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3 months ago
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Shannon Ryan has taken women's boxing by storm and will look to extend her professional record to 8-0 when she goes go toe-to-toe with Emma Dolan at Resorts World Arena this evening.
Ryan has fought on several high-profile cards, including the world's first ever all-female event at The O2 in October 2022, but it not always been easy for the 27-year-old.
Ryan spent over five years working as an Assistant Manager at the O2 retail store in Watford, where she grew up, to fund her dreams of becoming a professional boxer.
Speaking to Mail Sport about her time at O2, Ryan said: 'It was tough holding down a job while training but when you want something so bad, you won't let anything get in the way of your passion or dreams.'
The Watford-born boxer turned professional in March 2022 and is now being managed by Anthony Joshua's 258 company and signed with Matchroom Boxing.
Shannon Ryan has taken women's boxing by storm and will look to extend her professional record to 8-0 when she goes go toe-to-toe with Emma Dolan this evening
Ryan, who will be fighting for the prestigious British and Commonwealth titles against Dolan later this evening, believes a stellar performance will position her well for a world title
Ryan has fought on several high-profile cards, including the world's first ever all-female event at The O2 in October 2022, but it hasn't always been easy for the 27-year-old
Reflecting on her journey so far, Ryan said: 'I think my journey has been absolutely incredible. My story gives me goosebumps and I believe I'm a prime example of don't give up no matter if your journey has so many twists and turns.'
She went on to add: 'I have found where I'm supposed to be in the end and I couldn't of asked for it to have gone any better. Super blessed and grateful.'
Ryan, who will be fighting for the prestigious British and Commonwealth titles against Dolan later this evening, believes a stellar performance will position her well for a world title.
'I believe a good performance against Dolan will put me in good stead for what is destined for me, if that's a world title call then amazing but everything will happen at the right time.'
Having started out at Barnet’s Finchley ABC gym where Anthony Joshua began his journey, Ryan looks up to the Olympic gold medalist.
Speaking about Joshua, Ryan said: 'AJ's last performance was good. Super happy for him. Seen great improvements from him - he's a real student of the game. I believe AJ would beat fury.'
Ryan spent over five years working as an Assistant Manager at the O2 retail store in Watford , where she grew up, to fund her dreams of becoming a professional boxer
Ryan is confident Anthony Joshua can beat Tyson Fury after watching him fight Ngannou
English (US)