Female boxing pioneer Maureen Shea seeks justice after being passed over for world title fight

NEW YORK — The recent announcement that Cherneka Johnson will defend her International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight title against Ellie Scotney has left the team of Maureen Shea perplexed and looking for answers.

Shea (30-2-1, 13 knockouts), rated no. 2 by the IBF, and Scotney, rated no. 1, had been ordered by the IBF on February 7 to face off in an interim title fight, which Scotney’s promoter Matchroom Boxing proposed for April 29 in Sheffield, England. Johnson suffered a major head gash during her most recent title defense against Susie Ramadan in October and was ruled unlikely to be ready to make a mandatory defense until at least June.

Shea and manager Luigi Olcese reached an agreement with Matchroom for the interim title fight. Shea’s team signed and returned the contracts to Matchroom on February 18, but the contracts were never executed by Matchroom and returned to the IBF before the deadline.

Now Shea is seeking justice after being pushed aside for a title opportunity that she has waited a long time for.

“This is bad for every female boxer out there. The IBF needs to step in. Matchroom did not negotiate in good faith or intend to make this fight. Matchroom’s economics should not dictate the opportunities to the sanctioning bodies,” said Shea, a native of The Bronx, N.Y. who now resides in Delray Beach, Fla.

As it stands, Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs) is expected to make her second defense of the belt against Scotney (6-0) on May 20 at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. Shea, who is also half Irish, believes she should be next in line at the winner after being unfairly skipped over.

“Maureen should get an immediate shot at whoever wins this fight. We should get that in writing because we negotiated in good faith. We could have moved in a different direction but we didn’t. We passed over an opportunity to stay busy for this,” said Olcese. “This is bigger than Maureen Shea because it happened to her in this instance, but it’s happening to other females as well.”

Shea, a pioneer of the sport, is a former WBC interim featherweight champion who has been unbeaten for the past 14 years.

She last fought in May of 2022, outpointing veteran Calista Salgado in Queens, N.Y.




FISTS FLY AT ST. JOHN’S CARNESECCA ARENA FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Queens, New York (May 9, 2022) – With the opening bell, and the first punch thrown, professional boxing officially made its emphatic debut at Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s University Saturday night at “Borough Boxing.”

The main event saw DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (now 20-4-1 7KO’s) go to war with PAULO GALDINO (now 12-5 8KO’s) in the welterweight main event. Gonzalez, stepped on the gas early, dropping Galdino in the first round after a flurry of punches had Galdino on unsteady legs. Gonzalez looked to close the show, but Galdino was able to survive the round. Thrilling action continued the entire bout as the southpaw Galdino began putting punches together. Gonzalez would pick his spots with exciting bursts to return the favor, and both warriors continued to trade at will to the delight of the fans in a back & forth memorable battle that saw impressive and brutal body work by both fighters. At the final bell the scorecard reflected the back-and-forth action in the ring. Galdino was given a razor thin 8 rd. split decision upsetting Gonzalez in his backyard.

Result: Galdino wins via split decision (76-75 Gonzalez, 77-74 Galdino, 76-75 Galdino)

In the co-feature, MAUREEN “THE REAL MILLION DOLLAR BABY” SHEA (now 30-2-1 13KO’s) proved she is a force to be reckoned with at super bantamweight as she put on a show with fellow warrior CALISTA “CALI” SILGADO (now 19-14-1 13KO’s). Silgado showed remarkable resolve, willingly trading punches and crisp body shots with the heavy-handed Shea. However, it would be Shea’s superior boxing ability that would prove the difference in the fight. Shea won the fight via an impressive unanimous decision and is poised to make a title run at 118-122 lbs.

Result: Shea wins via unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 77-75).

The undercard similarly thrilled fans. Bronx based, “The Nigerian Nightmare” AFUNWA KING (now 4-1 1KO) won the battle of the boroughs besting Brooklyn born and raised, KAMRON HUMPHREY (now 3-1 2KO’s). King took the fight to Humphrey, scoring a knockdown in the second round. King controlled the action for much of the fight, keeping Humphrey on his heels.

Result: King wins via unanimous decision.

