Owen Paquette has already demonstrated the willingness to travel far and wide in pursuit of his dreams.
The 17 year-old is currently enrolled in grade 12 at St Charles College – despite the fact that his family and homestead is some five hours away, back in Brantford (Ontario).
But with his father (Darryl) enjoying a long-standing relationship and awareness of Sudbury Hall of Fame boxing coach Gord Apolloni, the opportunity to train with a man who has witnessed virtually every level of the sport imaginable was simply too good to pass up.
The proof, as they say, has been in the pudding.
Earlier this year, the talented pugilist was named to the Canadian Youth National Team, earning a chance to represent his country at the Bornemissza Youth & Junior Memorial Tournament in Eger (Hungary).
Earlier this month, the travels of Owen Paquette continued as he was part of the Canadian contingent that went overseas to participate in the Brandenburg Cup 2022 – 27th International Youth Boxing Tournament in Germany. It’s all part of the preparation for the IBA Youth Men’s and Women’s World Boxing Championships set to take place in La Nucia (Spain) in November.
Logging the air miles and far more importantly the experience that comes with a growing number of bouts opposite international opponents is all part of the process for the Olympic hopeful, knowing that each step along the way builds from the last.
“This will definitely be similar (to Bornemissza) in that many of the same countries attended that last tournament – but this one is a little bigger,” said Paquette, prior to leaving for Germany. “They have closing ceremonies and medal ceremonies; they make it a bigger deal. It should be an awesome experience – just like Hungary.”
Throw in a pair of summer fights against Italian opponents – one in Sudbury and another in Italy – and one can see that the dedicated teenager is quickly taking it all in, understanding many elements of the pathway that will lead to him more than holding his own on the global stage.
“I’m really working on being able to adapt to everything, being able to adjust to all situations, having many tools in my back pocket,” said Paquette. “I think amateur boxing is one of those sports where you’re finding out about your opponent the moment you step in the ring and the bell rings.”
“You have to be able to adapt quickly. It’s not like we have three months of preparation and 30 fight films to watch your opponent.”
With that in mind, Paquette looks to control the controllables. Spending his time fretting about the unknown nuances of the boxing style of a foe that he has never met is not an overly productive use of his time – and he knows that.
“You try and focus on what you bring to the table and what your plan is,” he offered. “If you follow your plan and you have a purpose in that ring, it should all fall into place. It’s not worth worrying about what they can do to you.”
Though his growth phase, in terms of height, is likely complete for the 6’1” athlete who competes in the 63.5 kg weight class, his overall physical maturity still has a ways to go, a reality that is incorporated into the balance between boxing specific training and the workouts aimed at more all-around athletic development.
“I’ve always been in the weight room, always thought that it was important to be strong, especially with me being a longer thinner built that boxing prefers,” he suggested. “Having sessions both in the weight room and in the gym is super important. Boxing is a skill-based sport, but at the end of the day, power does keep your opponent away.”
“You need to have some force behind your punches. Opponents have man-power now and you have to be able to bring yourself to that level.”
Paquette would split a pair of fights in Germany, dropping an early decision to Osama Mohamed of England but bouncing back to celebrate triumphantly his win over Hugo Harstedt of Sweden