Canadian Senator Patrick Brazeau has challenged Donald Trump Junior to a boxing match, aiming to raise funds for cancer research or a charity of Trump Jr.’s choice. The Quebec senator took to social media on Thursday to issue the challenge, citing trade tensions between Canada and the US.
“In light of these bogus tariffs … I challenge you to a fight to raise money for cancer research or an organization of your choosing,” Brazeau wrote on X.
Speaking to CBC News, Brazeau confirmed that his challenge is “100 per cent serious.” He explained that his frustration with recent developments in US-Canada trade relations led him to consider the idea. “Let’s duke it out and let’s see how much courage the Trumps and the president’s son truly have.”
Brazeau, who also considered challenging US Vice-President JD Vance, ultimately decided on Trump Jr. as a symbolic representative of the president. “I just wanted to call an American out and it just so happens to be the president’s son,” he said.
The challenge comes as trade tensions between Canada and the US escalate. Earlier this week, the US president launched a trade war against Canada but later announced a temporary pause on some tariffs. However, he confirmed plans to proceed with a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Brazeau dismissed the justification for the tariffs, particularly claims that fentanyl is entering the US through Canada. “I am personally sick and tired of what I’m hearing because all this — this trade war and these tariffs — are not about fentanyl whatsoever,” he said. “They’re talking about significant tariffs on our country, which will affect every Canadian citizen’s wallet.”
Brazeau, who previously fought Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a 2012 charity match before Trudeau became Liberal leader, believes he would fare better against Trump Jr. now. The 50-year-old senator noted that he no longer smokes and has been sober for five years.
“If I do step in the ring, I can guarantee that it will not be the same result as it was with my boxing match with Justin Trudeau. I’ll just leave it at that,” he said.
Who is Canadian Senator Patrick Brazeau?
Patrick Brazeau is a Canadian senator known for his political career, Indigenous advocacy, and past controversies. Born on November 11, 1974, in Maniwaki, Quebec, Brazeau is of Algonquin heritage and was one of the youngest individuals ever appointed to the Senate.
Before entering politics, he served as the National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP), where he advocated for Indigenous rights. In 2008, then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed him to the Senate at the age of 34, making him one of the youngest senators in Canadian history.
Brazeau’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by both political activity and personal controversies. He was involved in a well-publicized 2012 charity boxing match against Justin Trudeau, who was then a Member of Parliament. The fight, which Trudeau won, helped raise his political profile ahead of his eventual rise to Prime Minister.
Over the years, Brazeau has faced legal and personal challenges, including criminal charges related to domestic violence and fraud. However, he has since spoken about his struggles, including his journey to sobriety, and continues to serve as a senator.
Most recently, Brazeau made headlines for challenging Donald Trump Jr. to a boxing match in protest of US trade tariffs on Canada, further demonstrating his combative and outspoken political style.
