Press release courtesy of Boxing Canada.
February 23, 2025 | Boxing Canada is proud to announce that a team of elite Canadian boxers will be competing at the prestigious 2025 Independence Cup in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from February 23 to March 1, 2025. This marks the first national team competition of 2025 and serves as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming to qualify for the World Championships and, ultimately, the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Independence Cup has long been a proving ground for top-tier boxers from across the Americas and beyond, attracting some of the best talent in the sport. Boxing Canada’s team, composed of a mix of experienced competitors and rising stars, is eager to showcase their skills on this international stage. With some turnover in the team after the 2024 Paris Olympics, this competition presents a valuable opportunity for new athletes to prove themselves at the highest level.
“We are excited to have our athletes compete in the Dominican Republic against some of the world’s best boxers,” said Christopher Lindsay, Executive Director of Boxing Canada. “The Independence Cup is an important step in our preparations for the 2025 season, and we are confident that our team will represent Canada with determination and excellence.”
The Canadian delegation will be led by Head Coach Vincent Auclair, Senior National Team Coach Samir El Mais, and Coach Ariane Fortin. Our coaches believe we have a strong team, and our athletes are excited to be back in competition. This tournament is also a great opportunity to build positive relationships with our peers in the Pan-American Confederation.
Team Canada Athletes Competing at the 2025 Independence Cup:
Men:
- Randy Polines (M51, Chestermere Boxing Club, AB)
- Karan Sembhi (M57, King of the Ring, ON)
- Alexis Turbide (M57, Club de Boxe de l’est, QC)
- Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmadieh (M60, The Corner, QC)
- Kuwardeep Manu (M71, King of the Ring, ON)
- Joshua Ofori (M75, Marshall’s Boxing Club, AB)
- Adam Fregonas (M75, Grant’s MMA, ON)
- Umar Carcamo (M80, King of the Ring, ON)
- Nickenson Denis (M80, Boxe Montreal, QC)
- Bede Rowlands (M90, The Corner, QC)
- Bryan Colwell (M92, Empire Boxing, BC)
Women:
- Mckenzie Wright (W50, Friday Night Boxing Club, ON)
- Anne Marcotte (W50, Club de Boxe Sherbrooke, QC)
- Sabrina Simmons (W54, Griffin’s Boxing Club, BC)
- Marie Al-Ahmadieh (W57, The Corner, QC)
- Alessia Mansuetto (W60, Ring 83, QC)
- Kaitlyn Clark (W66, Destiny Boxing Club, ON)
Participation in international events like the Independence Cup plays a crucial role in developing Canadian boxing talent and providing athletes with the experience necessary to compete at the highest levels. Boxing Canada is committed to fostering excellence in the sport and ensuring that its athletes have the best possible opportunities for success.
Stay tuned for updates on Team Canada’s progress at the 2025 Independence Cup by following Boxing Canada on social media and visiting www.boxingcanada.org.
-30-
About Boxing Canada: Boxing Canada is the national sport organization for the sport of Olympic Boxing in Canada. It provides leadership for national programming, teams, and policies in partnership with each province and territory’s sport organization. Thanks to the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, and all our national partners for their support.
View the original press release here.
