Press release and lead photo courtesy of Boxing Canada.
Strong Czechia Performances Raise Expectations for Next Stage Toward World Championships and LA 2028
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 27, 2025 – Almaty, Kazakhstan – Canada’s national boxing team is currently in Kazakhstan for a high-performance training camp ahead of the 2025 World Cup, running from June 29 to July 7. With momentum building following multiple-medal performances in Czechia earlier this season, the team is eyeing the next level of competition as a critical stepping stone on the path to the World Championships in September — and, longer term, to Los Angeles 2028.
The team’s intensive training camp is hosted alongside many elite international squads as part of a World Boxing initiative to have more international training camps for national teams. Head Coach Vincent Auclair emphasized the importance of challenging conditions in athlete development:
“Each year, our team needs to experience a truly demanding camp to push them outside their comfort zones. The training we do here, against half a dozen top-tier international teams, isn’t about the KAZ World Cup itself — it’s about preparing for LA2028.”
The Canadian team is participating in joint sessions with Kazakhstan’s formidable boxing program, which is recognized globally for its depth, technical quality, and no-nonsense approach to training.
As the camp shifts from sparring to tapering the Canadian athletes are feeling confident about their preparation. Everyone is now set for the draw on June 29, with the first bouts beginning June 30. Focus is now on watching recordings of potential competitors and building a positive mental space around their performances.
Athlete Kuwardeep Manu found the training camp very different compared to training in Canada. The depth of the Kazakhstan program made finding training partners easier – and each of one them was looking to challenge the Canadians. But Kuwardeep found the camp a very positive: “Training in Kazakhstan has been an incredible experience. Being surrounded by the best in the world pushes me every day. It’s been eye-opening to learn from various training methods and styles. All in all, the camp has been going well, and I am ready to compete at a high level.”
Viktoria Penney also found the camp rewarding. Following her silver medal at the World Challenge two weeks ago, her development pathway has become clearer now that she has a taste of international-level boxing. Finding quality sparring in Canada, and even North America, can be very challenging in the lighter and heavier women’s categories. “Training in Kazakstan has been great experience! Feeling sharp and looking forward to gaining international experience at the World Cup”.
World Cup Athlete Roster
Men:
- Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmadieh (M60, QC – The Corner)
- Omar Zaatiti (M65, QC – Ring 83)
- Kuwardeep Manu (M70, ON – King of the Ring)
- Joshua Ofori (M75, AB – Marshall Boxing Club)
- Nickenson Denis (M80, QC – The Corner)
Women:
- Priyanka Dhillon (W48, MB – Pan Am Boxing Club)
- Marie Al-Ahmadieh (W57, QC – The Corner)
- Alessia Mansuetto (W60, QC – Ring 83)
- Kaitlyn Clark (W70, ON – Destiny Boxing)
- Viktoria Penney (W80, ON – Sully’s Gym)
Withdrawals and Additions:
- Mckenzie Wright (ON – Fight Night Boxing Club) and Scarlett Delgado (ON – Destiny Boxing) declined participation for this World Cup and will focus on preparation for the World Championships.
- Randy Polines (AB – Chestermere Boxing Club) withdrew to recover from injury.
- Based on strong showings at the Independence Cup and Les Ceinteurs, Alessia Mansuetto and Kaitlyn Clark were added to the roster.
Executive Director Christopher Lindsay commented on the strategic adjustments: “Canada has a proud tradition of strong female performances. We see continued potential, especially in the lighter and heavier categories, and want to seize every opportunity to introduce our athletes to international styles.” Lindsay also praised Randy Polines for prioritizing long-term health. “We’re proud of Randy’s decision. Athletes perform best when healthy and prepared — no one should compromise their wellbeing just to make the lineup.”
Boxing Canada will provide updated schedules and livestream links on BoxingCanada.org once the draw is published. The full World Cup will be broadcast live on WorldBoxing.org’s YouTube channel.
—ENDS—
For media inquiries, please contact Christopher Lindsay at [email protected]
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, Rival Canada, and all our national partners for their support. For more information on Boxing Canada, please visit BoxingCanada.org.
