The funds were raised at an amateur boxing show the clubs organized together on May 24 in the city’s north end.
“I had high expectations, but (the event) exceeded them,” said CAOS trainer Socrates Celestial. “Nothing went wrong, everything went well and it all went to a good cause. Even the Cancer Society itself said it was (a higher donation) they typically get from third-party events like this.”
Last month’s event consisted of several amateur fights, including a main event featuring 2014 Ontario 60-kilogram open champion Natasha Szlapetis, one of Celestial’s pupils.
Khadel Morris, Andrea Nucci and Leon Felix, who train out of Kombat Arts along with Celestial and Szlapetis, also competed.
Several sponsors helped contribute to the donation while appearances from former Canadian UFC heavyweight Gary Goodridge and Marc Pagcaliwangan, an undefeated pro boxer out of London, Ontario, helped spread the word.
Celestial was inspired to put on the show after a former client of his named John Daniele died of cancer in the winter.
“He was always so positive and that drove me,” Celestial said.
“He was so enthusiastic about boxing, which makes me excited whenever I have somebody like that … He was a dedicated client who was never negative and he kept on inspiring me to be better at what I do.”
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