‘Fighters are made, they’re not born’: Sask. teen boxer claims Western Canadians title, eyes Youth Olympic path

“It was great. It’s a great win going into Thailand, for sure. As [Polyakova] came from Ireland, she has that international experience and to box her right before going to Thailand, I think was great for me,” she said.

Video shows Rapid View boxer Havanna Demers, red, and Vancouver’s Eva Polyakova during the opening round of their bout at the Western Canadian Championships in Cochrane, Alta., Feb. 2026. Demers later won gold. (Submitted video)

The Western Canadian Championships brought together top fighters from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, many preparing for national competition. Saskatchewan’s contingent faced a challenging weekend due to injuries, but Havanna stood out among the field.

“I think Havanna is the only one who won Westerns actually from Saskatchewan,” said her father and coach, Quenten Demers. “So that’s about a plus there.”

Polyakova entered the bout undefeated with significant experience, creating a closely contested matchup early on as both fighters worked to impose their style.

“It was a very closely contested battle, but as the fight progressed, it was swinging more and more into Havanna’s favor,” Quenten said.

By the third round, the Saskatchewan teen began to take control.

“Havanna changed up her style a little bit and she started throwing precision power punches and that girl was like a deer in the headlights,” he said. “In the third and final round, Havanna landed probably 20 power punches, like really good, powerful combinations, and really busted her up and really solidified the win.”

Rapid View’s Havanna Demers, red, faces Vancouver’s Eva Polyakova during their youth 57-kg bout at the Western Canadian Championships in Cochrane, Alta., Feb. 2026. Demers won gold by unanimous decision. (Image Credit: Quenten Demers)

Havanna said she only learned of her opponent’s undefeated record after the bout had ended.

“Well, going into the fight, I had no idea she was undefeated,” she said. “So I found out after and once I found that out, it definitely made the win better as it was her first loss. Although I did feel bad for her, regardless.”

The Western Canadian title provides timely momentum as she prepares to step onto the international stage. For the young boxer, the experience and confidence gained from the weekend will carry forward into her next competition.

“It’s definitely a confidence boost for sure,” she said.

Training has already shifted toward preparing for the demands of competing overseas, with a focus on both physical and mental readiness.

“Just keep training, training hard, good nutrition, smart training, taking care of my body really well,” Havanna said. “And yeah, just keep training, training hard.”

Her coach believes the steady rise in competition and expectations is part of building a fighter capable of succeeding at the next level.

“Fighters are made, they’re not born,” Quenten said.

“You do things throughout their career, you make it a little more stressful, so they get accustomed to that, and then you take them to the next level and you get them accustomed to that, and you keep progressing them through their whole career.”

As she looks ahead to Thailand, the Western Canadian title stands as both validation and preparation.

The father-and-daughter duo said they are grateful for support from local sponsors, including High Octane Welding, Eagle Creek GM, Meadow Lake Co-op, Nu Line Auto, Mr. Glass, OK Tire, Bumper to Bumper, Meadow Lake Chrysler, B&D Earthworks, Skylight Trucking, Orion Industrial, City Convenience, Blatz Roofing and Furniture Gallery in Lloydminster.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

‘Fighters are made, they’re not born’: Sask. teen boxer claims Western Canadians title, eyes Youth Olympic path

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