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Robert Shannon (boxer)

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Robert Shannon (born November 11, 1962 in Seattle, Washington) is an American former professional boxer.

Background

Shannon had a white mother and black father, and started fighting in the streets as a young boy in Seattle's predominately black Central District, where he found kids who would start fights with him, because he was white. He later moved to Lynnwood, WA, where he continued to get into fights, this time with white kids, who fought him, because he was black.

Amateur Career

After beating up one kid, he was invited to his gym, where he began boxing at the age of 12. He would capture a national junior championship at 15, and a world junior championship at the age of 16. Shannon qualified for the 1980 Olympic games as a 17-year old at 106 pounds, but did not compete, due to the United States boycott. He also qualified for the Olympics in 1984 at 119 pounds, but was eliminated in the 2nd round, when he was knocked out in round three by Sung-Kil Moon of South Korea. Shannon had scored a standing-eight count on his opponent, and lead on four of the five scorecards at the time of the stoppage. Shannon's amateur record was 124-27.

Amateur Highlights

  • 1980 National AAU Champion - 106 pounds
  • 1980 Olympic Trials - defeated Tommy Ayers to qualify
  • 1982 United States Amateur championships 119 pounds - lost to Meldrick Taylor in final (5-0)
  • 1984 National Golden Gloves bantamweight champion
  • 1984 Olympic Trails - defeated Jesse Benavides on points 5-0, to qualify

1984 Olympic Results

Pro Career

Shannon turned pro in 1984 and was undefeated in his first 15 fights before losing a split decision to future champion Greg Richardson in 1986. The following year Shannon lost to future champ Jose Sanabria and his career began to slide. He retired from the sport in 1990.

Life After Boxing

Shannon's job outside of boxing, at least early in his career, was as a barber. He currently is trainer in Seattle and runs a gym in the Ballard neighborhood.

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