It would be an understatement to say that Shannon Ryan has come a long way in her journey. Just a few years ago, the 25-year-old super flyweight prospect was selling cellphones for the British telecommunications company, O2. Today, she’s being managed by Anthony Joshua’s imprint, 258 Management, as she prepares for her fight against Buchra El Quaissi at the O2 Arena on the biggest women’s boxing card in British history.
“When I look back on it it’s emotional because I remember the days when I was working and wanting to be where I am now and now I am,” Ryan said, per The Sun.
Her upcoming fight against Buchra El Quaissi has had its own challenges. Originally, it was scheduled to take place on September 17, but it was postponed after Queen Elizabeth II died. Despite the postponement, Ryan appears to be unmoved and prepared to take care of business on October 15.
“It’s gone really quick to be honest,” Ryan told TalkSport about the additional weeks of training.
“I feel sharp, I feel ready and my mind’s in a good place.”
Ryan’s not only looking to win her fight, but she’s also looking forward to being a part of his story. For the first time, the O2 Arena will feature a boxing event headlined by back-to-back women’s title unification bouts. Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner will square off and then Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall will share the ring.
“It’s never been done before in the UK, so it just shows where women’s boxing was before to where it is now,” she said.
“I think it’s a huge statement for women’s boxing and boxing in general.”
