In a boxing gym in Saskatoon, Havanna Demers showcases swift footwork while throwing precise, intentional punches. The 16-year-old athlete hails from Rapid View, a small town near Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. Despite training primarily in her hometown, Havanna’s commitment and skill have earned her recognition at national and international levels.
With two national medals and four provincial championships in Saskatchewan under her belt, Havanna has been chosen to represent Canada at the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. This event serves as a crucial qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, targeting athletes aged 15 to 18 and overseen by the International Olympic Committee.
Expressing her excitement, Havanna remarked, “It’s amazing to have come this far. While it’s thrilling, I understand the amount of effort required. The competition will be intense.” Her boxing journey began at the age of seven, inspired by her sister’s involvement in martial arts. What initially sparked curiosity soon transformed into a deep passion for the sport.
Earlier this year, Havanna honed her skills at Boxing Canada’s national training center in Montreal, where she sparred with elite champions and medalists from across the country. Described by one coach as having an “awkward” style, Havanna sees this uniqueness as an asset rather than a weakness.
Her father, Quenten Demers, who manages Demers Boxing in Rapid View, serves as her head coach and biggest supporter. Reflecting on his daughters’ achievements, including Havanna’s sister Isabella, he expressed immense pride. Watching his daughters surpass his own accomplishments has been a dream come true for Quenten.
Despite facing challenges like limited competition in Saskatchewan and predominantly sparring with male partners, Havanna remains undeterred. She is actively coaching young boxers in her community and has chosen to forgo the national championships to focus on qualifying for the Youth Olympics.
Quenten emphasized the significance of this opportunity, stating, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and we are fully committed to pursuing the Olympics.” Havanna echoed this sentiment, emphasizing her dedication to training hard, fighting fiercely, and aiming for success in the upcoming competitions.
