Exchanging rings in the ring

Exchanging rings in the ring. Boxers Ibrahim Kamal, left, and Miranda Jollymore will tie the knot in the ring Nov. 20 after meeting at Cabbagetown Boxing Club. (Nov. 4, 2011) Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

The couple, both of whom have built careers in the boxing world, will tie the knot in the downtown club where they first met. Since they first crossed paths a few short years ago, both have used the skills they learned at the boxing club to scale new heights.

Kamal is an eight-time Canadian National Boxing Champion and has climbed the professional lightweight ranks since turning pro, fighting his way to a 6-0 record.

Jollymore was forced to give up boxing after a spinal injury, but has remained active in the scene by founding the not-for-profit organization MJKO along with Kamal. The charity uses non-contact boxing as part of its programming for at-risk youth.

The pair still train at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club, where they recounted the early days of their courtship.

"When I first started training here and a company was doing a documentary on me, (Kamal) was all 'what about me? I'm the one they should be talking to' because he was successful at the time," Jollymore said.

Kamal admitted he had earned a bit of a reputation as a gym snob among those who did not know him well, though he came out of his shell as he got to know Jollymore.

"When I'm training here, I don't even say a word - I just do my work," he said. "But we started talking and went on a few dates and right away, we clicked."

Kamal learned to fight at the age of 11 while living with his family in Libya as a means of warding off bullies. That experience comes in handy when he is working with the youth who attend MJKO.

MJKO offers mentoring and leadership training to youngsters living in at-risk communities and teaches healthy lifestyle and nutrition. Jollymore has partnered with other organizations such as Youth Assisting Youth, the Kids Up Front Foundation and the Toronto Police, with non-contact boxing serving as a key part of MJKO's platform.

"It teaches them discipline and can be helpful for kids who are being bullied," Jollymore said. "The fact that Ibrahim was bullied when he was a kid helps because who would ever think a boxing champion would be bullied?"

The organization also serves Jollymore well, keeping her involved in the boxing world after she suffered a serious back injury in 2008 that curtailed her own aspirations in the ring.

Throughout her long and painful recovery, Kamal stuck by her, helping out however he could whenever his career did not take him on the road.

Because she knows the ins and outs of boxing, she also has rare insight into Kamal's world.

"I get really agitated when I'm trying to make weight before a fight," he said. "She knows what it's like, so she understands the way other people wouldn't."

Jollymore admitted to feeling stress when her fiance steps into the ring, but noted she wants him to be successful and will back him up as he pursues his dream.

"When you're with a boxer, you're on the team," she said. "When he's in boot camp (preparing for a fight) I'm in boot camp, basically."

Kamal is currently on an injury break but plans on resuming his quest for professional glory once his doctors clear him to return to action.

The couple's wedding will stay true to the boxing theme, with the officiant taking on the role of noted boxing announcer Michael Buffer. While their decision to get married in the Cabbagetown Boxing Club ring raised a few eyebrows, those who know Jollymore and Kamal well were on board from the beginning.

"For us, what better place is there than this?" Jollymore said. "My mother even got into it - she said 'in the program, you have to include information about (the club)."

The pair will tie the knot before family and friends on Sunday, Nov. 20.