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Golden Gloves youth boxing competition coming to Lacombe in April

Feb 23, 2025 | 8:00 AM

Some of the country’s best young boxers, 11 and up, are coming to Lacombe this spring.

From April 26-27, the 2025 Alberta Golden Gloves event will be taking place at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex.

This event follows up the provincial championships the first weekend in April in Calgary, and builds to the national championships, which are set for the end of May in Quebec City.

The ShadowBox in Lacombe, which is helping put on the Golden Gloves event with Boxing Alberta, sent five competitors to nations in 2024, with one bringing home gold.

ShadowBox spokesperson Amy Klimosko, shares that winners in each category will receive a medal and gain recognition from provincial and national scouting programs.

“The Golden Gloves is one of the most anticipated events of the year, featuring boxers who have competed or will soon compete at the national level,” she says.

“Several Olympic hopefuls will also be participating, hoping to impress Boxing Canada scouts. That doesn’t count out the up-and-comers who are still considered novice, but are nonetheless talented, competitive and entertaining in the ring.”

What’s even better, she says, is that boxing is thriving, especially at the grassroots level.

“While the sport may not be as widely discussed in the media as it once was, it continues to be an excellent way for youth to stay fit and develop discipline. It’s important to emphasize that boxing is one of the safer sports in terms of injury prevention,” Klimosko says.

“All boxers are required to undergo rigorous medical screenings annually as well as before, during, and after bouts. This includes the requirement of a medical doctor ringside during any official bout. A concussion screening protocol is in place, with any concerns leading to a mandatory 30-day absence from competition.”

Klimoski notes that the University of Calgary is exploring how boxing can improve pro-social behavior in youth with behavioural challenges.

The ShadowBox also runs what’s called the Dopamine Club, a rehabilitation program using boxing to help individuals with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

“Boxing’s growth is fueled by the positive dynamics of team support, individual challenge, and comprehensive training,” she adds.

For ticketing information, visit zeffy.com, and more on the club is on their social media.