Canadian boxers chase glory

BOXING: Their boxing programs have netted incredible success over the years, and now an international team is turning to the Garden City to get the job done on the Gold Coast.

Canada walked away from the boxing ring with a gold, silver and bronze medal from seven competitors at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Team Canada boxing coach Daniel Trepanier said the decision to fine-tune their Commonwealth Games preparation in Toowoomba was an easy one.

“We were getting ready to prepare for our pre-Games training camp to come in Australia,” Trepanier said.

“I came to visit and fell in love with the facilities and the people here.

“We had an amazing relationship with them, and we’re really proud to be here and so far it has been a great time for us.”

The four women and three men that make up the side will be training at Smithy’s Gym until April 2 when they head into the Games village, and Trepanier said his side was well-versed for a strong showing.

“We’ve got a lot of support and we’re excited to get to the Commonwealth Games and perform,” he said.

“Everybody looks sharp right now. They are the best we have in Canada and I’m proud of team that has qualified.

“We’re really confident that we will beat our three medals from Glasgow.

“We have experienced boxers that have performed well over the year at the international level.”

Tammara Thibeault, 21, said it was an honour to be a part of the team.

“I feel proud to be representing my country because I’ve been wanting this for a long time,” Thibeault said.

“I started boxing when I was 10 years old, and I wanted to go to the Olympics for Canada.

“This is our first step to bigger things, and I feel this is the start of a journey for a lot of us.

“Now we have the potential and we have the drive and ambition as a group to do so.