to adopt – wow, the obstacles and the checklist that came with this one was long but, we got through it one item at a time.  Every door that got shut on us and getting twisted in red tape only made hubby and I more persistent.  We just knocked on different doors and right people eventually let us in and it’s been an amazing ride to date.  Boxing?  I’m not stopping anytime soon, so everything has to work to make The Machine work.  Not going to lie, sometimes they overlap, and I must be a little flexible with my strict regimen but that’s cool.  Mini comes to the gym with me or I do a training session at home or during lunch at work or I switch my rest days but, you make it work.  No excuses, no regrets.

It’s in my nature to fight, push harder when I’m told I can’t do something or I need this experience or take assessments to show I can be responsible for another human. 

I put my best foot forward every single time and while it’s my best foot, it’s sometimes not the right one you know what I mean?  So, you learn, you grow, and you try again.  Most of all, own your successes and your lessons.  As I grew up and older I realized that you CAN have it all – sometimes just not all that the same time and, balancing all my worlds didn’t come over night either.  Throw in regular life, family matters, kids activities, illness, injuries and other setbacks and you got yourself a full plate.  Trial and error but nonstop dedication to make it work and, it’s never perfect either folks but I try to be fully present wherever I am so I get to enjoy and take it all in.

I PROMISE I will do “a day in the life of” sometime soon but for now I’d say you must find what works for you and for your family/situation, what’s important to you, how badly you want it and to what lengths will you go to in order to achieve it.

The day I realized (one of) my purpose and said the words out loud it was clear.  I can have it all and I can be every woman and so far, I’m still kicking ass!

---

Become A Fighter

Last Call For Summer Program Registration

Posted on May 3, 2018May 3, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

Thank you to those of you who have already registered for our Summer Programs. The addition of our High Performance Studios, 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 programs out of both locations.

We also have launched our newest athletic services at our High Performance Location which include Registered Massage Therapy.

View All Programs

---

“If I Wanted, I Could Destroy EVERYTHING… But I’m A Good Girl!”

Posted on April 25, 2018April 25, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

---

“If I Wanted, I Could Destroy EVERYTHING… But I’m A Good Girl”
Featuring The Girls Teens Boxing Program At Kingsway Boxing Club

---

Space is limited, sign up today!

Registration and Info

---

After spending the Spring with these incredible ladies, we held a mini photoshoot on our last day of class so the girls could show off their some of their bad ass moves! We can’t wait to see these awesome girls, along with many newcomers in our Summer 2018 Program!

The Girls Teen Boxing Program 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.

View Full Album

New To Boxing, But No Stranger To Fighting | Introducing Zeus Sequeira

Posted on March 9, 2018March 9, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

---

New To Boxing, But No Stranger To Fighting
Introducing Zeus Sequeira

---

Walking through the doors of a boxing gym is usually one of the most challenging accomplishments for the average person. Imagine entering through those doors when even standing was one of your biggest challenges. You’re about to be introduced to one of the newest boxers to our team, but he’s no stranger to fighting.

Zeus Sequeira was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at birth due to birth asphyxiation. A 5-minute delay in getting oxygen on time led to brain damage leaving him with this diagnosis.

“It’s funny the difference 5 minutes can make. Growing up in India and going to a public schooling system in the 90’s wasn’t easy as there was tremendous stigma and lack of awareness at the time regarding disabilities. I feel it were these conditions that gave me the drive to keep pushing myself to be better.”

Zeus started walking at the age of 3 but was hunched over and his knees were bent at almost 90 degrees. A supra-major skeletal and muscular reconstructive surgery at the age of 14 gave him a chance to start over though as it straightened him up.

“I get better every week and my goal is to get my first fight by the end of 2018. In addition to doing this, I want to dedicate my journey to becoming fight-ready toward raising funds for Holland Bloorview, a rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.”

Every dollar raised for Holland Bloorview goes not only to recovery and rehab, but also to programs and services centered around Music, Arts, and Family support funds (to cover added expenses related to the child’s disability).

---

Zeus’ goal is to raise 10,000 CAD at the minimum over the course of 2018.

Sponsor Zeus Now

You can follow Zeus’ journey via. Instagram and Facebook

---

New Location Opens Thursday Feb. 15

Posted on February 8, 2018February 8, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

Our Studio Is Moving To 3046 Bloor St. W.
New Location Opens On Thursday February 15, 2018.

We Just Broke The First Rule Of Fight Camp!

Posted on January 14, 2018January 15, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

[THE TORONTO STAR] I became an amateur boxer at 53

Posted on January 7, 2018January 7, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

---

[THE TORONTO STAR] I became an amateur boxer at 53

When Kate Robertson first stepped into Sully Boxing Gym, she just wanted to learn how to throw a punch. Instead she stepped out of the ring looking forward to fighting again.

View Original Article

Why Boxing Is The Best Sport… Best Said By 8 Year Olds!

Posted on January 7, 2018January 7, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Why Boxing Is The Best Sport… Best Said By 8 Year Olds!

Boxing is one of the most enjoyable sports for people of all ages and fitness levels. Introducing the sport at a young age helps kids develop the skills and confidence they may need moving forward in other sports and everyday life!

With over 100 kids in our programs, it was extremely difficult to choose who would be the recipients of our Rising Talent Program through Boxing Ontario. With only 6 awards to present, we are proud to introduce you to our first two future champs: Michael Bahr and Dante Berni. The boys train under the tutelage of coach Phil Daniels and have shown exceptional progress and dedication to the sport!

Michael and Dante are both 8 years old and go to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Toronto. They have been Best Friends forever and have this to say about boxing…

Our Kids 7+ Boxing Programs run 5 to 12 weeks depending on the season and are focused on the technical and fitness aspects of boxing.

Space is limited, sign up today!

Program Info & Registration

---

2018 Program Registration Now Open | Kingsway Boxing Club

Posted on November 29, 2017December 23, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Dear Kingsway Boxing Family!

Our programs are filling up quickly, don’t miss out on being a part of our 2018 specialty programs. See below for program dates and registration!

2017 has been an incredible year for both the Kingsway Boxing and Fight To End Cancer families. We would like to invite you out to celebrate the year at our Holiday Bash on Saturday Dec. 23 at 8pm. RSVP NOW

Yours Truly,

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club

---

2018 Program Registration Now Open | Kingsway Boxing Club

Kingsway Boxing Girls Welcome Back Canadian Olympian Mandy Bujold

Posted on November 16, 2017December 12, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

THE TEEN GIRLS OF KINGSWAY BOXING WELCOME CANADIAN OLYMPIAN MANDY BUJOLD

---

It is with great pleasure that we welcomed Mandy back to coach the final Girls Teen Boxing Class of 2017 on Monday December 11, 2017.

“Mandy has been a true ambassador of the sport, inspiring our boxing family and friends. Her dedication and perseverance led to achieving her ultimate dream of making it to the 2016 Rio Olympics. She has influenced athletes around the world to achieve their dreams and to step into the ring to fight for what you believe in. After Mandy attended the Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) Gala in 2016, our Kingsway and FTEC teams cheered her on as she represented Canada at the very highest level of sport”

– Jennifer Huggins

Mandy is not only a Boxing Canada Olympian, but she is a true champion in and outside of the ring. She has been an international inspiration to men and women of all ages!

(article continues below photos)

---

The Girls Teen Boxing Program 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 was away on assignment for the Women’s Youth World Boxing Championships in Guwahati, India.

“I’ve been 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, Mandy Bujold. Representing Canada over the past decade, Mandy is a true hero in and outside of the ring.

