Donovan Boucher: An Unconventional Journey
Donovan Boucher describes his work by saying, “I do fighting scenes, car crashes, jumping through windows, and getting thrown into lakes—just typical stuff like that.” While this might sound anything but typical for a man in his 60s, especially someone with a long boxing career, it offers a glimpse into his extraordinary life as a former boxer and current movie stuntman.
After competing in two highly significant boxing events in Canadian and British history, transitioning to the film industry provides Boucher the excitement many fighters feel they lose when they retire from the sport. “Exactly! But the bonus is, you don’t actually get hit!” he adds, referring to his stunt work in films like The Day After Tomorrow and Cinderella Man. Boucher acknowledges that his boxing background helps him create realistic action scenes, as he knows how to make it look authentic without receiving blows.
A Boxer’s Legacy
Now at 63, Boucher maintains a youthful appearance and a robust physique, reminiscent of his welterweight days. He is perhaps best recognized for his memorable victories on both sides of the Atlantic: a second-round victory over Olympic silver medalist Shawn O’Sullivan in 1988 and a knockout of Kirkland Laing three years later. “I beat Kirkland Laing, who defeated Roberto Duran, who defeated Sugar Ray Leonard,” Boucher quips, playfully illustrating his place within boxing’s hierarchy.
His victory over O’Sullivan is particularly significant, marked by the buildup of a passionate rivalry and a dramatic storyline. The match was highly publicized in Toronto and sold out quickly, demonstrating Boucher’s popularity at the time as he faced a formidable opponent in his hometown. “It was a big fight; I knew his defense wasn’t strong, so I went for it and knocked him down. It was one of my career highlights,” he recalls.
Turning Defeats into Opportunities
A loss to Glenwood Brown soon followed, leading some to believe his peak had been reached. However, this setback ultimately opened new doors for Boucher. Recognized as the Canadian champion but having faced a defeat, he became a target for upcoming fighters seeking to make a name for themselves. “They saw me as a respected name but beatable,” he explains, recalling his successful comeback against Commonwealth champion Gary Jacobs in Scotland, where he performed admirably despite initial crowd hostility.
Following that victory, Boucher continued to find opportunities to fight in both Canada and the UK, ultimately facing Laing again in a title defense. Despite his opponent being past his prime, Laing proved challenging but Boucher emerged victorious, noting the celebration following the win was particularly memorable.
Life Post-Boxing
However, Boucher’s boxing journey hit a snag in 1996 when a medical examination revealed a concerning spot on his brain, leading to the suspension of his boxing license. While the exact nature of the finding was uncertain, it forced him to take a step back from the ring. During this time, he maintained his day job at Toronto Water, managing the city’s water infrastructure while continuing his involvement in the sport through coaching.
In a twist of fate, after an 11-year hiatus, Boucher faced another chance in boxing when new scans cleared him of prior issues. He attempted a comeback but found it difficult to regain his once-celebrated status. By 2008, he decided to retire after a final win, transitioning his extensive knowledge and experience into coaching and officiating in boxing.
A Multifaceted Career
Beyond the ring, Boucher has embraced a varied career. He now works as a boxing referee and judge, noting that “the referees today are garbage.” His extensive experience offers him insights into the sport that he conveys while working various assignments, including international events. Boucher has officiated nearly 200 matches across Canada and other countries, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the sport. He reflects on his past with pride while looking forward to the future, both for himself and his sport.
