Boxing’s next big thing may very well be coming out of Selkirk.
That is at least what Maulers Boxing coach Devin Tomko believes when it comes to 17-year-old boxing prodigy Damir Kudusov.
Originally from Ukraine, Kudusov is just two years into his boxing career in Canada after previously training in Muay Thai. Since moving to the country, he has travelled extensively for boxing matches and competitions, gaining experience against high-level opponents across Canada.
Tomko said Kudusov’s English has also improved dramatically — from knowing almost none when he first arrived to now speaking it better than his coach.
“When he came to me and I had seen his dedication, his work ethic and his skills — he had a lot of natural ability — I figured I had to help this kid,” said Tomko. “He was kind of the backbone of it all and pushed me to really get the ring in there, to get a gym going and really help him fight. Now it’s snowballed into a high-level gym with him as one of the fighters, and we’ve got other fighters on the come-up.
“It’s been an interesting ride, especially considering me and him couldn’t even communicate at first — we were talking through Google Translate for the first little bit.”
Kudusov was recently invited to the Team Canada U23 training camp, scheduled for Jan. 23, where he will train alongside some of the country’s top amateur boxers.
At the camp, he will take part in sparring sessions, fight demonstrations and Team Canada’s strength and conditioning program.
Tomko said he is just as excited as his athlete to see Kudusov receive national-level recognition.
“I love seeing him get better. This whole relationship started because I recognized that this kid had heart and determination, so I’m just willing to help him out,” he said. “Getting to see him achieve his goals and slowly pick away at them has been fun.
“For me, the main picture is the pro career — that’s where my expertise would flourish — but I just let him enjoy the journey and take it step by step. When he does get to the pro career, it’ll be that much easier to get him started.”
Although Kudusov will be one of the youngest fighters at the camp, he has repeatedly shown the ability to compete well beyond his years.
He often seeks out bouts against older opponents and regularly trains with fighters in their 30s, largely because there are few competitors his own age competing at the same level.
In 2026, Kudusov will enter his final year of U18 eligibility, creating a welcome dilemma: move up an age group or remain at U18 for one more season, where he would likely be among the division’s top contenders.
For now, the plan is to stay at U18 for a final year, giving him a chance at redemption at nationals after finishing third in back-to-back seasons.
“I’m not going to say we’re the favourite to win nationals this year, but everybody we had tough fights with has aged out of the group,” said Tomko. “Damir’s always been the youngest in the bracket. Now he’s the older, bigger guy, and he’s got a really good opportunity to win it.”
The Boxing Canada 2026 Junior, Youth and U23 National Championships are scheduled for March 18-22 at the Genesis Centre in Calgary.
It promises to be an exciting few months ahead for the young Selkirk standout.
