Young Saint John boxer chasing big goals in the ring
A Saint John boxer is adjusting her season plans after being selected for a Youth Olympic Qualifier in Thailand.
Seventeen‑year‑old Suri Pafford earned the spot after a week‑long assessment camp in Montreal, where athletes were evaluated through sparring, training sessions and seminars.
She said it was an honour to be chosen for the 60‑kilogram category and described the camp as an intense week that helped her learn at a level she hopes to reach in her career.
Balancing a difficult decision
Pafford said she learned after the camp that the Thailand qualifier is scheduled just three days before the Canadian Nationals in Calgary.
The 14‑hour time difference and travel demands would leave her with only one day to recover before competing again, which she felt would not be safe in a sport as physical as boxing.
She added that the qualifier also does not guarantee a Youth Olympic spot, as countries may only receive a limited number of entries.
“The Youth Olympic qualifier doesn’t secure a spot on Team Canada,” she said.
“Nationals gives me a seat on Team Canada, and the world championships are this year. I feel like I’m not giving anything up — I’m just aiming higher.”
Pafford said her long‑term goal is to compete at the 2032 Olympics, which also influenced her decision.
She explained that choosing Nationals and the world championships offers a clearer development path toward that goal.
She discussed the decision with her coaches, Joe and Ed Blanchard, along with her family, and now feels confident in her choice.
Growth inside and outside the ring
Pafford began boxing at eight and has now competed in 23 matches, including international bouts in Ireland.
Her mother, Krista Beshara, said she has watched her daughter grow through each stage of the sport.
Beshara said she has seen major changes in Pafford’s confidence and independence, especially during recent trips where she travelled and trained without family.
“Where she is now at the boxing level compared to even this time last year, she’s grown a lot,” Beshara said.
“But the biggest growth I see is almost outside of the ring.”
Pafford said those experiences helped her prepare mentally for high‑level competition, describing mental toughness as a key part of the sport.
Pafford will compete at Nationals in Calgary in March, with hopes of advancing to the world championships later this year.
She will also headline the Saint John Golden Gloves card on April 25 at the Lord Beaverbrook Rink, where boxers from the United States, Ireland and across Canada are expected to compete.