---

---

MEDIA RELEASE: The Gentlemen’s Expo Hosts Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’ – Tickets Are Now On-Sale

Posted on November 8, 2017November 8, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Style, Grooming, Food, and Drink will now be joined by Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’ at The Gentlemen’s Expo (#TGE2017). TGE has a wide variety of emerging and established brands and products, alongside celebrity guests and now a sanctioned Olympic boxing card on Friday, November 24th. All of this in one place means that tickets to Canada’s leading lifestyle event for men is an easy decision! The Gentlemen’s Expo takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building from Nov 24th to 25th, 2017.

Hosted by entertainment personality, “Showdown Joe” Ferraro, #TGE2017 will host sanctioned Olympic boxing matches called the Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’. Enjoy a gentleman’s sport, for the first time ever, while raising funds for an incredible cause: 50/50 raffle proceeds from the evening will benefit the Fight To End Cancer. Some of Canada’s best boxers, holding provincial and national titles, will be showcased including the Co-Main Event fights with Mark Smither and Kassandra O’Reilly – who both fought on the inaugural Fight To End Cancer card in 2012.

The five (5) bout undercard will play host to a number of local and international Olympic contenders (boxers and biographies listed below)

Tickets to The Gentlemen’s Expo are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased at: www.fighttoendcancer.com. Use promo code BOXING to save $5 off single tickets. Celebrity guests and additional attractions will be announced soon!

Help the team hit their $10,000 goal in support of the Fight To End Cancer before fight night: Donate Now

 

---

Use promo code BOXING for $5 off tickets! (regular price only $25)

BUY TICKETS NOW

---

The boxing kids came prepared with costumes to match their skills for a very Happy Halloween!

Posted on October 31, 2017October 31, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

The boxing kids came prepared with costumes to match their skills for a very happy Halloween!

---

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.

More Info or Register Now

---

---

View Full Photo Album

---

World Boxing Super Series: The Muhammad Ali Trophy and $50m up for grabs

Posted on October 11, 2017October 11, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

---

World Boxing Super Series: The Muhammad Ali Trophy and $50m up for grabs

By Luke Reddy
BBC Sport View Original Article

---

The World Boxing Super Series, which launched in September, is a tournament for top fighters with $50 million in prize money and the Muhammad Ali Trophy awarded to the winners.

“Boxing has really been missing a big tournament like the World Boxing Super Series”  ~ Richard Schaefer, the former Golden Boy Promotions executive who is in charge of the U.S. side of the tournament.

Latest News: Chris Eubank Jr destroys Avni Yildirim with brutal third-round knockout

---

Nine months and a simple format

View Official Site

Boxing, with its many weight divisions and multitude of belts can be confusing. The World Boxing Super Series aims to be anything but.

It will run two tournaments, one for cruiserweights and one for super-middleweights. Within each, eight men will compete from a quarter-final stage through to an eventual winner being crowned in each weight category.

Along the way, if a fighter meets an opponent who is currently a world champion, that belt will be on the line.

Quarter-finals aim to be completed by the end of October, semi-finals by the close of February 2018 and winners decided by May.

Simple then? But if you are a lover of boxing’s trash talk and heated rivalries, fear not as already they seem set to prosper in the format.

At the final news conference before Saturday’s first cruiserweight bout, Marco Huck pushed WBO world champion Aleksandr Usyk, prompting a furious Usyk to state he will “bury” his rival.

A focus on storylines and a quirky draw

Comosa AG – the company which owns the event – is an amalgamation of firms, with former Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and European based Sauerland Promotions heavily involved.

“The tournament will have so many storylines,” Kalle Sauerland told BBC Sport. “It’s not just to find a winner, it’s to generate fun and excitement through storytelling.”

And the soap opera began at July’s draw where seeded boxers, faced with their unseeded rivals, picked their quarter-final opponents.

Sauerland added: “I’ve been at events since and fighters have been talking, asking one another ‘why did you pick me?’

“Fans in boxing always ask ‘why is this guy not fighting that guy?’ “There are no politics here, eight guys, four seeded, four unseeded, the rest we let them do themselves.

“This is a project which is destined to become the Champions League of boxing. It was a big statement for us to put this event out there. I think we have over delivered in terms of fighters.”

Middleweight Brits and cruiserweight unification

It is fair to say fighters have been positive about the concept. IBF super-middleweight champion James DeGale desperately wanted to enter were it not for a shoulder injury.

But four British names already feature in the super-middleweight branch of the tournament, headed by WBA champion Groves.

He faces fellow Briton Jamie Cox in London on 14 October, with the winner meeting the victor of Eubank Jr’s fixture with Avni Yildirim in Germany a week earlier.

Many in the sport were shocked Eubank picked the undefeated and tricky Turkish fighter but should he beat him and face Groves, fans could see an all-British semi-final with the WBA title on the line.

Liverpool’s unbeaten Callum Smith is seeking his own first world title shot and makes up the British contingent, getting his tournament underway against Sweden’s Erik Skoglund – who sports a perfect 26-fight record – in his home city on 16 September.

Groves is the only world champion in the super-middleweight tournament but in the 200lbs cruiserweight division, three titles should in theory be unified by May.

Latvia’s Mairis Briedis (WBC), Russia’s Murat Gassiev (IBF) and Ukraine’s Usyk (WBO) will all put their titles on the line, meaning the tournament winner will sweep the belts.

Fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy

The Muhammad Ali Trophy the two winners will receive was designed by the late Silvio Gazzaniga, who created and designed the Fifa World Cup trophy in 1971.

The two tournaments will boast a $25m prize fund, with the winner of each expected to rake in a haul of $10m in total across the three victories required to land the title.

Boxing does not have the choice of using a penalty shootout to decide any tournament match which ends in a draw on the scorecards, so a quirk in scoring the bouts has been introduced.

Any fight deadlocked on all three cards will see a fourth ringside judge called upon. If their card is also level, the winner of the final round of the bout progresses.

Sauerland stresses keenly that on boxing records, such a bout would still be marked as a draw. The tie-break protocol is only used to decide who progresses, not necessarily who wins.

Will ‘the most important market’ watch?

A tournament featuring super-middleweights named the Super Six World Boxing Classic took place between 2009 and 2011. While its cast was stellar, with victory being claimed by Andre Ward, its length meant the event’s momentum arguably waned.

Other incarnations of tournament formats such as the Prizefighter Series enjoyed success, with shorter fights ensuring an event could be concluded on one night.

The new competition has interested Television bosses, with rights sold across Europe. A US deal is “in the pipeline”, according to Sauerland, who last week announced ITV will broadcast the tournament across its platforms in the UK.

“I think it was one of the biggest deals in British boxing history in terms of scope,” he added. “Make no mistake about it, the UK market is now the most important in the world.”

Some of the fights will be free to air, while others will be pay-per-view. Unlike some traditional fight deals cut in the UK, fighters will not receive bonuses for pay-per-view sales and will be rewarded through already agreed appearance fees and prize money.

“We have invested a lot of money to try and not be too like boxing,” added Sauerland. “If you look at Wimbledon, would Roger Federer get a bonus because Swiss TV paid extra? He’d get prize money, like fighters will here.”

Those backing the Super Series hope to roll the tournament out across more weight divisions with time. Saturday night, when Huck meets Usyk in Berlin, could be a first step in returning professional tournament boxing as a mainstay.

Jake ‘The Raging Bull’ LaMotta Dies at Age 95

Posted on September 21, 2017September 21, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Jake LaMotta was not a great champion but one of the toughest, a boxing beast

---

Jake LaMotta should have been in Las Vegas to watch Gennady Golovkin and Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, two distinguished middleweights pitched together to echo the deeds of the division’s glorious past, a fight reckoned to restore boxing’s faltering image. LaMotta, who knew a lot about the game’s sullied reputation, would have given it a wry smile.

