FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boxing Canada to Induct Five Icons into National Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 31st in Quebec City

Quebec City, May 30, 2025 — Boxing Canada is proud to announce that five of the sport’s most influential figures will be inducted into the Boxing Canada Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 31st, during a special ceremony held alongside the U17/U19/U23 National Championships and the 2025 Quebec Open in Quebec City.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees—Russ Anber, Jean-François Bergeron, Benoît Gaudet, Jean Pascal, and Mark Simmons—represent the highest standards of excellence, integrity, and impact in Canadian boxing. From Olympic rings to world title bouts, grassroots coaching to global innovation, these honorees have helped define the sport in Canada and inspired countless athletes along the way.

Honoring the Legends:

Russ Anber – A cornerstone of Canadian boxing for over 40 years, Russ has worn many hats: national team coach, cutman, broadcaster, and founder of Rival Boxing Gear. From local gyms to world championship corners, Anber’s precision, leadership, and tireless advocacy have left an unmatched legacy in and beyond the ring.

Jean-François Bergeron – The Saint-Jérôme native elevated Canadian heavyweight boxing with poise and technical skill. A 1996 Olympian and national champion, Bergeron turned professional in 2001, racking up 27 consecutive wins and securing multiple titles while showing the world that Canadian heavyweights can truly box.

Benoît Gaudet – One of Canada’s most decorated amateur boxers, the Drummondville standout represented the nation at the 2004 Olympic Games and the 1999 Pan American Games, where he won bronze. Known for his intelligence and discipline, Gaudet transitioned to a successful pro career, culminating in a WBC world title shot in 2009.

Jean Pascal – A global icon from Laval, Quebec, Pascal rose from national amateur champion to world-renowned professional. The 2004 Olympian made history by winning the WBC and WBA Light Heavyweight titles, taking on boxing’s biggest names and embodying the spirit of a true champion.

Mark Simmons – A dominant force in Canadian amateur boxing, Simmons captured Pan Am Games gold in 1999 and represented Canada at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Post-retirement, the Niagara Falls native continued to serve the sport as a coach and official, helping guide Canada’s future champions.

“Our Hall of Fame exists not just to honor achievement but to celebrate the values that elevate our sport—dedication, humility, resilience, and community,” said a Ryan O’Shea, Boxing Canada’s President. “On May 31st, we will formally welcome five individuals who have lived those values every step of the way.”

The induction ceremony will take place as part of a weekend showcasing Canada’s at the 2025 U17/U19/U23 National Championships and 2025 Quebec Open Tournament, providing a powerful bridge between boxing’s proud history and its promising future.

Boxing Canada invites all members of the community to join in celebrating the 2025 Hall of Fame class this Saturday, May 31st, in Quebec City, starting at 5:30pm a the PEPS Centre Désjardins Auditorium.

For media inquiries, please contact Christopher Lindsay at [email protected]

About Boxing Canada: Boxing Canada is the national sport organization for the sport of Olympic Boxing in Canada. It provides leadership for national programming, teams, and policies in partnership with each province and territory’s sport organization. Thanks to the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Rival Canada, and all our national partners for their support. For more information on Boxing Canada, please visit BoxingCanada.org.

Posted on: May 30, 2025