Justin Trudeau, Canada’s New Liberal Prime Minister, Once Boxed Against Conservative Senator

Justin Trudeau, the son of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau who was elected to that same office Monday, once faced a conservative senator inside a boxing ring.

Justin Trudeau’s Boxing Skills

A few years ago, while serving as a Member of Parliament, Trudeau participated in a charity boxing match, sparring against Canadian Conservative Sen. Patrick Brazeau. Through Brazeau was favored to win the bout with 3-1 odds, Trudeau pummeled his opponent, leading the referee to call the match before the final round was over.

A boxing victory, while an interesting footnote in the politician’s backstory, is not the only surprising entry on his resume.

Prior to committing himself to a career in politics in 2008, Trudeau had held an assortment of jobs outside of public service. After getting undergraduate degrees in literature and education, he taught French and Math at a secondary school. Trudeau then went on to study engineering, followed by another return to school to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Geography. He also dabbled in coaching bungee-jumping. 

Trudeau, who had long followed his father’s footsteps in being a supporter of Canada’s Liberal Party, was elected as the Member of Parliament for Papineau in 2008. He was reelected to the position in 2011 and 2015 and has served as the Liberal Party’s critic for Youth and Multiculturalism, Citizenship and Immigration, Post Secondary Education, and Youth and Amateur Sport.

Trudeau was elected leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2013. He was named Canada’s next prime minister Oct. 19, defeating incumbent Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Trudeau is expected to take office Nov. 4.