Katia Bissonnette, a female boxer from Quebec, chose not to compete in the Golden Gloves Provincial Championship in Victoriaville, Que., after learning she had been paired with a transgender opponent without prior notice. Her decision was made an hour before the match began, upon being informed by her coach. Bissonnette cited concerns for her health and physical safety as the reasons for her withdrawal, expressing that the physical differences between males and females could pose a significant risk to her safety in the ring.
Bissonnette highlighted studies that found a man’s punching force is 162 percent higher than a woman’s and stated that “it only takes one punch to be seriously injured.” She emphasized that trans people must take responsibility for their choices and not compete against biological women.
The Golden Gloves competition is the first stage of qualification for the Canadian Championships. FQBO president Ariane Fortin explained that the delayed notice to Bissonnette was in line with a recommendation by Boxing Canada not to disclose the transgender status of Mya Walmsley, her opponent.
Walmsley, who reportedly moved to Canada approximately two years ago, issued a statement accusing Bissonnette of outing her publicly without prior communication. Bissonnette disputed these allegations and emphasized the importance of not relying solely on trust in coaching, citing instances of cheating and deception in the history of sports.
The Epoch Times reached out to the Quebec Olympic Boxing Federation (FQBO) and Boxing Canada for comment but did not immediately hear back.