A few years ago, one of the owners of Oakville Boxing Academy was at the hospital with a family member when they saw a CP24 interview featuring Michael “Pinball” Clemons. “We were moved by his message and the work of the Pinball Clemons Foundation,” they recall. “As a brand-new gym, we decided to attend the 2023 Victory Gala by purchasing a table. That night left such a lasting impression on us that we knew we wanted to do more.”

That desire to contribute led Oakville Boxing Academy to become the “host gym” for the following year’s Victory Gala. “We supported media coverage, sparring sessions, training events, and even featured several of our fighters on the card,” the team explains. When the Foundation reached out again this past winter, OBA was honoured to take on a bigger role. “With our experience hosting over a dozen shows annually and a genuine love for the Foundation’s purpose, it felt like a natural fit.” Their biggest contribution? “We managed all aspects of boxing for the Gala from fighter recruitment to organizing uniforms, gloves, and headgear, thanks to Faizan at Sting. We arranged sanctions with Boxing Ontario, supplied and set up the ring, and even helped connect the Foundation with Roy Jones Jr.,” they share. “We also supported the Silent Auction and helped bring in a show-stopping vehicle to add extra excitement.”

Coach Hayden (Gord) Jones led the boxing side of the event. “Leveraging my community connections, I secured 13 competitive matchups and made sure every athlete had proper coaching support,” he says. He worked closely with Boxing Ontario to ensure the event was fully sanctioned, with certified officials and an on-site doctor for safety. To prepare fighters, OBA hosted “Sunday Smash” sessions every other week. “These were high-intensity training and sparring days designed to push athletes to be their best,” Hayden explains. “But they were also about community—fighters bonded over bagels and got support from the Pinball Team.”

On fight night, the atmosphere was electric. “Fighters arrived to pick up custom uniforms, complete medical check-ins, and get ready backstage,” says the team. “We managed logistics, assisted with warmups, worked corners, and made sure every athlete felt supported, no matter their gym affiliation.” They celebrated their own wins but also “championed the success of all fighters, coaches, and teams to create a seamless, uplifting experience.” The team expresses deep gratitude: “We couldn’t have done it without our incredible staff—Hayden, Ryan Young, Cassie and Heidi Schofield, Vincent Calio, Crista Aguinaldo, George Vergos, our amateur team, and all our friends and family who showed up with support.” Special thanks go to the Pinball Team—Jennifer, Jane, Leanne, and others—“whose passion and leadership made this event truly extraordinary.” They also thank Boxing Ontario for their essential support behind the scenes.

Partnering with the Pinball Foundation fits perfectly with Oakville Boxing Academy’s mission. “We aim to build champions inside and outside the ring,” they say. “This collaboration gave us a powerful platform to give back and use boxing to inspire confidence, discipline, and resilience.” They add, “It also highlighted the importance of support systems—something every athlete needs to thrive.”
The coaching team at OBA brings over 100 years of combined experience. Hayden (Gord) Jones, a former amateur boxer, leads athlete development. Ryan Young, a three-time Canadian titleholder, specializes in strength and conditioning. Crista Aguinaldo is a Team Ontario coach and fighter manager. Vinny Calio, a former pro boxer, and George Vergos, with decades of traditional boxing knowledge, round out the team. “What makes our coaches truly special is their dedication to every athlete’s growth and safety,” says the academy.

Community is at the heart of Oakville Boxing Academy. “Success in the ring starts with support outside of it,” they say. “We foster a culture where everyone feels like part of the team, whether it’s at fight nights, professional events, or through our active Team Chat and Instagram community.” They emphasize, “Our athletes don’t just train together—they spar, sweat, and grow together. We don’t just build boxers. We build a family.”

For youth and beginners, OBA offers over 10 classes weekly focused on fundamentals and confidence. “Our coaching team ensures every member feels supported, whether it’s their first day or they’re preparing for competition,” they explain. Youth also have opportunities to assist in classes, teach sessions, and participate in tournaments and community initiatives, helping them grow as leaders. Looking ahead, Oakville Boxing Academy plans to continue growing in size and impact. “We want to create more opportunities for boxers across the province and nationally,” they say. “We’re excited to keep working with the Pinball Foundation on future Victory Gala events and other charity partnerships.” They also plan bigger fight shows, launch OBA-hosted tournaments, and develop new funding initiatives to support athletes and the broader boxing community. At the grassroots level, they aim to expand class offerings and launch an After-School program to provide youth with a safe, inspiring place to train.

Their advice for anyone starting a boxing gym? “Start with passion. Love the sport and believe in its power to change lives. Treat it like a business, pay your staff fairly, and build strong youth programs. Foster a welcoming community and stay open to new ideas. Most importantly, run your gym with integrity and focus on quality over quantity. That’s how you build something that lasts.”

Oakville Boxing Academy is just getting started and the future looks bright.

In the spotlight, Boxing Canada celebrates those who inspire, uplift, and redefine what it means to be a champion.

Posted on: July 9, 2025