The fight did not quite do its job. It was a terrific rather than a truly great contest and dreadful misjudgment by one of the officials overwhelmingly in favour of Álvarez returned a split draw, drowning out all other post-fight sentiments. So, unfairly but inevitably, Golovkin-Álvarez will be remembered only slightly more fondly than the theatrical crossover fight in the same ring three weeks earlier between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor.
To rinse away the taste of that farce, LaMotta’s was a name the promoters raised in the week before GGG-Canelo. He was lauded alongside Sugar Ray Robinson, his nemesis. They spoke, too, about the later Sugar Ray – Leonard – and Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns and Roberto Durán. They hoped the past might gild the present. Maybe their memories were selective.

LaMotta, the world middleweight champion from 1949 to 1951, was not ringside on either night but seeing out his final days in a nursing home in Florida. If asked, he could probably recount the night he threw his fight against Billy Fox in 1947 to get his title shot against the charismatic Frenchman Marcel Cerdan two years later – and how he lied about the fix for 13 years. He had bowed to the arm-twisting of Fox’s influential gangster manager, Blinky Palermo, but never properly cashed in on being world champion.

He defended the title twice before running into Robinson for a sixth and final time. Then he got fat, fought on for three years, losing four and drawing one of 10, knocked down for the only time in his career, but quitting on his stool twice. His best years were in the 1940s, as a foil for Robinson and terroriser of lesser opponents. He was not a great champion but he surely was one of the toughest, a boxing beast.

(article continues below photo)

The fine details of his brief reign and the denouement are not always absorbed in recollections of his career, mainly because one of the greatest movies of all time painted him in classically Shakespearean mode, a doomed victim to fear then pity. Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull simultaneously rehabbed LaMotta’s standing as a middleweight champion and exposed the essential ugliness of his personality. But his boxing was not the real story.

As Scorsese told the New York Times when the film finally started making noise after its release in 1980: “Those who think it’s a boxing picture would be out of their minds. It’s brutal, sure, but it’s a brutality that could take place not only in the boxing ring but in the bedroom or in an office. Jake is an elemental man.”

Scorsese did not say that as something to be proud of but a fact foolish to ignore. Chuck Palahniuk said something similar when I asked him about his exploration of elemental maleness in his book Fight Club. What the filmmaker and the author shared was a fascination with the glamour of violence.

Not a lot about LaMotta’s life appeared glamorous, apart from his seven wives, perhaps, the second of whom, Vikki, appeared in Playboy. The last to indulge him was Denise Baker, who was 30 years his junior and by his side when he died of pneumonia on Tuesday, aged 95.

(article continues below photo)

They met in the famous Manhattan bar, PJ Clarke’s, in 1993, married two decades later and they shared a stage in a short theatrical rerun of his life that she co-wrote and directed, called The Lady and the Champ. It contains LaMotta’s glib take on his many marriages: “My first wife died from eating mushrooms. My second wife died from eating mushrooms. My third wife died of a skull fracture. She refused to eat the mushrooms.” The production got worse reviews than LaMotta’s fight against Fox.

Mrs LaMotta VII told the celebrity gossip site, TMZ, this week: “I just want people to know, he was a great, sweet, sensitive, strong, compelling man with a great sense of humour, with eyes that danced.”

He was all of that – and he was less as well. He went to reformatory school for attempted burglary (never a good look on the CV: attempted); he beat a bookmaker nearly to death and left him for dead, he was serially cruel to his wives, at least some of the early ones, he got six months on a chain gang for introducing men to underage girls in his Miami nightclub, he got bit parts in movies and he recycled his life in a standup act, the centrepiece of which was the On The Waterfront “I could have been a contender” monologue that formed such a poignant closing to Raging Bull.

I was not alone in discovering that, to get an interview, the going rate was whatever he felt like asking for on the day. For all his admirable fighting deeds, LaMotta knew well enough that, if it were not for the book and the movie, the life he led would have been as tough to sell as those of his less famous contemporaries.

As Don King says, you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.

Jake LaMotta Obituary Read more

Nicola Adams To Make Pro Debut On One Of The Biggest Fights Of 2017

Posted on September 13, 2017September 13, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

Nicola Adams to make US debut on blockbuster Alvarez vs Golovkin undercard

View Original Article | The Telegraph UK

---

Nicola Adams, the double Olympic boxing champion for Great Britain in London and Rio, is to make her US debut in Las Vegas this September, facing Hungary’s Alexandra Vlajk on the blockbuster Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez versus Gennady Golovkin card at the T-Mobile Arena.

“Every boxer dreams of fighting in Las Vegas one day and to be doing this as part of the biggest boxing match of the year is going to be incredible,” said Adams. “It’s great to be fighting three-minute rounds again as this made a big difference in Leeds and I’m hoping for a similar outcome this time.

(article continues below photo)

“My training has been going really well with Virgil Hunter and the team at SNAC. I can’t wait to get in the ring on 16th.”

Frank Warren, Adams’ promoter, said: “This is without doubt THE boxing event of 2017, and I am delighted that Nicola has the chance to showcase her skills on such a huge bill. Canelo v Golovkin is among the very best fights to be made in the last decade and for Nicola to be part of it is brilliant for her and women’s boxing.

GGG vs. Canelo: Fight Of The Decade?

Posted on September 8, 2017September 8, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

GGG vs. Canelo: Fight Of The Decade?

View Original Article | Boxing News 24

---

By Gavin Howie: The September 16 super fight between Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is around the corner and the odds between the 2 fighters are getting closer and closer.

It is not a common thing for a fighter to move up in weight to take on, and defeat a unified champion. Even more difficult when that challenge is against such a dominant and experienced middleweight in GGG. When you look at each of the fighter’s toughest fights, Canelo could perhaps have a few more loses on his record than he has. The Erislandy Lara, and Austin Trout fights were very close decisions. Golovkin’s most difficult fights most people say were his most recent encounters with Kell Brook, and Danny Jacobs. Yes, he did not look his usual self, but still won both fights, still showed he has the power to hurt and got the wins. I believe his performances have dropped slightly in his past 2 fights, are due to him being frustrated at not getting his big fight against Canelo, after so many let downs over the years.

Canelo vs GGG – Online PPV Promo from Golden Boy Digital on Vimeo.

These fighters leave little to the imagination in terms of how they fight. Canelo likes to fight in bursts with quick combos and looking to counter. He also struggles to fight for the full 3 minutes of every round. Golovkin likes to come forward, doesn’t mind taking a punch or 2 so he can land his own, and is relentless for the full 3 minutes of each round. The only time Golovkin has swayed from this usual strategy is when he is aware his opponent is a notable heavy hitter. His recent fights against David Lemieux and Jacobs are testament to this, where he will instead use his ring craft and boxing skill, and utilize his jab to take control of the fight that way. Still he has the same energy for the full 3 minutes of every round and can carry his power late. The stoppage of Martin Murray in round 11 shows he still has that power late on if needed.

