Melanie Trottier

When Melanie Trottier decided to start boxing she was the only one who thought it was a good idea. Her family was against it and her boyfriend Stephane, also a boxer, was apprehensive to say the least. “I just couldn’t imagine her in the ring,” he explains, “I mean, I wasn’t against women boxers but I just didn’t want my girlfriend to be one of them.”

When they met each other Stephane had already been boxing at Kerwin for about 3 years and Melanie instantly became his biggest fan. “I used to watch him fight,” she remembers. “ And I really enjoyed it.” At the time female boxing was on the rise so Melanie would routinely see other women boxing at the tournaments and the more she saw the more she liked it. “It intrigued me,” she says. “It looked like a challenge and I wanted to give it a try.” She admits it wasn’t easy convincing Stephane to pledge his support, but in time he came around. “I just wanted to train at first,” she explains. “But one thing led to another and before I knew it I wanted to compete.” That was the biggest hurdle for Stephane and he readily admits his initial apprehension. “Training and sparring is one thing,” he says. “But competing is another and I was afraid she was going to get hurt.”

Despite his reservations, however, Melanie was determined and Stephane was soon on board. Her first fight was definitely the toughest, she admits. “I was too nervous, forget everything I had learned and just fought on instinct – it was a brawl.” Five years and 10 fights later however, Melanie has improved her skills, learned to relax and now admits it’s a lot easier to climb through the ropes.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What’s your fighting style?
I’m a boxer puncher with an aggressive style and I love coming forward. I like throwing straight shots and my best punch is my right hand.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from boxing?
How important long arms are in a fist fight, she says jokingly. And more seriously, how to overcome fear to do something you love.

How do people react when they find out you’re a boxer?
Many of them make the usual comments – women shouldn’t box, it’s not very ladylike People also think it’s too dangerous and warn me about getting hurt.

How do you respond to such comments?
I try to explain to them that it’s not really that dangerous. Amateur boxing is highly regulated and the safety of the fighters always comes first.

How has boxing changed your life?
This sport has changed my life in so many ways – I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m also more relaxed than I’ve ever been, more focused and more confident and secure as a person. It’s become a lifestyle and I love it.

What are your future plans?
Boxing for me is just a hobby and I have no ambitions of ever being a world champ or anything. I just enjoy the challenge and it makes me feel complete.

Head coach, Ron Gervais, is very impressed with Melanie’s development so far, readily admitting that she is a strong asset to the club. “She trains hard, follows instruction and is always eager to learn,” he says. “It’s been great working with her.” Ron also admires her aggressive fighting style, but feels that she has to work on her movement. “Sometimes she presents too stationary a target,” he explains. “And needs to improve her footwork.”

When asked about her childhood boxing idols, Melanie admits she didn’t really have any. “Sure I used to see some of the big fights on TV,” she recalls. “But it didn’t really do anything for me. My interest started when I met Stephane.” The couple have since married, and her husband is now even involved in Melanie’s training and part of her corner during competitions. It’s brought us even closer together,” he adds. “And I’m really proud of her.”