Controversial boxer hopes to repair image in Nunavik

MONTREAL — A tattooed champion boxer with a checkered reputation arrives in Kuujjuaq this week to teach local residents how to box.

During his six-month stay in Kuujjuaq, Stéphane Ouellet, ranked the No. 2 Canadian super-middleweight, and No. 7 in the world, hopes to escape recent criticism for his behaviour and appearance during a Jan. 25 boxing match in Verdun.

Although Ouellet is a star among Québécois, the crowd booed him that night in Verdun.

Spectators were reportedly shocked when an out-of-shape Ouellet hit his opponent, Pain Peters, three times in the head and bit him on the cheek.

The match between the two boxers had been promoted as the encounter of the “Bad Boys.”

In an article in Le Journal de Montréal, on Jan. 29, Ouellet defended his behaviour, saying he’s “a guy at the extreme edge.”

“When you’re in the ring, if your fists are in a hold and the crowd is screaming, your aggression gets out of control. I hit him in the thrill of the moment. It was a negative thrill, I admit that. I bit Pain Peters in the heat of the action. That’s how it is, I’m not hiding it.”

Georges Fortin, an old friend of the boxer who runs Kuujjuaq’s detention centre, told the Montreal tabloid that Ouellet seemed lost.

“We’re offering him another chance. He can start all over again here, let Montrealers forget about him for a while. I have to say we’re going to be careful with him. We’re concerned about his behaviour,” Fortin said.

The plan to bring Ouellet to Kuujjuaq was finalized before his show with Pain Peter.

But those who will work with Ouellet when he’s in the community, took reports of the “bad boy” behaviour in stride.

According to Luce Fortin, a municipal employee who spoke to Ouellet after the incident, the boxer said “it was just a show, a ‘party gag.’ ”

Jennifer Matchett, the co-ordinator of Kuujjuaq’s youth centre, said she’s not worried by what happened in Verdun. “It’s like the WWF [World Wrestling Federation]. It’s a show. It has no impact on his character. For me, it’s not an issue,” Matchett said.

As part of his contract in Kuujjuaq, Ouellet will work with youth aged six to 18, and with adults.

Bringing Ouellet to Kuujjuaq is part of the youth centre’s plan to channel young peoples’ energy into constructive activities such as karate or boxing.

Matchett said Ouellet won’t allow anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to participate in the training. Kids will have to stay in school or return to school if they want to work out with him.

And, they’ll also have to limit their punches to the ring.

“You do your sparring in the class. Not outside,” said Matchett of Ouellet’s philosophy.

Matchett said Ouellet is excited to come to Kuujjuaq, although it’s not the first time the boxer has visited Nunavik. Ouellet worked in a construction camp in another Nunavik community for a few weeks in 1996. Ouellet has also lived in Iqaluit.

Ouellet’s wife, who is expecting a baby girl in June, and his two sons will be joining him on the trip.

According to Le Journal de Montréal, Ouellet is being supplied a house, as well as four-figure weekly salary during his stay in Kuujjuaq. Nearly every organization in the community is contributing financially or materially to Ouellet’s stay in Kuujjuaq.

If his six months sojourn proves a success, Ouellet may decide to settle in Kuujjuaq and open a boxing school in the community.