Wyatt Sanford, the first Canadian boxer to win a medal at the Olympics since 1996, has signed a promotional deal with Eye of the Tiger Management.
The 26-year-old southpaw from Kennecook, Nova Scotia, reached the semifinals of the 2024 Olympics, losing a narrow 4-1 decision to Frenchman Sofiane Oumiha. Sanford won a gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
Success in 2024 is an improvement on the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, when he was knocked out in the first round in the 69kg category. Sanford is ranked No. 1. Ranked number one in Canada since 2017, he also won a silver medal at the 2023 Continental Championships in Cali, Colombia, and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Now as a pro, Sanford brings a local flavor to a Montreal-based organization that boasts a wealth of international talent, including world-class contender Christian Mbilli; Osleys Iglesias and Albert Ramirez.
“By choosing [Eye of the Tiger]I chose an organization that truly cares about the well-being of its athletes and always has my best interests at heart. That doesn’t happen often in boxing, so for me, it’s essential. I’m even happier because it allows me to stay home and fight in front of my own people,” Sanford said in a press release.
“Although Wyatt Sanford is a local athlete, it is important to realize that with his international results and outstanding style, he can sign with any promoter. His decision to join EOTTM further enriches our lineup and reinforces our commitment to compete on the international stage with the world’s top promoters,” added Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger.
Trainer Vincent Auclair said that while Sanford has had success as an amateur, his greatest success may have been in the pros.
“Wyatt has always been a physical fighter with great punching power and excellent distance control. In a three-round fight, his best moments tend to come in the second and third rounds, It gives us an idea of what he can achieve in the professional ranks,” Auclair said.
“We are extremely proud to sign Canada’s first Olympic boxing medalist in 28 years,” added Eye of the Tiger Recruiting Director Marc Ramsay. “Wyatt Sanford is not only a prospect with tremendous potential, but he is also a local fighter who has developed entirely within the Canadian amateur boxing system.”
Sanford’s pro debut date will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the release.
