Successful start for Team Canada at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

After an intense preparation and numerous training camps, the first boxers of the Canadian delegation have now stepped into the ring of the Oxenford Studios in Gold Coast, Australia. Three Canadians were set to make their debut over the weekend: 56Kg Eric Basran, 64Kg Thomas Blumenfeld and 69Kg Marie-Jeanne Parent.

 

After a much-anticipated debut in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Team Canada broke the ice and walked away with three wins in as many bouts. Here's a recap of the event:

 

56 Kg ERIC BASRAN

19 years old Basran made his debut on Day 3 of the Commonwealth Games against Betero Aaree from Kiribati. With a great height and speed advantage over his opponent, Basran imposed his pace throughout the bout and claimed an easy 5-0 victory with many rounds scored 10-8 in his favour.

 

"I tried to pace myself so I would be fresh for the next fight," mentioned Eric Basran after exiting the ring. "I'm going for gold, but I just want to stay focus and give my best performance every time."

 

Basran now advances to the quarterfinals on April 10th where he will face Zweli Dlamini from Swaziland

64 Kg THOMAS BLUMENFELD

Up next was 64Kg Thomas Blumenfeld. After a tough draw, Blumenfeld obtained a bye in the first round of preliminaries and was set to face Scotland for his first bout during the 2nd round of the preliminaries. Despite facing an experienced boxer, the Canadian southpaw boxer was the one who saw his hand being raised. 

 

With his unanimous win over Scotland, Blumenfeld is now getting ready for quarterfinals against Zambia on April 10th for his chance to reach the medals' round.

69 Kg MARIE-JEANNE PARENT

Marie-Jeanne Parent was the last Canadian athlete to be nominated for the Games following Mandy Bujold's decision to take a step back from boxing, but it didn't stop the Quebec City native to execute her game plan when she faced Lorna Simbi from Kenya. With a unanimous decision victory in quarterfinals, Parent is now guaranteed a medal and will face England in semifinals on April 11th for her chance to reach the finals! 
The remainder of the Canadian boxing delegation, Sabrina Aubin (57Kg), Caroline Veyre (60Kg), Tammara Thibeault (75Kg) and Harley-David O'Reilly (81Kg), are set to make their debut in the Games in the next two days.
Posted on: April 8, 2018