Read Full Article

The 3 Key Elements To Becoming A Superhero – Secrets From The Boxing World

Posted on September 2, 2017September 2, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

---

The 3 Key Elements To Becoming A Superhero – Secrets From The Boxing World

Article By: Jennifer Huggins | Owner, Kingsway Boxing Club

---

Since discovering boxing at 16 years of age, my perception of the world has completely changed. Though I pride myself on living an extremely diverse lifestyle, much of the success that I’ve had in business, sport and even my personal life, is a direct result of the training that I’ve developed from my involvement in boxing. Over the years, I have found myself in the role of the boxer, coach, judge and referee. The sport has not only impacted me personally, but I’ve watched boxing transform peoples lives. Children have walked through the doors of my gym, too scared to make eye contact – after ten minutes they’re throwing punches and smiling directly into my eyes. I have worked with the CEO who has never even walked up a flight of stairs, later become a legend in the boxing ring. I’ve witnessed the boxer who has lost every round of a fight, manage to find the strength to stop their opponent in the last 10 seconds of the last round.

If there’s one thing boxing has taught me, it’s that there is a superhero in every one of us. I feel so fortunate to be in a sport that accelerates this discovery of our inner strength.

It’s my opinion that when people realize their own personal power, and are encouraged to apply it to everyday interactions, life has no limits! I have made it my life mission to share not only the sport of boxing with the world, but also to help people use the sport to better themselves. Below are the three elements that I truly believe are the key to releasing the superhero within all of us.

You don’t need to be a boxer to live life like a champion!

View 3 Key Elements Now

---

REGISTRATION OPEN: 2017 Fall Kids & Teen Programs | Limited Space!

Posted on August 23, 2017March 18, 2018 by Jennifer Huggins

---

REGISTRATION OPEN: 2017 Fall Programs | Limited Space

All Kids, Teens and even Adult Fall Boxing Programs begin in the third week of September. Space is limited, sign up today!

Register Now

ATTENTION PARENTS: We’re also searching for our 2018 Fight To End Cancer Corporate Team! If Boxing has been on your bucket-list don’t miss your chance to step into the ring for a sanctioned boxing match! More Info

---

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 need moving forward in other sports and even in everyday life. With registration at capacity each season, the Kids, Teens and Girls Boxing Classes have proven to be our most popular programs. We look forward to welcoming the kids and teens back and opening the doors to other children looking to share in the experience.

The Specialty Boxing Programs run 10 to 12 weeks depending on the season and are focused on the technical and fitness aspects of boxing. We include a free access membership to the Boxing Gym location (22 Jutland Rd. Unit B. Toronto ON) for the duration of the program.

---

All Kids and Teens Fall Boxing Programs begin in the third week of September. Space is limited, sign up today!

Register Now

---

Deal Is Close For Super-Fight Lomachenko vs. Rigondeaux on Dec.9

Posted on August 22, 2017August 22, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Deal Is Close For Super-Fight Lomachenko vs. Rigondeaux on Dec.9

View Original Article
Article By: Chris Williams

---

Vasyl Lomachenko, who’s performance overshadowed the main event as an undercard on the Mayweather vs. Pacquao fight in 2015, is close to reaching a deal with Guillermo Rigondeaux – arguably two of the best boxers to come out of amateur olympic boxing!

WBO super featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko and Guillermo Rigondeaux could be facing each other on December 9 on ESPN at Madison Square Garden in New York. Lomachenko’s promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank let Dan Rafael know about a deal that he has in place for Lomachenko (9-1, 7 KOs) to face super bantamweight champion Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs).

There’s no word at what weight the fight will take place and how much the 36-year-old Rigondeaux will get paid. However, there has been talk of Rigondeaux receiving $500,000 for the fight, which if true is a considerably less than the $750,000 offered to former 2 division world champion Orlando Salido to fight Lomachenko.

”Lomachenko’s next fight is supposed to be Dec.9 at NSG Theater on ESPN. Arum said he has deal for opponent. I’m told it’s Rigondeaux. #boxing,” said Rafael on his social media site.

This is outstanding news for the boxing fans that have been waiting for years to see these two former 2-time Olympic gold medalists finally face each other. Fans have wanted to see Lomachenko and Rigondeaux fight each other since the two of them turned pro. It’s good that the fight is finally about to take place after all this time. If Rigondeaux beats Lomachenko, it’s going to be a huge major blow to Arum, who sees Lomachenko as the next best skilled fighter he’s seen in boxing since Muhammad Ali. Arum might need to revise his lofty expectations for Lomachenko and place him behind Rigondeaux.

Lomachenko might be moving up in weight soon to the lightweight division. If he does that, it would be crazy for Rigondeaux to have to move up 3 entire divisions just to take the fight with him. As it is, Rigondeux is going to have a tough time dealing with the weight advantage for Lomachenko. But, if Rigondeaux is willing to take that risk for the payday, it’s still a great deal.
As skilled as Rigondeaux is, he might still beat Lomachenko and expose him in the same way that Salido did 3 years ago in their fight in 2014. Salido showed that Lomachenko can’t take body shots. Salido almost exclusively targeted the body of Lomachenko during their 12-round fight. Lomachenko spent most of the fight clinching excessively. One judge unbelievably gave the fight to Lomachenko. It sad scoring. Boxing News 24 scored the fight 9 rounds to 3 in favor of Salido.

Lomachenko is coming off of a 7th round stoppage win over Miguel Marriaga earlier this month on August 5 on ESPN from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Lomachenko fought like he was bored most of the fight, and it was not an impressive performance from him. His power was less than remarkable for the super featherweight division.

Lomachenko appears to be still punching with the power of a featherweight or even super bantamweight. He’s definitely not a puncher. He’s more of a tapper.

Rigondeaux recently stopped #1 WBA Moises “Chucky” Flores in a 1st round knockout on June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The results of the Rigondeaux-Flores fight were later overturned and changed to a no contest due to Rigondeaux having knocked Flores out with a punch thrown after the bell. Initially the referee Vic Drakulich ruled that the punch was a legal one. The Nevada State Athletic Commission chose to reverse the decision of the referee and changed the results to a no contest.

Mayweather Not Focused on Surpassing Marciano’s Mark of 49-0

Posted on August 20, 2017August 20, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

---

BoxingScene.com: Mayweather Not Focused on Surpassing Marciano’s Mark of 49-0

TOP BOXING HEADLINES | VIA BOXINGSCENE.COM 

• Pacquiao-Horn: Funding Pulled Until Manny Commits To Rematch
• Andre Ward: Facing Anthony Joshua is NOT Off The Table!
• Video: Dillian Whyte Ready For Deontay Wilder, Discusses Future
• Andre Ward on Top Rank Rumors, Says HBO Contract is Up
• Yomar Alamo Blasts Zsigmond Vaas in One For WBC Youth Belt
• Sean Dodd Stops Antonio Horvatic In Tom Stalker Warm-Up
• Photos: Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Mike Alvarado Smash Opponents
• Lipinets Rips Indongo, Says IBF Title Was ‘Stolen’ From Him
• Crawford on Facing Pacquiao-Horn Winner Next: I’m All For It!

KNOCK-OUT END OF YEAR SALES | KINGSWAY BOXING CLUB

Posted on December 3, 2016January 2, 2017 by Jennifer Huggins

---

---

Our programs are filling up quickly, don’t miss out on being a part of our 2017 specialty programs.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

LEGENDARY CANADIAN BOXING COACH, ADRIAN TEODORESCU, SUCCUMBS TO CANCER | TORONTO SUN

Posted on December 1, 2016December 1, 2016 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Legendary Canadian boxing coach Teodorescu, 73, succumbs to cancer

BY STEVE BUFFERY, TORONTO SUN (View Original Post)

FIRST POSTED: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 07:41 PM EST | UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 09:12 PM EST

---

NOVEMBER 19TH | TWO FIGHTERS, FIGHTING ONE FIGHT TO END CANCER

Posted on November 8, 2016November 8, 2016 by Jennifer Huggins

---

---

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2017

---

MARIELA BURKETT’S EXCLUSIVE SURVIVOR BOOTCAMP AND JOSH O’REILLY’S 7TH PROFESSIONAL FIGHT 

---

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION.

That is the motto of every person who dedicates their time and energy to the difficult battle we face against cancer every day. Every single person is affected by cancer in some way, and each person has their own way of fighting it. Sometimes they’re fighting in the most literal sense of the word, like Fight To End Cancer’s very own Josh O’Reilly. He took to the ring at the 2012 Fight to End Cancer gala and is now fighting cancer at a professional level, training hard, and boxing with one important cause at heart.

You don’t need to be a professional boxer to join the fight. Mariela Burkett, a cancer survivor and champion of fitness, has taken a different approach to her fight, by raising money through annual and semi-annual Survival Bootcamps, and her Buck-A-Burpee campaign. Every single person has a different story to tell about how their lives have been affected by this terrible disease, but everybody has one thing in common, the instinct to fight it.

The Fight To End Cancer means something different and every individual’s fight is important and valuable. People like Josh O’Reilly and Mariella Burkett are teaching us that there are infinite ways to fight cancer, and with everything that they do they show us that Defeat Is Truly NOT An Option.

---

(article continues below video)

---

Tickets For Josh O’Reilly

Who: Josh O’Reilly is a local fighter hailing from Hamilton, Ontario. He fought in the 2012 Fight to End Cancer in honour of his late grandfather. He was also fighting in honour of his boxing coach, Bob Wilcox, who tragically lost his 7-year-old son, Robbie, to brain cancer. Josh O’Reilly continued to Fight To End Cancer long after his match in 2012 ended, and now, nearly five years later, he is fighting at a professional level. Although this will be O’Reilly’s seventh professional fight, he has been fighting at an amateur level for over a decade, and has an impressive 101 amateur fights under his belt.

Why: O’Reilly will be donating a percentage of his earnings to benefit this important cause. Come out and see a great match, and help fight to end cancer in our lifetime!

Where: The fight will be held at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario

When: Come and see the match on Saturday, November 19^th from 7:00pm-11:55pm

Tickets: Buy Now

---

Tickets For Survivor Bootcamp

Who: Mariela Burkett is not only a cancer survivor, she is a cancer fighter. Mariela has been cancer-free for 2½ years, and spends most of her time combatting the mental and physical struggles that individuals and their families endure following a cancer diagnosis. Mariela is taking a unique approach to fighting cancer by hosting Survivor Bootcamps annually and semi-annually to raise money for her cause. She is a certified coach, personal trainer, and fitness instructor. Mariela has also begun an exciting campaign called the Buck-A-Burpee Campaign, which will run from now until the end of May. For every dollar donated to her campaign she will do one burpee. Her hope is to complete 10k burpees by May. She will be posting all of her burpees onto her Instagram: @fitmariela so be sure to check out all of the hard work she’s been doing for this campaign so far!

Why: The goal of the bootcamp is to help raise funds for cancer patients and their families while bringing awareness to the battles they face every day. Participants in this workshop will be given the opportunity to test their physical strength and mental focus, all while benefiting an amazing cause. 100% of proceeds will go to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation!

Where: The workshop will be held at Northstar Montessori School in Mississauga, Ontario

When: The hour-long class will take place on Saturday, November 19^th 2016 from 9:00am until 11:30am

Tickets: Buy Now

 – 30 –

For more information on both of these events you can contact Jennifer Huggins at jennifer@fighttoendcancer.com or 416-666-9314

SHIREEN ‘THE MACHINE’ BRINGS HOME THE WIN FOR TEAM KINGSWAY!

Posted on October 28, 2016October 28, 2016 by Luis Parades

---

---

Shireen “The Machine” Victorious Last Weekend!

Written By: Luis Parades
Friday October 28, 2016

---

The crowd was on fire and Team Kingsway was out in full force as Shireen “The Machine” Fabing headed to the ring! If you recognize the name, it’s because Shireen is a Fight To End Cancer alumni who fought in 2013, she’s also a regular at the gym. You can see her almost everyday putting in time to conditioning, technical training or sparring in preparation for her fights!

Last Saturday in Mississauga, Shireen took on a strong opponent from Oshawa representing the Motor City Boxing Club. This was a highly anticipated rematch for both women! In their first encounter last year, Shireen won a close decision! They were both hungry for the win going into this fight, however it was Team Kingsway who took home the win!

(article continues after photo)

 “Stepping into the ring last week… it was the same overall feeling I get each time – Let’s do this! The work is in, you made every training day count and now is the reward for all the sweat and hours you put in.”

The bout started off with both women testing each other out, trying out combinations as each landed and missed. Shireen was matching her opponent shot for shot as she kept her distance. As the bell rang marking the end of the first round, Shireen walked back to her corner where her coaches were right there waiting to give her the instructions she needed for the next rounds.

“Someone asked me if I felt pressured that they were both there but i actually felt so honored and lucky  that they both were there.  If anything, it calmed me down but fueled the machine at the same time if that makes sense.”

The crowd was going wild in the Don Kolov Arena as both boxers put on a great show!  Team Kingsway cheered loudly, with 30 plus KBC’ers and FTEC alumni out to support Shireen! With the team behind her, she took the match to her opponent. Her combinations were landing as she weaved and avoided her opponent’s punches.

“I think I had the biggest support group there.  Most of them witnessed the training too and a few of them were my sparring partners during training camp.  I was happy to be able to put on a good show for them and appreciated all their cheering and coaching from the crowd.”

Shireen was dominating in each round as she headed into the corner before the third and final round. With the final instructions being given by Coach Virgil, Shireen was ready to close out the bout. Once again “The Machine” went back to work and took over the round, landing a large percentage of her jabs and crosses. All the training at the gym was clearly paying off as she again took her opponent to the edge!

“I gave 110% and worked the entire time each round and followed my game plan.  That said,  as human beings we’re our worst critics and I only want to improve and better myself so yes, for sure, there are things to tweak and clean up that we’ll work on for the next fight!”

The final bell rang, both women gave each other a big hug as they knew they both left it all in the ring! The official held both boxer’s hand as they waited for the decision.  After a few moments of anticipation the announcer proclaimed Shireen the winner by unanimous decision! Team Kingsway erupted in cheer as Shireen’s hand was raised in victory!

If you’re interested in training like Shireen does, the Kingsway Boxing Club offers many different programs that focus on teaching the sport of boxing in a safe and fun environment! Make sure to visit our program’s page for more information!

 

Go Team Kingsway!

INVADING THE STREETS AT TASTE OF THE KINGSWAY 2016

Posted on September 15, 2016September 15, 2016 by Luis Parades

---

---

10th ANNIVERSARY AT THE TASTE OF THE KINGSWAY 2016

Team Kingsway Hit The Streets At The Annual Festival

---

Last weekend saw the Taste of the Kingsway 2016 festival take place for another extremely successful year. The merchants in the west-end of Toronto, showed off everything that makes it special – from great food, live music, entertainment, and most importantly…  Some incredible Boxing! One the most popular attractions of the festival were the boxing demos ran by the Kingsway Boxing Team!

(story continues below image)

Saturday may have been a little wet with rain throughout the day, but that didn’t stop the crew from showing off their skills. The sun came out on Sunday allowing the team to shine! The festival started with an intense boxing demo put together by coaches Jen and Virgil. More and more people laced up the gloves and tried boxing for the first time, instantly falling in love with the sport! With over 30 coaches and volunteers, Team Kingsway executed hundreds of boxing lessons and demonstrations! The most popular events of both days, were the two-dollar boxing classes and the 400 punch challenge! Even Toronto’s finest couldn’t resist the challenge, setting a new record of 572 punches in just two minutes.

