Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse

Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse is a Canadian professional boxer whose journey through the sport has been defined by persistence, adaptability, and the courage to face adversity head-on. Born and raised in Quebec, Lepage-Joanisse discovered boxing as a teenager in 2009 and quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for the sport. By 2013, she was invited to join Quebec’s provincial amateur boxing team, and from 2014 to 2016, she represented Canada on the national team. Her amateur career was marked by notable achievements, including winning the Canadian women’s heavyweight title in both 2014 and 2015 and finishing with a record of 17 wins and 4 losses.

Lepage-Joanisse turned professional in March 2016, and after just three fights, she challenged Mexico’s Alejandra Jimenez for the WBC World Heavyweight Championship in 2017. The bout ended in a loss for Lepage-Joanisse. Still, Jimenez later tested positive for illegal substances, casting a shadow over the result and compounding the disappointment for the Canadian fighter. The experience took a significant emotional toll, leading Lepage-Joanisse to step away from the sport for nearly six years. During this hiatus, she focused on personal growth and overcoming the setbacks that had derailed her early career.

In March 2023, Lepage-Joanisse made a triumphant return to the ring, determined to reclaim her place among the elite. Her comeback was marked by renewed focus and resilience, culminating in a unanimous decision victory over Argentina’s Abril Argentina Vidal in March 2024, which earned her the WBC Heavyweight World Championship. This achievement underscored her ability to overcome adversity and reclaim her position at the top of women’s boxing.

Lepage-Joanisse’s fighting style is characterised by grit, technical proficiency, and a willingness to engage in close-quarters combat. She is renowned for her resilience within the ring and her ability to adapt to various opponents. Her journey back to the world stage was highlighted by her willingness to face Claressa Shields, one of the most accomplished fighters in women’s boxing history, in a high-profile bout at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena in July 2024. The fight for the unified world title saw Lepage-Joanisse moving up in weight to defend her belt against a fighter moving up two divisions, a testament to her readiness to take on any challenge.