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.
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.
The athletes representing Ontario are:
- Jade Delgado – 51kg, Beaver Boxing Club
- Victoria Vergos – 54kg, Oakville Boxing Academy
- Jarelyn Castillo – 75kg, Border City Boxing Club
The selection process for the U19 World Championships team began in July 2024. Members of Canada’s Youth national boxing team, including several Ontario athletes, were invited to a U19 training and selection camp hosted by Boxing Canada in Victoria, BC. Athletes were assessed on their winning style, technical, tactical, and physical abilities, and psychological readiness to compete on the international stage. Selected athletes received an invitation to represent Canada at the U19 World Championships.
“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,” says Victoria Vergos.
Ontario Coach Yulissa Agudelo, from Bushido Boxing in London, received a special invitation from Boxing Canada to join the U19 World Championships team as the National Team Apprentice Coach. This exciting news comes on the heels of her recent recognition with the Ontario Coaching Excellence Award.
Describing the feeling of receiving the National Team Apprentice Coach invitation, Coach Yulissa relates: “I honestly felt that ‘pinch me’ moment, it felt surreal. I’ve been coaching just shy of four years and to be given such an opportunity is life changing. Something I’ll never forget.”
She will be working alongside Kraig Devlin, Boxing Canada High Performance Director, and Samir El Mais (ON), National Team Coach, as part of the coaching staff for the highly anticipated event.
“I am most excited to learn from great coaches such as Samir…” says Coach Yulissa. Getting to experience different teaching techniques and styles will also be very fun! Can’t wait to help the boxers and teams in this experience!”
For the athletes, their coaches, and their supporters, the journey to the U19 World Championships has been a road paved with countless hours of dedication and training.
“Physically, it has been demanding; there has been a large amount of cardio, hard sparring, and pushing myself past my maximum limits,” relates Victoria Vergos. “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.”
The U19 World Championships represent a significant milestone for these remarkable young athletes. Stay tuned as we cheer them on from home and celebrate their achievements. Best of luck to Team Ontario and Team Canada!
Links to the draw, schedule, results, live-stream, and further information will be available at boxingontario.com.
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Further reading:
- Athlete Feature: Jade Delgado – (coming soon)
- Athlete Feature: Victoria Vergos
- Athlete Feature: Jarelyn Castillo – (coming soon)
- Coach Feature: Yulissa Agudelo
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]
Boxing Canada Media Contact:
Christopher Lindsay | Executive Director, Boxing Canada | [email protected]
Interview Opportunities:
Available upon request.