(story continues below image)

The two days saw an incredible number of sign ups for beginner classes, along with kids and teen specialty programs at Kingsway Boxing. The festival also featured Fight To End Cancer alumni members promoting the upcoming FTEC2017 Fight Team Tryouts scheduled for Oct. 1, 2016. As the word spread about FTEC, more people joined the fight, helping to make the world cancer free within out lifetime!

We want to thank our volunteers and everyone who visited us at this year’s Taste of the Kingsway Festival, it was a great turn out and a massive success! The fight doesn’t end here, if you’re interested in donating or even trying out for the Fight Team for next year’s Fight To End Cancer Gala make sure to visit the link above for more information! Together with your support we can’t an end to cancer!

Defeat Is NOT An Option

SEE FULL TOTK2016 PHOTO ALBUM

---

WHO IS VIRGIL BARROW | TEAM KINGSWAY BOXING

Posted on August 20, 2016March 31, 2020 by Jennifer Huggins

Meet Head Coach of Toronto’s Kingsway Boxing Club. Virgil is also Fight To End Cancer‘s Executive Director and Fight Team Coach. Not only does he devote his time to 10 Charity Boxers each year, but he is busy year-round developing and running programs at the gym… not to mention being absolutely awesome. In addition to being a boxing coach with over 15 years under his belt, Virgil is also certified in childhood, sports and personal nutrition!

Book your free lesson with Virgil today!

If you are interested in joining the Fight To End Cancer Fight Team you will be spending the better part of your year with Virgil. Register for the FTEC Tryouts Now!

Check out the exclusive feature on Virgil from the Hello Project by Spencer Wynn 

---

---

VIRGIL BARROW

Raised by his grandparents and aunts, the 12 year old Virgil finally made it to Canada four years after his mother emigrated from their home in Suriname, South America to further her education. Due to complications with a visa, Virgil had to stay four years longer.

Barrow now calls Etobicoke, on the west side of Toronto, home. His office is the padded floor of a boxing ring at the Kingsway Boxing Club. He is a head coach at the gym and though it is his work, it gives him much more satisfaction that his past information technology background.

He only just found out his great grandfather was a Samurai, so his love of the sweet science and a fighter’s disciple must flow through in the blood. In addition to Japanese, he is also a mix of African, Portuguese, Chinese and German. Barrow is a man of the world.

Barrow is a quiet man, not given to outbursts or trash talking. He coaches his students and fighters by encouragement, example and an understated power and intensity.

Virgil once had a deaf client confined to a wheelchair. He was impressed by the man’s courage and will to learn. Virgil had to change the way he taught and communicated with the student. He says the experience he says made him a much better coach.

VIRGIL FUN FACT: With his gleaming smile, Virgil says many would never know that he is actually fluent in Dutch. Not surprising given Suriname was originally colonized by the Netherlands.

---

RANDOM ACTS OF WELCOME MAKING THE WORLD A LITTLE SMALLER, ONE HELLO AT A TIME. A photo blog of random people around the globe. People you may pass every day and never notice. It’s a big world out there, lets make it a little smaller in here. Drop by often and say, Hello!

HOW TO WRAP FOR BOXING | ARE YOU PREVENTING OR CAUSING INJURY

Posted on August 14, 2016August 16, 2016 by Jennifer Huggins

---

ARE YOU WRAPPING CORRECTLY?

Boxing is a sport in which it is very easy to progress with an incomplete understanding of the rules and improper techniques…

The first piece of equipment you will ever purchase as a boxer is your very own pair of boxing wraps. You throw them on and you immediately feel protected against the power your target is about to endure from your fists… but are you really protecting yourself?

If done correctly, wrapping your hands is beneficial to helping protect against the repetitive impact endured in boxing.

An incorrect wrap can lead to disqualification from your fight, or even worse, an injury sustained to the hand or wrist.

Boxing is an interesting sport, in addition to being the best sport ever, it is also very easy to progress with an incomplete understanding of the rules and improper techniques. There are not many athletes who would step into a competitive soccer or even golf tournament without at least a basic understanding of the sport. In boxing, there are many athletes, and even coaches who are not fully aware of the technical aspects of the sport.

If you’re interested in becoming a boxer, or even learning more about the sport, be sure to chose a sanctioned club. Get Started TODAY

Start by seeing if you’ve been wrapping correctly for Olympic Boxing!

How To Wrap

---

ONCE A FIGHTER – ALWAYS A FIGHTER | FEATURING SHIREEN FABING

Posted on July 21, 2016July 15, 2016 by Jennifer Huggins

---

Catching up with 2013 FTEC Fighter – Shireen “The Machine” Fabing

---

On a sunny June afternoon, boxers from different parts of Ontario made their way to Toronto’s west end as a scheduled club show was about to kick off. The card had various types of boxers ready to impress, but there was one bout that stood out. Kingsway Boxing’s own Shireen “The Machine” Fabing was stepping into the squared ring again to take on a strong opponent!

Shireen displayed her skill and power, holding her own throughout the fight. The packed crowd cheered loudly as both boxers gave it their all in the ring. With Virgil Barrow (FTEC Head Coach) once again in her corner, Shireen pushed her opponent to her limits. After what was hailed as ‘Fight Of The Night’, Shireen narrowly lost the bout on a split 2-1 decision, but had her head held high after giving it all she had!

---

We caught up with the FTEC’s Alumni to see what she’s been up to lately and how her life was changed after fighting at the second edition of the Fight to End Cancer!

Q. How did you find training in boxing/ at Kingsway Boxing different from other type of training you did in the past?  

A. When I joined KBC (I think it’s 5 years) it was around the time I decided I wanted to do more technical vs conditioning classes so I think that in itself was different as my fitness objectives shifted.  That said, I came with some bad habits that no-one previously corrected and I remember appreciating the patience everyone had whether in class or whether I was there working out on my own asking questions. One thing I remember from the first time I walked into the gym was getting a very good feeling or vibe if you will.  Everyone was (and still is) welcoming, warm and very genuine.  It’s my second family.

Q. How has your life changed after being part of the Fight to End Cancer event?

A. Aah, where to start…. everyone says it changes you and it certainly does and all in positive ways.  My lifestyle has changed, dealing with life in general in that I’m always positive and grateful for being here another day including the not so good days.  I constantly remind myself that there are problems bigger than mine.  I know now that there are good people in this world who do good for no personal gain other than to help and contribute to a worthy cause like FTEC.  For me, I believe being part of FTEC 2013 prepared me for what was to come 2 years later.

In 2013 I fought in memory of family members lost and also to my surviving “second mom” and they all were very near and dear to me.  In 2015 I lost a very significant person in my life to this vicious disease and she was gone within about 3 weeks from being diagnosed and it had a profound effect on me.  I believe that if I did not join KBC, did not participate in FTEC 2013 and did not get to know a new group of fighters and supporters each year, dealing with her death would have been very different.  Getting to know a new group of fighters and FTEC supporters each year and them sharing their stories has shown me and taught me that courage and bravery can come in many forms.  I’ve learnt that it is ok to share from the heart, it is ok to show that you are sad, angry and not just share the happy moments.  I’m not saying I share all the time but I’m a work in progress and that’s a big change for me personally.

