With 14 countries partaking in the 2018 Youth Continental Championships, Team Canada started the competition with strong results in Colorado Springs, claiming four wins in six bouts. Spencer Wilcox (Hamilton, ON) and Derek Pomerleau (Mercier, QC) both made solid first impressions during the first days of the competition. Here's a recap of Day 1 and 2:

60Kg Spencer Wilcox was the first Canadian to step into the ring against Puerto Rican Addiel Perez and after three rounds, was declared winner by abandon. Back in the ring the following day, Wilcox didn't hold back during his quarterfinal bout against Aaron Martijn from Aruba. Although his opponent was fresh from a bye in the preliminary round of the competition, Wilcox stopped Martijn in the first round and was declared winner by RSC (Referee Stop Contest). With two convincing wins, Wilcox is now guaranteed a medal and will be back in the ring on May 24 against Alan Chavez from Argentina in the hopes to attain the gold medal bout. "I was not sure what to expect coming into this tournament," says Wilcox after his two back-to-back victories, "but now, I'm confident I can go all the way and win gold in the lightweight category!"

64Kg Derek Pomerleau also made his debut  during the first day of the competition. For his opening bout, Pomerleau squared off against Michael Martinez and won by unanimous decision against his Puerto Rican opponent.  On day 2, Pomerleau stepped back in the ring against Luis Alexander Castillo Garcia from Guatemala and saw his hand rise as he was declared winner by unanimous decision once again. Now moving to the semifinals, Pomerleau has one day off to recuperate and will be back in action on May 24 against Taiel Chavez from Argentina.