Tammara Thibeault was more ready than ever to attempt the double at the World Cup with a convincing win at the Strandja tournament held February 20-26 in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she clearly beat China’s Qian Li. But Boxing Canada has decided to boycott the event, as has the men’s tournament scheduled for May.
• Also read: Boxing: Gold for Tammara Thibeault
In the Bulgarian capital, Thibeault, at 75 kg, dominated with two victories 5-0 and two 4-1, winning the 74th edition of the oldest tournament held in Europe, which drew 470 boxers from 42 countries.
“Of course I’m disappointed to miss the World Championship because after my victory in Istanbul last year I believed from the start that I had a chance of a double,” emphasized the 26-year-old Beauceronne. “It will be difficult for girls to fight for a title that I thought I could win again and for that reason I don’t think I’m following the tournament online. »
“I proved last year that I’m the best in the world,” continued Thibeault, who also won bronze at the 2019 World Championships. My victory in Bulgaria also showed that I’m still at the highest level. No one can take my 2022 title away from me. It’s unfortunate what’s happening, but it’s part of life and my head is in the right place. »
Yesterday the Women’s Worlds started in New Delhi.
In addition to Canada, the USA, Great Britain, Ireland and the Czech Republic are not present to protest the presence of boxers from Russia and Belarus who can show their country’s colors.
Boxing Canada, along with its partners in other countries, regrets the leadership of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) by Russian President Umar Nazarovich.
Trust leaders
Photo archive, AFP
She won the bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Disappointed, Thibeault went along with Boxing Canada’s decision.
“I don’t have a word to say,” summarized the man who will be back in the ring in Finland in a month, and I can only trust my federation. My job is to train and be ready for the next competition. I’m concentrating on the Paris Olympics. »
Her world title earned her $100,000 last year, and similar prizes will be awarded again this year to gold, silver ($50,000) and bronze ($25,000) medalists.
“Money is a bonus and has never been a motivation,” explained the woman, who will be completing her bachelor’s degree in urban planning at Concordia University in just a few weeks. I’ve spent most of my life without money. It’s no problem. Our absence from the world will not affect the choice. »
The selections for the Paris Games will take place in Chile in October for the Pan American Games.
Thibeault must reach the finals to get his ticket to the City of Lights.
new team
The National Center saw a new momentum with the departure of high-flying director Daniel Trépanier, blamed for creating a toxic culture and a climate of fear.
Vincent Auclair now oversees athlete development.
“It’s going really well and there’s great synergy,” said Thibeault. There is good progress. »