Two years ago, the two nations competed in the first international women's meet of any kind, with Canada besting host Sweden, 5-3. Once again, the women would be pitted against each other in a series of eight amateur bouts. The curious gathered in what was the high school's gym. A ring of blue canvas had been erected in the centre of the room, which still reeks of floor hockey tryouts. Basketball hoops still hang from the ceiling.
Wooden bleachers occupy the length of one wall.
Survivor's Eye of the Tiger, classic cheese, was cranked through the 40-watt sound system. There was polite applause for Team Sweden, a more enthusiastic greeting for Team Canada, and the traditional exchange of gifts. Amateur and professional boxing differ as much as WWF Raw and Graeco-Roman wrestling. The boxers wear headgear, oversized gloves, groin protectors, and in the case of women, chest protectors. Women fight three, two-minute rounds, one less than men.