One familiar face that will be competing at the forthcoming ‘World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City’ is Canada’s Tammara Thibeault, who will be making her first appearance in an Olympic boxing competition since Paris 2024.
The highly decorated 29-year-old, is a two-time Olympian who has won gold medals at world championships, Commonwealth Games, Panamerican Boxing Championships and the Panamerican Games, has been pursuing a successful career in professional boxing since Paris, that has seen her rack-up four straight wins, including three stoppages.
However, the lure of representing Team Canada at a third Olympic Games and a sense of “unfinished business” has remained a powerful draw for Tammara who aims to combine professional and Olympic boxing in the next phase of her career as she sets her sights on qualifying for LA28.
We caught-up with Tammarra in China ahead of her return to Olympic boxing.
Why have you decided to combine your professional career with continuing to compete in Olympic-style boxing?
“Becoming an Olympian has been a dream since I was very young, and I feel like an Olympic boxer at heart. When women’s boxing was introduced to the Games, I felt that was exactly where I was meant to be.
“After Paris, I wasn’t ready to walk away; I felt there was some unfinished business, and I wanted to continue to box and take on another challenge. Having already been part of two Olympic cycles, I’ve been very successful, and I am grateful for that. I now want to see what I can achieve by balancing both professional and Olympic-style boxing to see how much more I can grow.
“Many athletes in sports like tennis, water polo, and volleyball successfully do both, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do the same while continuing to pursue my passion and build a career.”
How do you feel about making your return to the Olympic-style format?
“I am incredibly excited to return to the Olympic-style format, as it has always held a special place in my heart. After Paris, I knew I wanted to try again and continue doing what I love. It is a tremendous honour to represent my country, and having the opportunity to potentially compete in a third Olympic cycle is something I am very much looking forward to.
“I feel that I have grown significantly as both a person and an athlete over the last two years, and I am eager to put that progression to the test.”
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in returning to Olympic-style boxing?
“The primary challenge lies in the difference between professional bouts and the three-round Olympic format. While boxing is boxing, the preparation required for each is distinct, similar to the difference between a 60-metre dash and a 1500-metre run in track and field. Although both events involve running, the mindset, pacing, and preparation differ significantly. By approaching it with that mindset, I am confident in my ability to adapt my cues, style, and pace to ensure I am successful in either format.”
What has it been like to be back in a team setting after spending time training in a more solo environment?
“Being back in a team setting has made me appreciate the camaraderie even more. While training alone and building my own team was a valuable experience that I thoroughly enjoyed, there is something unique about the solidarity found in a team environment.
“I have had an incredible experience with Boxing Canada over the last few years, and I am proud to be part of the team again. Having that level of support makes me feel deeply grateful to continue doing what I love while representing a country I care about so much.