Boxing Ontario Newsletter

The National Cadet & National Junior Championships was in Windsor. Thursday, January 24 to Sunday, January 27. Entries from coast to coast assembled at the Holiday Inn Select looking to become National Champions. Also at the event was the Final Team Selection (FTS) for this year's Senior Canadian National Teams.

Ontario was well represented with 37 of its best amateur Cadet and Junior aged boxers in competition. Included in that figure were defending champions looking to repeat the results from last year in St. Catharines, such as Ali Youseff from Motor City Boxing Club in Oshawa and Jessica McRae from the Windsor Amateur Boxing Club. Winners of the junior competition will have a chance to represent at the World Junior Championships in October.

The FTS that took place was the last chance for some Senior Division male and female boxers to make the Canadian National Teams. A number of roster spots were already claimed at the Senior National Championships which were held in Richmond, British Columbia on November 28 to December 2, 2007. National team members will compete for Canada at upcoming international events including Olympic Qualifying Events and Women's World Championships.

48kg Jackie Park – Steeltown

50kg Mandy Bujold – Waterloo

60kg Jennifer McConnell – Windsor

63kg Katie Dunn – Border City

66kg Mary Spencer – Windsor

75kg Amber Konikow – Top Glove

80kg Melinda Watpool – Tillers

86kg Aimee Willimot – KAYO

* For the first time ever the Senior Ontario Women have captured 8 out of the 13 spots on the team*

48kg Philip Butler – McGrory's

54kg Isho Shiba – McGrory's

60kg Ibrahim Kamal – Cabbagetown

69kg Adam Trupish – Windsor (Qualified)

81kg Steve Franjic – Bigtyme

A big thanks and congratulations go to Bramalea Boxing Club for putting on another successful Brampton Cup. This year's cup was by far one of the BEST that Peter Sjouwerman and his lovely wife Grace have ever put on. All bouts this past weekend were clean and action packed.

A sincere thank you goes to all boxers and their coaches for making the journey to Brampton through the snowstorm. That's true dedication and passion for the sport!

In addition to new and retaining champions, special awards were as follows:

Club Award: Bigtyme Boxing Club

Best Overall Boxer: Devin Reti - Final Round Boxing Club

Best Sr Open Female: Mandy Bujold - Waterloo Regional

Best Sr Novice Female: Darlene Wilfong-Cabbagetown

Best Sr Novice Male: Aurey Cox - Bigtyme

Best Cadet Novice: Jake Stanley - The Boxing Factory

Best Cadet Open: Martin Halibus - Bramalea

Best Jr Open: Steve Wilcox - Steeltown

Best Jr Novice: Matt Bentley – Bigtyme

With just over a month to go, participants are gearing up their training and getting mentally prepared for the Games. This is such a great opportunity for the athletes to showcase their talents and to gain a better perspective of high level competition. The Ontario Winter Games are a valuable stepping stone for athletes who are preparing for the challenges and expectations of adult competition. For some this will help them grow in their sport and may drive them to pursue higher goals for themselves, both in sport and in other areas of their lives.

Registration for the Ontario Games is limited to male & female Cadets only. These games will also serve as the Cadet A & B Provincial Championships as well.

Deadline to register is February 20, 2008. All athletes are asked to register on the Ontario Winter Games Website www.owg2008.ca, as well on the Boxing Ontario website.

The cost to participate in these games is $80.00 payable to Boxing Ontario (athletes only).

Interested in becoming an Official? Let Boxing Ontario know and we'll schedule a date to make it happen! We are always interested in expanding the number of officials and judges! If you are interested please contact Grace Lung at glung@boxingontario.com or 416.426.7057.

Attention Boxing Ontario Coaches. We are encouraging coaches to submit their coaching tips, exercises and drills to the membership. The purpose of Coaches Corner is to foster a relationship between coaches and to offer new and inventive ways to train your boxers. Coaches Corner also allows coaches to share their expertise and life experiences regarding coaching amateur boxing. We have already had a couple of contributions so remember to always check Coaches Corner for updates. Please send all your submissions to nbowley@boxingontatio.com.

Attention Coaches!!

Want FREE stuff for your club?

Then take part in:

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE FOR 2008!

From January 1, 2008 until March 31^st, 2008, Boxing Ontario is bringing you this contest.

By March 31^st, 2008 for your chance to win:

1^st Prize: FREE Club Membership for 2008/2009 Season

Value: $550

2^nd Prize: One overnight stay at the Delta London Armories Hotel

in London, ON

Value: $150

3^rd Prize: Heavy Bag

Value: $100

Both Recreational and FANatic memberships are eligible for this contest. Clubs must register a minimum of 50 new members (Recreational and/or FANatic to be eligible). All submissions must include $5 per person fee and COMPLETE registration forms. Clubs must be registered for 2008 to be eligible.

Only registrations sent in between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2008 will be eligible for this contest.

Prize winners are not eligible for regular recreational incentives. All non-prize winners will receive regular recreational incentives.

We have already receive many rec member applications and the results so far are STUNNING!!!! Send in your Rec Members today!

Awards Nominations

Please take a moment to review the enclosed information regarding this year's Awards Nominations.We ask that you take the time out to nominate individuals for these prestigious awards.

This year's Boxing Ontario Awards will be held in conjunction with the Ray McGibbon's Gloves tournament which takes place from Friday April 4, 2008 to Sunday April 6, 2008. Awards are to be announced LIVE on Saturday April 5, 2008. The awards include:

Legends - 4 new individuals will be inducted into the "Legends Ring of Fame", one in each of the following categories: Boxer, Coach, Official, Builder

Additional awards will be handed out on the 5th. Are YOU that winner? Attend the Ray McGibbon's Gloves to find out!

Join us as we salute and recognize the best of 2007. These awards will only ENHANCE this tournament and is quite simply the BEST way to draw our 2007/2008 Champion Series to an end!

Call 416.426.7045 or email dkonney@boxingontario.com if you have any further questions regarding the nominations.To nominate simply complete the attached forms and submit it to our head office.Deadline is March 14, 2008.

Boxing Ontario is looking for individuals who would like to be a part of the 2008 Awards Committee. Commitment is minimal. All that this encompass is your availability for meetings (conference call) to discuss nominations and finalize winners.

EACH SWEATSHIRT COSTS $60 AND IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN WHITE. PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW! THESE WILL GO FAST!!!!

DEIDE KONNEY
BOXING ONTARIO
1185 EGLINTON AVE EAST
TORONTO, ON
M3C 3C6
416.429.7367- FAX
dkonney@boxingontario.com