Throwing punches: Sask. teen boxer Havanna Demers has her eyes on Youth Olympics

Inside a Saskatoon boxing gym, Havanna Demers moves across the floor quickly, throwing punches with intent, control and precision. 

The 16-year-old regularly trains in her hometown of Rapid View, Sask., a small community west of Meadow Lake, or about 260 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. But her hard work and dedication is taking her places on the national and international stages. 

A two-time national medallist and four-time Saskatchewan provincial champion, Havanna has been selected to represent Canada at the World Boxing Futures Cup in March in Bangkok — a key qualifying event for the Youth Olympic Games later this year in Dakar, Senegal.

The Youth Olympic Games is an international multi-sport event for athletes aged 15 to 18 years old, organized by the International Olympic Committee.

“It’s amazing,” Havanna said in an interview with CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. “I’m proud of myself for getting this far. It’s exciting — but it's going to be a lot of work, though it’s going to be high level.”

Havanna first laced up her gloves at seven years old, after following her sister into martial arts. What started as curiosity quickly turned into passion.

“You’re not just going in there and fighting,” she said. “Boxing is a science: different strategies for different opponents, different styles. That’s what I like most about it — how technical it is.”

Earlier this year, Havanna spent six days at Boxing Canada’s national training centre in Montreal, sparring against national champions and medallists from across the country.

One coach described her style as “awkward” — but as an advantage rather than a flaw.

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“She wasn't sure if she wanted to fix it or enhance it. And