Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman
The community united this past Friday, October 18, at The Old Mill Toronto for an unforgettable showcase of top Olympic-style boxers from across Canada, all fighting to end cancer in our lifetime.
TORONTO, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’ at the historic Old Mill Toronto was a night filled with electrifying energy, powerful matchups, and incredible community spirit. The event featured 10 action-packed bouts with 20 boxers from across Canada, all stepping into the ring to help knock out cancer. This past weekend’s event left a lasting impact on attendees while raising critical funds to support the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
The night featured an impressive lineup, headlined by FTEC Ambassador and Co-Main Event fighter Davin Yu, who raised $9,000 in honour of his late wife. The Main Event saw FTEC Fighter Alumni Daniele Cellucci claim victory and take home the belt. Adding to the excitement, Idrissa Sanogo, a principal actor in The Fire Inside, which is directed by Rachel Morrison and already garnering Oscar buzz, also took home the belt for his impressive performance in the ring. Each fighter’s dedication turned the night into a powerful celebration of resilience in the Fight To End Cancer.
The event was MC’d by Virgil Barrow, who not only coaches the corporate fight team but also served as the matchmaker for the evening’s bouts. We also welcomed back Barry Pletch, who has never missed a year in his role as the official Ring Announcer, continuing his unwavering support for our cause.
Friday Night Fights took on a life of its own this year, with the Old Mill’s elegant setting transformed into a dynamic boxing venue. In contrast to the formality of the FTEC Black-Tie Gala, the Friday Night series offered a more relaxed cocktail setting, where guests enjoyed an evening of top tier Olympic-style boxing while continuing the Fight To End Cancer.
The ballroom at the historic Old Mill Toronto was packed Friday night with some of Canada’s top aspiring Olympic-style boxers. Featuring 10 sanctioned bouts, these athletes showcased their skill and dedication to over 600 attendees. [Photo Credit: Jasmine Luo]
As we look ahead to the FTEC 2025 Gala, scheduled for May 31, 2025, we’ve already seen an incredible amount of interest from prospective corporate fighters. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the fight, the FTEC Fight Team Tryouts are coming up on Saturday, November 9, from 12 PM – 2 PM. Don’t miss your chance to step into the ring and make a difference. More Info
We’d like to remind our community that the Grafton Apparel “Wear Your Support” campaign is ongoing until the end of November 2024. In partnership with TIP TOP and George Richards Big & Tall Menswear stores nationwide, you can get your commemorative Fight To End Cancer keychains or lapel pins for donations of $20 or more, with all proceeds supporting the GTx Program at The Princess Margaret. The Grafton family has already reached the halfway mark of their $500,000 goal—join the fight and make a difference!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our presenting partners, Grafton Apparel and Landscape Plus LTD, whose generous contributions help sustain our year-round initiatives. Their support, along with that of our incredible sponsors, volunteers, and guests, made this event an overwhelming success.
To relive the magic of the evening, we’ll be sharing photos, highlights, and the stream link soon. Until then, we thank everyone involved for their unwavering dedication, and we look forward to the continued fight alongside our incredible community.
Together, we will end cancer in our lifetime… Defeat Is NOT An Option!
The true heroes behind the success of the Fight To End Cancer are our dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly year-round to pull our initiatives together and ensure the safety of our boxers on fight night. [Photo Credits: Jasmine Luo and Rebecca Freeman]
MEDIA AND INFORMATION
INTERVIEWS:
- Jennifer Huggins, FTEC Founder/Executive Director
- MEET THE FIGHTERS: View Full Card
- FTEC Alumni and Ambassadors: Available upon request
- FTEC Presenting Sponsors: Available upon request
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Sat. Nov. 9, 2024: FTEC2025 FightTeam Tryouts (Orientation Session)
- Sat. May. 31, 2025: FTEC2025 Charity Boxing Gala
MEDIA ACREDIDATION:
- Media: Must Aquire Accreditation
- Staff/Volunteers: View Staffing Information
DID YOU MISS US LIVE? NO PROBLEM!
With all proceeds benefiting The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, just grab a ticket or three to the next event and help us Fight To End Cancer in our lifetime! You can also donate directly: Donate Now
About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative driven by ambassadors, sponsors, and volunteers worldwide. Since our inception in 2012, we have donated nearly $3 million to the cause. Funds raised by FTEC go directly to the GTX Program at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year, we honour the hard work and dedication of our FTEC family through alternating events: a black-tie charity boxing gala and our newest initiative, The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’. Our mission is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Together, we will end cancer in our lifetime. Learn More About The Fight To End Cancer.
About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca
