SURREY’S Eric Basran on his way to the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, April 4-15, defeated Poland’s Maciej Jozwik in the 56 kg category at the Club de Boxe de l’Est in Montreal recently.

Team Canada stepped into the ring against Poland on January 26 and 28 as part of a Dual Match, an international Olympic-style boxing competition where various countries will be invited each year to challenge the Canadian delegation. For its 1st edition, Canada welcomed Poland.

After a week-long training camp, eight international bouts were on the card for the first of two boxing events and Team Canada won five of them, including the one in which Basran won 3-0.

The boxers had the opportunity for a rematch two days later. Due to a few injuries, six bouts were on the card for the rematch and Team Canada won five of them, including the one in which Basran 3-0 again.

Boxing Canada said that overall, the first edition was a great success as Team Canada claimed 10 victories over a total of 14 bouts. It was a great preparatory event for the boxers who will take part in the 2018 Canadian Championships in March or the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April.

The VOICE had reported last December that Basran is one of seven boxers nominated by Boxing Canada to represent Canada at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Basran won gold at the Canadian National Boxing Championship last April making him the titleholder for the elite men in the 56 kg category and also earned him a spot on the Canadian National Boxing Team.

His first international bout was against Cuba in Regina at the end of May for the Ken Goff Memorial Boxing Classic. He fought twice against Maikel Barro and won both bouts.

Last September he fought against Team Mexico’s Oscar Fabela in Winnepeg. He won both bouts and Best Bout and Best Boxer.

The draw for the Commonwealth Games in Australia will be known on April 4 and the boxing tournament will be held at Oxenford Studios, film studio and home to Hollywood blockbusters. The Canadian boxing delegation will field a stellar roster which combines veteran leadership and youthful pugilists. In addition, it will be the first multi-sports Games environment for five boxers on the team, according to Boxing Canada.

A last training camp will take place at Smithy’s Gym in Toowoomba, Australia to put the final touches on their preparation and to acclimatize to the time difference.

The entire Canadian Team will be officially announced by Commonwealth Games Canada in March 2018.