Q. How many fights have you had since FTEC? What gave you that motivation to continue to keep boxing competitively? 

A. I’ve had 2 bouts since FTEC.  I fell in love with boxing – I think that sums it up.  Everything else stems from that –  challenging myself, pushing myself and my body and seeing/feeling myself improve daily.  Having awesome people in my corner (pun intended) in and outside of the ring and a connection with my awesome coach leading up to fights is key. Then there’s this – when my four year old says things like “mummy, I want to be like you when I grow up” or “mummy, you the champ” – who can’t be motivated after that right?

Q. What was running through your head, going in your second and third amateur bouts?

A. I’ve usually dealt with the nerves by the time fight week rolls around.  I love my mental state the last few days.  Calmand collected but ready.  Nothing really phases me that week – I think it’s more my determination not to let anyone or anything mess with my mental state these last few days.  Excited to be able to finally showcase the hard work that went into preparing for the day – feels like my reward.

Q. Have you thought about possibly taking on a bigger role in the boxing scene, like becoming a coach or even an official? Why? 

A. I’ve thought about it a lot this year but never verbalized or took any action yet, probably because I’m still so focused on training and getting more bouts but in short, yes indeed!  To be able to contribute to something I love so much and to be able put as much into others as my coaches have put into me would be a reward you can’t put a price tag on.  In my corporate life I have coached and mentored and it’s something I truly enjoy doing and it would be pretty awesome to do the same in my boxing life one day.

Q. Last time we saw you was at this year’s edition FTEC event, when you see the current FTEC boxers, in what ways to do you help them prepare?

A. As an FTEC alumni member I make sure I’m available to the fighters and I’ve had the pleasure of helping them celebrate their good days motivating them through some of their not so good days.  I’ve shared nutrition tips, training tips, tips on planning your life around FTEC and right up to fight night, getting some girls ready with battle braids (yes that’s happened).  Sparring is a given.  I’ll follow direction from the head coach during sparring sessions as each fighter has different needs, strengths and areas of opportunity and we’ll work together on that.

Q. What does it feel like to be on the other side of the ropes and watching the FTEC boxers box, instead of boxing yourself?

A. I have been fortunate that most times I’m not on the other side of the ropes with of course the exception of fight night but yeah, so many feelings indeed…but most of all just happy and excited for them.  Having been through the journey myself I know the magnitude of the experience.  It starts off a little surreal at the get go and you can’t quite process what’s to come but as the journey unfolds you realize that it’s so much bigger than you and you get to be a
part of it. There are moments of accomplishment, both individual and from a team perspective and then there are those moments when you realize the seriousness of what it is you are part of and how cruel and volatile this disease is.  I do love watching and experiencing their improvements and cheering them on.  Lastly, I feel it is my duty to tease and call them out sometimes when they feel like taking a day off – just to keep the balance 🙂

 

Q. What advice would you give to someone thinking about trying out for FTEC?

A. This will be one of the best things you’ll experience if you put in the work.  Whatever your motivation – bucket list, fitness goal, a loved one lost or survivor etc – you’ll reap the rewards in more ways you deemed possible.  You also get to be part of a growing family which includes so many amazing individuals from all walks of life.

---

BECOME A FIGHTER

---

---

KNOCKING OUT BREAST CANCER IS ALL IN THE WORKOUT

Posted on July 18, 2016July 15, 2016 by Jennifer Huggins

---

EXERCISE DIRECTLY LINKED TO REDUCING THE CHANCES OF BREAST CANCER

---

A recent released Canadian study has discovered a link between reducing the chance of Breast Cancer with exercise! The study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology by York University Professor Michael Connor found that different hormones produced in fat cells in obese individuals can lead to breast cancer cell growth, however with daily exercise the effects of these fat cells can be fought against and help to prevent cancer growth.

“Our study shows that voluntary and rigorous exercise can counteract, and even completely prevent the effects on cancer growth that are caused by obesity. We also show that even moderate exercise can lead to slowing of breast cancer growth and that the more exercise you do, the greater the benefit.” said Connor.

For many years’ doctors have been telling us to eat right and to exercise daily to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, and this new study just drives that point home even more. The more we can do to save lives and prevent cancer all begins with ourselves, we have the power to prevent and help other battle this disease with hard work, determination, and a little sweat!

 “Our research has found that the characteristics of hormones produced by fat cells in obese people can promote breast cancer growth, whereas in lean people it prevents growth,”  – Connor

If you need any more motivation to get off the couch and hit the gym, then be sure to Read Full Press Release.

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION!

The more we help others to exercise and get in shape the more we can fight back against breast cancer and obesity. This is a call to action for everyone, we at the Fight to End Cancer challenge you to go out for a run, a bike, or even head down to the gym and hit the heavy bag for a couple a rounds, your body will thank you in the long haul!

BECOME A FIGHTER

---

---

“Fat Cells May Play Key Role in Battle against Breast Cancer: York U Study.”EurekAlert! Journal of Applied Physiology, 13 July 2016. Web. 13 July 2016.

THE STRENGTH OF A WOMAN | BREAST CANCER AWARENESS – IT’S LIFE OR DEATH!

Posted on July 8, 2016July 6, 2016 by admin

---

---

On average, 96,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer and 37,000 women will die from cancer. Promoting the awareness of the effects cancer has on women is a very big theme of our initiatives. Every year, the Fight To End Cancer Gala features, at least one female bout that proves to be the ‘Fight Of The Night’.

Life becomes more bearable when we possess awareness. Simply put, awareness allows us to have choices and choices deliver freedom. I feel honored to have been asked to present this incredible depiction of a woman’s struggle when faced with Breast Cancer and, what I am even more proud of is that this has been done solely in the name of awareness. What has been created is a portrayal of courage, strength and tenacity along with a representation of fearlessness and intensity that no person should ever have to endure in a lifetime.

Sadly, too many women are forced into a battle they are never ready for and, too many of them have, and continue to lose that unwanted battle. Too many families are left without their mothers, daughters, wives, sisters & friends and subsequently with a void that can never be filled.

In honor of every woman that has fought this terrible battle, my good friend has put together her impression of the struggles faced with breast cancer – or any life-threatening illness for that matter – separating them into stages. Since she is a hairstylist, she used her artistic ability to show the beauty that comes along with the battle. She has given us an amazing illustration of boldness, determination, bravery and spirit during a time where all these characteristics would otherwise seem impossible. Today, in honor of every woman that has lost the battle, we are starting a campaign of awareness and strength. A message to all women to take advantage of the preventative measures we have available to us. We are sending a message to stop waiting until the battle within has begun, to stop waiting until the only choice you have is to fight a battle you never dreamed of fighting. In honor of anyone that has lived through this terrible disease, whether personally, or at the bedside of a loved one, let us join hands and create enough awareness to end this unnecessary fight.

Victoria Pelas has created an illustration of the struggles that are endured within, when faced with the possibility of actually having to fight for your life. She has done this in 3-phases, gracefully showing us the strength and confidence that must accompany the fear and uncertainty.

The first phase is the Anticipation Phase:

---

The Anticipation Phase signifies a waiting period. A waiting period full of uncertainty and dread but also occupied with reflection and being. Once the waiting period has ended, we enter the Battle Phase.

---

---

The Battle Phase is undoubtedly the most difficult phase. When looking into these women’s eyes you see fear and determination at the same time. You see strength and purpose, regardless of the uncertainty they are consumed with. They are disheveled, yet put together and there is such a profound emotional contrast that comes alive through the pictures. This is a strikingly beautiful representation of the battle that goes on inside a fighter.

