Boxing Ontario’s U17, U19 & U23 Team is ready to showcase their talent and determination at the upcoming 2026 Canadian Championships in Calgary, AB. Held concurrently with the Canada Cup from March 18-22, 2026, this prestigious event will bring together the nation’s next generation of boxing talents for four days of fierce competition, each vying for coveted spots on Boxing Canada’s National Team.
Representing Team Ontario is a formidable lineup of athletes including gold and silver medalists from the 2025 Golden Gloves Provincial Championships and wildcard athletes who demonstrated strong performances both at Provincials and at a rigorous Wildcard Selection Camp which was held at HUF Gym x Delgado Boxing in late January 2026.
The following athletes will be representing Ontario at the U17, U19 & U23 Canadian Championships:
The Team Coaches representing Ontario at the U17/U19/U23 Canadian Championships are Julia DiMarcantonio (Napper’s Boxing Club), Danial Khan (King of the Ring), and Provincial Coach Ray Napper (Napper’s Boxing Club), who were selected by Boxing Ontario’s High Performance and Coaching Committee to support the team.
“I am really excited about the team we are taking to U17/U19/U23 Nationals in Calgary this year,” says Coach Julia DiMarcantonio. “In the last few years, Ontario has had some great performances at Nationals, and I wholly expect these athletes to continue that trend. This team is exceptionally strong, skilled, and ready to put on a performance. I think the three training camps over six days has helped the athletes sharpen their skills and really gel as a team.”
Preparation for the Canadian Championships has included extensive training at the athlete’s home gyms and participation in provincial training camps overseen by the Team Ontario Coaches alongside members of Boxing Ontario’s High Performance and Coaching Committee.
Victory at Nationals offers athletes the chance to compete internationally as a member of Team Canada, and also potentially launches athletes on the Olympic pathway and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Thank you to the Team Ontario Coaches; HUF Gym x Delgado Boxing for hosting the Wildcard Selection Camp and Provincial Team Training Camps; to the members of the High Performance and Coaching Committee; and the athletes’ personal coaches and families for all their support of the team’s preparations for this big step in the athletes’ journeys.
“I have to give a shout out to the boxing community in Ontario,” continued Coach Julia, “the athletes, coaches, the High Performance Committee, HUF/Delgado Gym for hosting all of the training camps, and Dr. Venturi for helping us out once again. It really takes the efforts of an entire community for these athletes to achieve their goal of being the best in the country. Get ready Calgary, Team O’s coming and aiming for the top of the podium.”
Competition begins on Wednesday, March 18. For more information, schedules, and links to live-streaming, visit boxingontario.com.
Best of luck to Team Ontario!
—ENDS—
About Boxing Ontario:
Boxing Ontario is the only governing body for Olympic-style boxing in Ontario. As such, it is affiliated with Boxing Canada (CABA), the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, & Sport, and World Boxing. Founded in 1972, our mission is to inspire and grow interest, participation, and a love of the sport of Olympic-style boxing in Ontario. Learn more at boxingontario.com
Boxing Ontario Media Contact:
Rebecca Freeman | Communications, Boxing Ontario | [email protected] | +1 (416) 426-7250
Interview Opportunities:
Interviews are available virtually, via email, or phone with Ontario athletes, coaches, representatives from Boxing Ontario.
