Ahmet
Canbakis
One of the most decorated amateur boxers ever to come out of Turkey, Ahmet Canbakis has spent decades giving back to the sport | and to the communities that need it most. He brings elite credentials, proven coaching ability, and a genuine commitment to using boxing as a tool for positive change.
"Boxing gave me everything | discipline, direction, and a way forward. That is exactly what I want to give to the young people of Addlestone."
| Ahmet Canbakis, Head Coach
Ahmet Canbakis | Turkish National Kit
Image: MyLondon / Newsquest
A Career Built on
Excellence
Ahmet Canbakis is one of the most accomplished amateur boxers to have represented Turkey on the international stage. A seven-time Turkish national boxing champion and three-time Balkan champion, Ahmet competed at the highest levels of the sport throughout the 1980s | representing his country at the 1987 European Amateur Boxing Championships and earning selection for the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
His Olympic journey was cut short by injury | a broken hand sustained in training just days before the Games | but his standing in the sport was never in doubt. He had already established himself as one of the finest amateur boxers of his generation.
Having settled in the United Kingdom, Ahmet turned his focus to coaching and community work. He holds a Trainer/Second licence with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) and has worked as a Turkish, English and French international amateur and professional boxing coach, operating across multiple countries and at every level of the sport.
In West London, Ahmet founded and ran Cranford Amateur Boxing Club | a community-focused club that gave local young people access to structured boxing coaching. He has delivered motivational sessions at schools including Heston Community School, where he inspired Year 7 to 10 students with his story and his approach to discipline and resilience.
In 2019, Ahmet was selected as one of 23 England Boxing Talent Pathway coaches to attend a development seminar at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield | a recognition of his standing within the national coaching community.
Credentials & Accolades
Turkish National Champion
Seven times national boxing champion of Turkey | one of the most decorated amateur boxers in Turkish boxing history.
Three-Time Balkan Champion
Dominant at regional level, winning the Balkan Amateur Boxing Championships three times and establishing himself as a continental force.
European Amateur Boxing Championships
Represented Turkey at the 1987 European Amateur Boxing Championships | competing against the best amateur boxers on the continent.
Seoul Olympics Selection
Selected to represent Turkey at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. A training injury days before the Games prevented his participation | one of the sport's great what-ifs.
BBBoC Licensed Trainer/Second
Holds a full Trainer/Second licence with the British Boxing Board of Control | the governing body for professional boxing in the United Kingdom.
Cranford Amateur Boxing Club
Founded and led Cranford Amateur Boxing Club in West London, providing structured community boxing for local young people.
England Boxing Talent Pathway Coach
Selected as one of 23 England Boxing Talent Pathway coaches for a national development seminar at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield.
Addlestone Boxing Academy
Bringing his elite experience, coaching credentials, and community ethos to Addlestone | to build something lasting for Surrey.
The Coach at Work
Ahmet Canbakis | in Turkish national colours
MyLondon / Newsquest
Coaching session at Heston Community School
Heston Community School
Cranford Amateur Boxing Club
MyLondon / Newsquest
England Boxing Talent Pathway Coaches Seminar, Sheffield 2019
England Boxing
Why Ahmet
Addlestone Boxing Academy is built on credibility. The head coach is not a figurehead | he is the foundation. Ahmet Canbakis brings a combination of elite competitive experience, formal coaching qualifications, and a proven track record of community impact that is exceptionally rare.
He has competed at the highest levels of the amateur sport, coached internationally, worked within the England Boxing talent structure, and built community clubs from the ground up. He understands both the sport and the people it can transform.
For Addlestone, that matters enormously. This is not a vanity project. It is a serious, structured boxing academy with serious leadership | and Ahmet is the reason it will be taken seriously by funders, local authorities, and the community alike.
Elite Competitive Pedigree
Seven national titles, three Balkan championships, a European Championships appearance, and Olympic selection. The competitive record speaks for itself.
Formal Coaching Credentials
BBBoC licensed Trainer/Second. England Boxing Talent Pathway coach. International coaching experience across three countries.
Community Impact
Founded Cranford Amateur Boxing Club. Delivered school coaching programmes. A track record of using boxing to change lives in real communities.
The Right Person for Addlestone
Ahmet brings everything this project needs: credibility, experience, discipline, and a genuine commitment to community. This is his next chapter.
Coaching Philosophy
Ahmet's coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that boxing is not just a sport | it is a discipline that shapes character. Every session is an opportunity to teach more than technique. It is an opportunity to teach focus, respect, accountability, and the understanding that results come from consistent effort, not talent alone.
He coaches with high standards and genuine care. He expects commitment from every boxer who walks through the door, and he gives back in equal measure | time, knowledge, and the kind of honest feedback that actually helps people improve.
At Addlestone Boxing Academy, that philosophy will be the culture of the club. From the youngest beginner to the most experienced competitor, every member will be held to the same standard: work hard, respect the gym, respect your coaches, and respect yourself.
Addlestone Boxing Academy is a proposed not-for-profit community boxing club. Premises are being sought. Your support makes it happen.