Unveiling an exciting new venture that promises to take the Fight to End Cancer to the next level!
After more than a decade of hosting the highly anticipated Fight To End Cancer black-tie gala—an event that has garnered global support and raised nearly 3 million dollars for The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre—we’re excited to introduce a new event that promises to expand our reach and elevate our impact.
The spotlight which was once exclusive to corporate fighters will now shine on our amateur boxing community through our latest fight series initiative. Each boxer on the “Friday Night Fights” card will not only help raise crucial funds for and awareness of an important cause, but also showcase the captivating sport of boxing in a fresh and meaningful way.
This year’s lineup features incredible fighters, including FTEC Ambassador Davin Yu, who has already raised $5,000, and FTEC Fighter Alumni Daniel Cellucci, now an open-class boxer who made his debut at our 2014 gala. Joining the roster is Idrissa Sanogo, who recently played Lil’ Zay in Amazon/MGM Studios’ The Fire Inside, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film, about two-time Olympic champion Claressa Shields, is already gaining Oscar buzz.
Fighters squared off at our inaugural Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’ in 2017, held at the Gentlemen’s Expo inside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Hosted by ‘Showdown Joe’ Ferraro and our Official FTEC Ring Announcer, Barry ‘Bad Boy’ Pletch, the event featured a number of sanctioned Olympic boxing matches. Notable boxers included Sara Haghighat-Joo (Canadian Champion), along with Mark Smither and Kassandra O’Reilly, both of whom fought on the inaugural Fight To End Cancer card in 2012. Impressively, many of the fighters showcased on the 2012 card have since turned professional, including Amanda Galle, our official FTEC Ambassador who was recently crowned the First Canadian Female to Secure the IBO World Championship Title.
We are excited to announce that the “Friday Night Fights” series will be hosted by our partners at the Old Mill Inn, Toronto. Attendees will enjoy a VIP reception at the historic site which will be transformed into an evening showcase for a night of thrilling boxing matches all while coming together to raise funds towards a future free of cancer.
The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’ made its debut in 2017 at the Gentlemen’s Expo. Unlike the formality of the black-tie sit down dinner of the FTEC Gala, the “Friday Night Fights” offers the thrill of a dynamic series of skilled amateur duels offered in a classy but more casual cocktail setting, all in support of the legendary work of the PMCF. Due to it’s overwhelming success, we have decided to bring the event back as a means of sustaining momentum in anticipation of the upcoming FTEC2025 gala scheduled for May 31, 2025.
What’s even more exciting about this initiative are the endless opportunities for your involvement. Athletes who do not reside in Toronto, or even Canada, can still join the fight as FTEC Ambassador boxers. There are countless other ways to get involved even if you are not a fighter. Having a reason to Fight To End Cancer is all you need to start helping achieve our mission of ending cancer in our lifetime.
SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS ‘TO END CANCER’ OCTOBER 18, 2024 AT THE OLD MILL TORONTO
WHEN
Friday October 18 2024
TIMING
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: VIP Reception
7:30 pm – General Admission Begins
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm: Fight Night
WHERE
The Old Mill Toronto
21 Old Mill Road
Circular Drive Entrance
Toronto, Ontario M8X 1G5
DRESS CODE
Business Casual
JOIN THE FIGHT: FIGHTER APPLICATION
We are now accepting applications from corporate and competitive boxers! Apply Now
TICKETS:
- Virtual Access: Live Stream Access: $25.00 (100% of live stream sales will be donated to charity)
- General Admission: Early Bird Tickets: $50.00 (Regular Price $60.00 Oct. 1, 2024)
- VIP Reception: $200.00 — Includes cocktail reception and fights — limited tickets available. (Regular Price $250.00 Oct. 1, 2024)
- VIP TABLES: Limited number available to sponsor only Inquire Now
MEET THE FIGHTERS
Support Your Favorite Fighter at Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’—Join the Fight and Make a Difference for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation!
WORDS FROM A FIGHTER
“Cancer hit my family hard when my late wife was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Modern medicine gave us one more year together, but we ultimately lost her to this terrible disease. She’s survived by our two sons, who’ve experienced the devastation of cancer firsthand. Their strength through this difficult time has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
In the aftermath of her passing, I found solace in training—channeling my grief and pain into something positive. Fitness became more than just a way to stay in shape; it became my outlet for healing. Each day, I push myself to make the most of life, not just for me, but for my sons and everyone around me.
Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that I need to help change the dialogue surrounding cancer. It’s not just about the disaster it brings, but also about the hope we can create from it. Whether it’s in the gym, at home, or with my community, I want to spread the joy of fitness and encourage others to find strength, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.”
~ Davin Yu | FTEC Ambassador, Friday Night Fights Main Event
Win A Pair Of Air Canada Round Trip Tickets… Place Your Bid Now!
Whether you’re attending the event in person or supporting the Fight To End Cancer from the comfort of your home, our exclusive online auction is now open to the public. Place your bid on two (2) Air Canada Economy Class round-trip promotional tickets to destinations across North America, including Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This exceptional package, valued at $4,000, has been generously provided by Air Canada.
A special thank you to Air Canada for their continued support of the Fight To End Cancer year after year!
100% of the funds collected from the Fight To End Cancer auction items are donated to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Don’t miss your chance to take off with this round-trip opportunity—secure your bid today!
CAN’T MAKE IT? NO PROBLEM!
With all proceeds benefiting The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, just grab a ticket or three 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
