Three athletes and a coach representing Boxing Ontario are currently in Colorado, USA with a team from Boxing Canada to compete at the U19 World Championships from October 26 – November 2, 2024.
- Jade Delgado – 51kg, Beaver Boxing Club
- Victoria Vergos – 54kg, Oakville Boxing Academy
- Jarelyn Castillo – 75kg, Border City Boxing Club
- Coach Yulissa Agudelo – National Team Apprentice Coach, Bushido Boxing Club
The U19 World Championships, hosted by World Boxing and USA Boxing at the Pueblo Convention Center, will showcase over 180 female and male boxers from 30 National Federations competing across 10 weight categories.
Learn more about Victoria here:
Why did you first start boxing? Can you describe your progression in the sport?
I was previously a competitive gymnast and had international experience in that field, and then one day I decided to go to the gym with my dad (who’s also a boxing coach) and I fell in love immediately. I picked up on skills relatively fast, and was granted the opportunity to have my first match in May of 2022. Since then, I’ve accumulated many more bouts, and have been lucky enough to travel nationally and internationally.
What has your biggest challenge been in the sport of boxing? (If applicable, how did you overcome this challenge?)
Definitely finding regular local matches. It was never easy to fight on any given weekend like a male could due to the smaller female boxing community. But this was fixable by fluctuating between weight classes, fighting in higher age divisions, extra travelling, taking any opportunity that I could.
What has your biggest achievement been so far in boxing? What did this mean to you personally?
So far, my biggest achievement has been becoming a national champion in March earlier this year. This allowed me the chance to not only represent Canada, but enable me to attend Boxing Canada selection camps, and of course be able to attend the U19 World Championships.
How did you feel when you found out that you would be competing for Canada at the U19 World Championships?
Without a doubt, thrilled. This is something I’ve been working towards all year and is the biggest step in my boxing career yet, and to see my hard work pay off and give me this opportunity is something I’ve been extremely blessed with.
What are you most excited about for the U19 World Championships?
I’m most excited about displaying my hard work, and putting on a performance. I have sacrificed a ton, had to make some changes mentally and physically, and the lead up to this hasn’t been easy by any means, so now the only thing left to do is leave it all in the ring.
Can you tell us a bit about your mental and physical preparation strategies leading up to the U19 World Championships?
Mentally, it has been all about remembering why I’m going to the U19 worlds, and why I’ve earned to be here. Going into the tournament with positive energy, and no stone unturned. Physically, it has been demanding; there has been a large amount of cardio, hard sparring, and pushing myself past my maximum limits.
Where can boxing fans find out more about you and support your journey?
Instagram: @victoria.vergos, and my gym’s Instagram page: @oakvilleboxingacademy
Fun Facts
Boxing club: Oakville Boxing Academy
Coaches names: Coach Gord, George, Crista, and Ryan
Boxing career highlights: Canada Winter Games silver medallist, AMBC Continental bronze medallist, 2x Brampton Cup Champion, 3x Provincial Champion, 2x National Champion, 33+ bouts
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Favourite food: Sushi
Favourite boxer: Vasiliy Lomachenko, Roberto Duran
Hobbies: Running, art/drawing, yoga, shopping, boxing of course