---

---

And finally…THE VICTORY! Here we see a combination of revival and rebirth, along with calmness and relief. Even though the battle is over, life will never be the same for the people that have had to endure the difficulties of it. The never-ending fear of the possibility of a second, or third battle will always exist within them. The memories and fear rarely become a distant memory but instead live in close proximity to those it has affected.

Our campaign of Awareness begins NOW! Let us spread the word and never stop, until every woman is aware and has choices. Interestingly enough, we recently heard of Angelina Jolie’s brave decision to not only have a double mastectomy but to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. This was a very personal choice and just as she indicated herself; just because it was the right decision for her and her family, that does not make it right for everyone. However, being aware of your circumstance allows you to have choices and choices bring you freedom to decide what is best for you!

~ With all my love!

CANADIAN ACTOR CRAIG LAUZON’S THOUGHTS ON FIGHTING TO END CANCER

Posted on June 27, 2016June 26, 2016 by admin

---

BUT FIRST… JUSTIN TRUDEAU’S FIGHT TO END CANCER | FEATURING CRAIG LAUZON

---

---

Canadian Actor Craig Lauzon Reflects On Fighting To End Cancer

 

with Erica McMaster

---

Every year the Fight To End Cancer features a new team of extraordinary men and women.  From lawyers and CEO’s to Canadian Actors like 2016’s Main Event, Craig Lauzon.

Collectively with his 9 teammates, An astounding $120,000.00 was raised within their personal networks. Coupled with the night’s additional fundraising efforts at the Gala, we project over $170,000.00 will be directly donated to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in 2016.

In Craig’s own words:

“My #FTEC2016 journey started back in 2012 when I got to work with one of my idols, August Schellenberg or Augie as his friends called him, you may remember him as Randolph from the Free Willy franchise of films. In 1967 he dreamt of an all Aboriginal King Lear…well in 2012 he finally lived that dream and I was lucky enough to be a part of it. Playing Kent to his Lear was a dream come true for me. Just over a year later he was gone, taken by cancer.

As a youth, Augie had been a Golden Gloves boxer in Montreal. He was tough as nails and he loved boxing as much as he loved acting. I had heard about the Fight to End Cancer through a fellow comic, Dave Martin.

Originally I’d been accepted as a fighter for #FTEC2015 but due to work had to drop out early on. However, my beautiful, brave and amazing partner in all things, Erica McMaster, took up the challenge and fought her heart out and raised over $11k. She was incredible and inspirational. I was fortunate enough to have her experience and support during my Fight to End Cancer journey this year.

Being an FTEC Fighter was the hardest and most fulfilling thing I’ve ever taken on…aside from being a Dad (thankfully, to this point neither of my children has punched me in the face haha). The family that I have gained- and they are family – are some of the most dedicated and big-hearted people I have ever met. I know that they will forever be a part of my life. There will never be a way to thank you, but to the over 100 donors that help me surpass my goal of $10k and Jen, Virg and TJ, I love you guys.”

While the come down after an event such as this can be huge, Lauzon has had plenty to keep him busy since June 4th, and has a lot more on the horizon. Having just wrapped filming Derek Miller’s “Guilt Free Zone” for APTN, he’ll be hunkering down to rehearse before heading to Iqaluit in late July to perform Darrell Dennis’ award winning one man show, “Tales of an Urban Indian”, and his new play “The Group” to be work shopped at Weesageechak a festival of new works with Native Earth Performing Arts. He’ll be capping off the year with another Royal Canadian Air Farce New Years Eve Special on CBC where you can catch Lauzon at what he does best, character comedy.

As for boxing and whether he’ll stick with it?

“I am hooked and will continue to train, spar and call myself a boxer. As for stepping into the ring again…undetermined but I really hate being 0-1, so I won’t say never.”

---

Help the 2016 team who are still trying to hit their $200,000.00 goal in direct support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

SPONSOR CRAIG NOW

---

Join The Fight

---

MAKING IT HAPPEN WITH THE FIGHT TO END CANCER

Posted on June 16, 2016June 16, 2016 by admin

---

Make It Happen Media (MIH) has been a partner of the Fight To End Cancer since 2015, literally helping us to ‘Make It Happen’. Most recently, MIH helped us forge one of our newest relationship with Z103.5 as our first ever Official Radio Partners. We feel so fortunate to have Carol Cirillo, founder of MIH, and her team in our corner!

---

ABOUT MAKE IT HAPPEN MEDIA
Some people spend their time waiting for something to happen. Others spend their time wishing for something to happen. Here, we waste no time and just make it happen. And this is exactly what we can do for you and your company. Instead of peering in from the outside trying to assess your business needs, we pride ourselves on the ability to just jump right in and get to the core of what has to be done. We become a part of your company and invest in your success.
Make it Happen Media is a one stop shop. We start at the top and provide strategic planning and media services and then work our way down deeper. We keep everything under one roof to come up with a solution to your every business need.

Carol Cirillo is the founder of Make It Happen Media. She has spent her whole career in media services, finally launching her own agency following her own strict personal guidelines and philosophies. This hybrid agency is a direct reflection of how she thinks and works. Her ability to understand a client’s needs, infused with a creative vision, build a strong foundation for a dynamic advertising and marketing plan.

ON THE SCENE NETWORK AT THE FIGHT TO END CANCER 2016

Posted on June 13, 2016June 13, 2016 by admin

---

---

Fight To End Cancer Gala 2016

5th annual Fight to End Cancer fundraising gala turned out bigger and better than anyone had expected. Featuring elegant gourmet dinner, various entertainers along with Olympic-style boxing, the event has raised over $500,000 in just 5 years, directly supporting the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. OTSN host Darriel Roy caught up with the host of the event Ben Mulroney as well as Fight to End Cancer founder Jennifer Huggins. @fightendcancer @thePMCF @OTSNmedia

---

“On The Scene Network” is a web series & TV Show that provides an exclusive look at some of the hottest charity and celebrity events! Our show will inspire you with thought provoking celebrity interviews, while focusing on different philanthropy efforts.

I FIGHT TO END CANCER FOR…

Posted on June 13, 2016 by admin

---

WE ARE ALL A PART OF THE FIGHT TO END CANCER

---

Who OR What Are You Fighting For?

---

---

JOIN THE FIGHT!

---

Featuring a new group of white-collar men and women each year, with no prior boxing experience, Fight To End Cancer’s annual black tie gala concludes months of their intense training, in true Olympic-style boxing, and hard work in achieving personal fundraising goals. Fight To End Cancer has quickly grown to become a premium fundraiser and showcases these brave individuals, as they lace up their gloves and step into our ring to help knock out cancer.

Fight To End Cancer has one core mission; to end cancer. For us, there is no other option. Our motto is simple. Defeat Is NOT An Option!

---

Our gala event is just one part of an ongoing fundraising effort by Fight To End Cancer. Though our Annual Boxing Gala will continue to be the “Main Event” celebration of our fundraising efforts, we are always looking to expand our Corporate and Support Teams. These teams will open the doors to allow just about any and everyone to fight with us. If you are interested in joining the fight with your company or corporation, please start by reviewing:

Become A Sponsor

---

The decision to fight for such a meaningful cause, is one that will be life changing. Whether you embark on this journey for yourself, a family member or a friend who is, or has had to fight cancer, you are truly a hero. To better understand the challenges and commitments you would be taking on, please read through the material provided below and be sure to read our News and Media.
If you are interested in becoming a “Charity Boxer” in our annual gala event please thoroughly read:

Become A Fighter

---

Are you just looking to join the fight as a volunteer or official FTEC staff member? We are always looking to expand our teams with people who encompass a variety of skill-sets. Please take a moment to fill out the application below:

Staff Application