Main Event
Virgil Barrow
Virgil Barrow
“There is no escaping the hard truth that cancer touches all of us in some way. It stocks our families and robs life from those we love. I have personally seen and felt the pain that friends and clients have courageously faced in their battles. It is for them, and in the memory of others that have passed on, that I proudly Fight To End Cancer.”
– Virgil Barrow
Andreas Tsagarelis
Andreas Tsagarelis
“I as well, like all the fighters participating, personally know close friends and family that have battled many different forms of cancer, some with heroic outcomes, and others devastating. The one thing I have noticed all fights with cancer have in common though is that they all end in tears. My “Fight to End Cancer” is to make a difference so that the tears shed in all future fights, are only those of sheer joy, happiness, and relief. FIGHT WITH US!”
– Andreas Tsagarelis
Bout 1
Daniel Ross
Daniel Ross
Daniel Ross started boxing in 2011. He had been training for competition consistently, but accepted his Fight For Cancer bout with 3-4 hours notice, after another athlete was unable to compete. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and works for an events company. Fight to End Cancer was a meaningful event for Daniel to participate in, in part due to seeing his grandfather diagnosed with skin cancer when Daniel was young. Since the inaugural Fight to End Cancer bouts occurred, his paternal grandfather and grandmother have died from Leukaemia and lung cancer. Daniel maintains that the fight continues and believes it is one we have no choice but to continue battling each day.
Ardem Tutunjian
Ardem Tutunjian
“I would like to dedicate this fight to all those who have cancer and in particular to Silvana Tedesco who has been a brave survivor these last two years. Her ability to cope and remain positive throughout has been an inspiration to me. The fight for the cure is one we all must participate in together. Although all of us aren’t scientists or doctors who can directly participate in the discovery of a cure, we all can pitch in with what we know best to help push the ball forward for an eventual resolution of this illness. As an accountant and a competitive boxer, I would like to help raise support for a cure and encourage everyone to contribute in whatever way they can as well! Thanks and I look forward to putting up an exciting show for everyone in attendance!”
– Ardem Tutunjian
Bout 2
Michael Kaldas
Michael Kaldas
“I’m fighting in the memory of a close friend of mine “Big” Chris O’Brien. It was really hard for all of us to lose Chris at such a young age (25 years old). The one thing that I realized, was that EVERY dollar makes a difference. The advancements they have now didn’t cure Chris, but kept him with us longer and gave us many more cherished memories. Watching him fight cancer was the extreme definition of determination. He never gave up hope, EVER. Anytime things get tough, I reflect on his determination and willpower. And I will do the same for this fight. We fight to end cancer, for those we love, who are fighting to live!”
– Michael Kaldas
Sean Cassman
Sean Cassman
“Boxing has had a number of positive effects on my life, so I feel very fortunate that I can use it to help better the life of someone else. Like most people, I’ve seen effects cancer has on people and their family, and there is no lack of motivation for me to help in whatever way i can.”
– Sean Cassman
Amateur Olympic Bout 3
Mark Smithers
Mark Smithers
Mark Smither has been boxing for 5 years and is a competitive amateur boxer. He trains out of the Uptown boxing club in Barrie under head coach, Jack Ireland. Known for his quick feet and fast hands Mark is happy to be a part of the “Fight to End Cancer” event and proud to be able to fight for such an amazing cause. He is also dedicating this fight to his grandfather John Mcbain who lost his battle to cancer.
– Mark Smithers
Josh O’Reilly
Josh O’Reilly
Josh “DUB” O’Reilly is the current 60kg Provincial Champion and the twin brother of Kassandra O’Reilly who is also part of the “Fight to End Cancer”. Josh is an experienced fighter and is looking forward to being involved in such an amazing and worthwhile event. He is also dedicating his performance to the late Robbie Wilcox and his grandparents who all lost their battles to cancer.
Bout 4
Peter Temoche
Peter Temoche
“For me it was the fight my mother had with breast cancer that makes every jab I take pale in comparison to her battle! I know she is alive today because of all the research, support and treatments that were offered to her. I am proud to be a part of the Fight to End Cancer.”
– Peter Temoche
Kyle Murdock
Amateur Olympic Bout 5
Kassandra O'Reilly
Kassandra O'Reilly
Kassandra O’Reilly is the current 48kg Provincial Champion. She trains with the Steeltown Boxing Club under head coach, Bob Wilcox. Known for her nasty left hook, Kassandra is honoured to be part of the “Fight to End Cancer”. She is dedicating her performance to the memory of her coaches son, Robbie and both of her grandparents who all lost their courageous battles with cancer.
Janaya Khan
Janaya Khan
Janaya Khan is an amateur competitive boxer and future Olympic hopeful. Known for her explosive power and fast hands, she trains at Kingsway Boxing Club under head coach Jennifer Huggins. Janaya also runs community boxing workshops where the basics of boxing are made accessible and fun to community members. She strongly believes that the focus and determination that boxing requires can be used as a tool of empowerment. She is excited and humbled to be a part of Fight to End Cancer because it is a way that can help raise funds for research and facilities towards ending cancer.
