Introduction
Ireland has its very own beautiful and talented rising star, who happens to be an excellent professional boxer by the name of Shauna O’Keeffe (5-0, 3 KOs). She is ranked # 1 in the women’s lightweight division for her country, and #17 in the world. It has been incredible to watch her passion come out when she fights. She seems like a well composed and focused athlete. Following Shauna’s impeccable progress and writing about it along the way, has really encouraged me in wanting to write and learn more about boxing. She is an inspiration to an abundance of other women in the sports industry and beyond. Shauna O’Keeffe is a remarkable woman and a bad-ass fighter. Let’s take a deeper look into her life.
Q and A
FightMatrix: I understand that you have been boxing since childhood. How did the journey of you becoming a boxer begin?
Shauna O’Keeffe: My two older brothers boxed years ago. I loved watching them box, but never had the confidence to do it. The year that I first started, I took the leap and never looked back.
FM: Who is your favorite boxer of all time and why is that so?
SO: Katie Taylor is the name that I will never stop using. I have looked up to her since I was 14 years old. If I can make an impact on the sport and the future generation like Katie, then I will be doing well.
FM: Due to you having frequent bouts, I assume you are diligent with training. What does a typical day of training look like for you?
SO: So, I am a different kind of fighter. I eat, sleep, and breathe the sport. I train twice daily, taking Sunday off. After a fight I will take one week off from punching and get straight back to running and doing my strength and conditioning. I am ready all year round!
FM: What motivates you to remain focused in training and in the ring?
SO: My motivation is my end goal. I won’t be happy until I accomplish everything that I set out to do. Being that one percent better every day. Always being ten steps ahead of everyone. While everyone is sleeping, I am always working. Loads of time to take off when I retire. Now I won’t stop until I set out to do everything I set out to do in this sport. The other most important thing is that I love it more than anything I have done in my life. I have been put on this earth to do this one hundred percent. I was blessed by God with this gift.
FM: You took several years off from boxing. How long of a break did you have and why? Did this impact your boxing career?
SO: Unfortunately, I have sustained quite a number of injuries throughout my career. I have been told by three different surgeons that I would never box again. That’s the only reason I was out of the ring.
FM: Who was your most challenging opponent? Will you please elaborate on this?
SO: I would still say my pro debut. A very, very tough opponent for the first fight and I was only a baby in the game.
FM: Who is your biggest inspiration in life?
SO: Honestly, my mom; she is the strongest woman that I have met. I definitely get my strength from her. She is my life-long hero.
FM: What are your short and long-term career goals?
SO: European title, world titles, unify at two weight divisions; have kids and settle down. Either open a gym or a center to help kids like me growing up. I want to give them a better chance at life than I got. Not every kid that has a bad upbringing has to go through hardship to get where they want to go, with the right help and support around them.
FM: Is there anything else you would like your fans to know about you?
SO: The biggest thing is to follow my journey all the way! Fans are what it is all about. None of it matters without you. I promise to dedicate my life to my sport and to give back in every which way I can! Also, if you have feedback, that would be amazing. What would you like to see more of? What excites you about fight week and the fights, et cetera. It’s all about getting as many fans involved so whatever we can do to bring that in, I am willing to do.
Thank you so much for all of the support so far. I am an extremely grateful and blessed fighter.
Conclusion
Ancient boxing originated in Mesopotamia, which is currently known as Iraq. As an amateur competitive sport, boxing had appeared in the very first Olympic games, in ancient Greece in 688 BC. This is where the initial evidence of boxing rules came about. Whereas, modern day boxing was established in London, England, in the 1720’s. During that era women’s boxing exhibitions also began in London. The pivotal moment in boxing history was when women had the ability to professionally compete in the 1950’s.
This very popular ancient and modern day sport has been well established and continues to flourish, and is watched by millions of people worldwide. It is by far the most watched combat sport! Shauna O’Keeffe is a great prospect in the boxing industry.
From my communication with Shauna, she seems to be driven, kind-hearted and is a polite individual. She has passion, dedication, and everything that she needs to continue her success. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Shauna O’Keeffe. She is a true mentor for the younger generations.
MMA & Boxing Columnist | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for over 20 years. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts.
For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.