Coaches

Johnny’s boxing journey began at the young age of six, with his first bout in 1969. Over the years, his talent and dedication propelled him to the top of the sport.

Holding a Level 3 National Coaching Certificate, Johnny dominated the lightweight division, claiming the Senior National Champion title from 1981 to 1984. His career highlights include competing in the 1984 Olympics and securing the Canadian Professional Champion title in 1989.

Recognized for his achievements, Kalbhenn was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Ontario Hall of Fame in 2018. Since 1991, he has been a steadfast presence in the Cabbagetown community, consistently giving back through his passion for the sport and his dedication to his clients. His love remains as strong as ever, inspiring generations to push their limits inside and outside the ring.

In 1996, Coach Rey arrived in Canada and found a home at Cabbagetown Boxing Club, already an experienced boxer since the age of 12 in Mexico City. Competing for his university team, he earned a degree in psychology from the University of Mexico.

Rey learned English in the gym, training with Coach Peter Wylie and his teammates while competing for CYC for six years. During his amateur boxing career, he collected trophies, belts, and Provincial titles before stepping into the professional ring.

Cabbagetown Youth Centre became more than just a gym—it became Rey’s community. He worked in the youth programs and even met his wife there. Now a Level 3 NCCP Coach and holder of a Chief Second Professional Boxing License, Rey trains competitive boxers at Cabbagetown BGC and coaches professional fighters, including the current Cruiserweight Canadian Champion.

Beyond coaching, Rey runs Morales Boxing Inc., his own line of boxing equipment, and is actively involved in professional boxing matchmaking. His expertise extends to athlete development, serving on Boxing Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development Planning Committee, scouting for RBC Training Ground, and contributing to the Boxing Ontario High Performance Committee.

Continuing to expand his knowledge, Coach Rey studied sports psychology at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) and remains committed to advancing training methods and athlete health. His passion and dedication make him a cornerstone of the boxing community.

Coach Heather has been part of the CYC boxing team for the past 20 years, holding multiple Provincial titles, earning a National Silver Medal, and claiming victory in the Ringside 2018 Championship Bantamweight Masters Division.

Currently, Hopkins is working towards completing her Level 2 National Coaching certification. Beyond the ring, she is an avid runner, having conquered 17 marathons—including a first-place finish at the 2017 St. Lawrence Marathon. Her dedication to both boxing and endurance sports makes her a well-rounded coach, guiding athletes inside and outside the ring.

“What I love about boxing is the challenge. It’s never easy but always rewarding. That’s why I remain active in the sport, training daily and coaching others who seek to push their limits.

There is no greater reward than witnessing athletes of all ages develop new skills and apply them to boxing. Being part of that journey is an experience unlike any other.”

Kelly has been part of Cabbagetown Boxing since 2007, building on her strong foundation in competitive swimming while exploring other sports like mountain biking and bodybuilding.

Looking to shake up her fitness routine, she took the advice of a neighborhood friend and reached out to the club. “I called and spoke with Head Coach Johnny Kalbhenn—he joked with me about working out two days in a row, and I knew I had to meet the challenge. From the moment I stepped into the gym, everything clicked—it had all the elements I was looking for.

I was nervous before my first class, but a welcoming woman in the change room showed me the ropes, making me feel right at home. Because of her, I always make a point to greet newcomers, so they feel comfortable and keep coming back. The training is top-notch, but what truly amazes me is the strength of the community.”

Her passion for boxing eventually led her to compete as an amateur master for Cabbagetown, thriving under the club’s dedicated coaching staff.