Faizan Dar (left) is in Quebec City representing Team Sask. at the Boxing Canada Youth Nationals (Submitted Photo/Kennedy Photography).

By Austin Mattes

Faizan Dar

North Battleford boxer has eyes set on national gold

May 29, 2025 | 11:13 AM

Faizan Dar, a determined young fighter out of Four Corner Boxing in North Battleford, is in Quebec City from May 29 to June 2 to represent Team Saskatchewan at Boxing Canada Youth Nationals.

At just 17, Dar is no stranger to top competition.

In 2024, he was recognized as the Best Junior C boxer in Saskatchewan and has already proven himself on the national stage, bringing home the silver medal last year.

This year, Dar is entering Nationals in one of the most competitive divisions in the tournament, the First Year Youth (17/18 years old) 70 Kilograms, and after capturing gold at provincials, he’s going into it with a different mindset and his eyes set on gold.

“Last year, I was really hungry for it, and I was going there more with an aggressive mindset. Now, this is my second year in a row, and I’m nervous, but that just means you care. This is probably one of the hardest divisions there is in all of the nationals. So, I want to go out there, give it my all, and do my best. I want to bring back a gold medal for Saskatchewan, for my town, and for my club,” Dar said.

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Leading up to the competition, the preparation has been rigorous, and the training has been intense. From tedious dieting to non-stop workouts, Dar is doing everything possible to be in prime shape.

“About a month and a half ago, I was walking around at about 77 kilograms. I stuck to a diet, about one meal a day, very little snacks. Now I walk around at 70 kilograms,” Dar explained.

“We amped up training the last week and a half,” said his coach, Dylin Curiston. “We slowed down on sparring and contact training; we don’t want him going in with any injuries or bruises, but we’re hitting the track every day, boxing-specific four times a week, and strength and conditioning on top of that.”

With valuable experience from last year, Dar knows what it takes to make it to the gold medal fight. Even with the tough competition, he said he is ready to do it again and has a plan for his approach.

“For me, my biggest thing is that it doesn’t matter if I’m dead tired and my stamina isn’t there, I have to keep going, this is the toughest division. These guys are taller than me, they have more reach, so I have to be on the inside consistently. I must have a lot of output of punches. I have to stay on them like glue and just keep working. I cannot go back. I have to keep center, the center of the ring will be my best friend,” said Dar.

For Dar, winning the gold is also more than just a personal mission, it’s a tribute to all the people who have helped him get to where he is.

“There’s a lot of people that count on me and a lot of people who have put their time and effort into me, so to show that appreciation, my aim is to win gold and come back and show them that your efforts and your investment are paying off. I appreciate you for that,” he said.

Dar’s journey to national gold starts today with his first fight, and it is definitely one to watch, not just for his skill in the ring, but for the heart and drive he brings with him, representing the Battlefords.

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austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes