Maureen “The Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea, from fighter to promoter

By George Jimenez

Maureen Shea is a female professional boxer of Mexican and Irish heritage. Her professional record consists of 15 wins, 9 kos and only 2 defeats and currently holds the NABF female lightweight championship belt. Maureen was born in The Bronx NY, but much of her youth was spent in Guadalajara Mexico. In her pro debut, Maureen wore the Mexican flag in her uniform. She feels very proud of her Latin roots and her dream is to fight in Mexico one day.
Maureen started training with Luigi Olcese, but it was Hector Roca who introduced her into professional boxing and has been in her corner since her debut. In 2004, actress Hilary Swank asked Hector Roca to help a prepare for her Oscar winning role as a female boxer in the movie "Million Dollar Baby". Roca and Shea helped her prepare for this role and Maureen served as her sparring partner. Although Maureen got some media attention working with Hilary Swank, it is the passion of what she brings to the ring that attracts her fans.

Shea has fought in shows promoted by Top Rank, Star Boxing and Irish Ropes and has fought 3 times at Madison Square Garden. But now she wants to try her hand at promoting and for this reason she formed Pandora Promotions. Her debut as a promoter takes place on January 13th, 2011 at the Masonic Temple in Brooklyn, NY. The main even features Alicia "Slick" Ashley (15-9-1,1 KO) from Brooklyn, NY. and even though many promoters would not risk putting a female boxer in the main event, Maureen understands how important it is to give her an opportunity.

"Very few promoters would take a risk and put a female fighter in the main event of their show, but I believe that a fighter's gender is immaterial. There is no masculine or feminine connotation to the word 'boxer.' An athlete is an athlete.

Maureen Shea wants to open the doors to other fighters looking for a chance. She explains, "I'm very grateful for all of the opportunities that I have been given by other promoters. Now I want to pay it forward and help other fighters reach their goals as well".