Glendale, Queens’ MAT “THE FUTURE” CASTRO (now 3-0 2KO’s) excited his hometown fans, dropping the game ANGELO THOMPSON (now 0-3) in the second round of their 4-round super welterweight fight. Thompson would gut it out, get back to his feet and kept Castro on his toes, but it would not be enough as Castro’s firepower and boxing skills made the difference.

Result: Castro wins via unanimous decision. (39-36, 39-36, 38-37)

In the opening bout of the night, NYPD Officer, EMMANUEL ETIENNE (now 2-0 1KO) defeated Elizabeth, New Jersey’s TUNDE FATIREGUN (now 0-2). The first two rounds had great action as both fighters mixed it up to the body the head. In the third, a tired Fatiregun would be deducted a point on two separate occasions for pressing down on the head of, and holding Etienne. Finally, the referee called the fight off for the same reason.

Result: Etienne wins by DQ in the fourth round.

“What an excellent night of boxing for the first ever show in Carnesecca Arena history,” said CEO of Star Boxing, JOE DEGUARDIA. “The fights emulated the grit and determination of the history and quality of Borough Boxing. Maureen Shea bit down against a tough opponent and got the job done. Paulo Galdino and Danny Gonzalez put on a thrilling fight for the fans, as did all combatants. Thank you to everyone involved in the show and the fans who came out to support their fighters and the show. We look forward to returning to St. John’s University and will announce our future events schedule soon.”




BRONX NATIVE MAUREEN “THE REAL MILLION DOLLAR BABY” SHEA TO FIGHT FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER AT “BOROUGH BOXING” SATURDAY, MAY 7TH AT CARNESECCA ARENA

Queens, New York (April 28, 2022) – On Saturday, May 7th at St John’s Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York, Hilary Swank sparring partner and familiar Bronx born face will make her ring walk in the borough’s of New York for the first time in over a decade. Well known, former two-time World Champion, MAUREEN “THE REAL MILLION DOLLAR BABY” SHEA (Bronx, New York, 29-2-1 13KO’s) returns to the ring against former world championship challenger, CALISTA “CALI” SILGADO (19-13-3 14KO’s).

Maureen was born in the Bronx in 1981 and raised by her Irish father, who was an NYPD Detective, and her Mexican mother, who was in the airline industry. Her ring moniker, “The Real Million Dollar Baby” originates from her work as the main sparring partner for Hilary Swank leading up to the 2004 release of the award-winning film, “Million Dollar Baby.”

Maureen found great success when she became a professional boxer. Over her career she secured the IFBA Jr. Featherweight World, World, NABF Featherweight, NABA Featherweight and Interim WBC Featherweight Champion. In 2009 Maureen also challenged for the WBA Super Featherweight world title against Kina Malpartida at Madison Square Garden, falling short in the 10 round bout. Over the last 12 years, Maureen Shea has not lost a bout. Shea-Silgado will be an 8-round super bantamweight fight.

“My boxing roots are in NYC,” said Shea. “It has always been a goal of mine to come back to New York and fight. I have been away for 12 years, sharpening, growing and learning as a boxer and a woman. I am excited to come back to my hometown and show where my sacrifices and hard work has gotten me!”

Facing Maureen Shea is Calista Silgado who is coming off two separate world title challenges which include a decision loss to South Korea’s undefeated Hyun Mi Choi for the WBA World Female Super Featherweight Title and a decision loss to undefeated Melissa Oddessa Parker for the IBF World Female Bantamweight Title. Over her 35-fight career, the 34-year-old Silgado has challenged for a world title 8 times. With 14 of her 19 victories coming by way of KO, Silgado poses a threat for Shea with every punch.

Tickets for “Borough Boxing” are on sale NOW and can be purchased by clicking HERE. The entire sensational fight card will be announced soon. Doors will open at 7:00 PM ET.

“Borough Boxing” is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing on May 7, 2022 at Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s University in Queens, NY.

Bouts subject to change

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FIGHT NIGHT TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS START AT JUST $50
FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, MAY 7 AT CARNESECCA ARENA IN QUEENS, NY

STAR BOXING ARCHIVES:

OLEH DOVHUN defended his NABA title for the first time against Belgium Bruiser GERAM ELOYAN in the main event at Rockin’ Fights 41!

TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeated!




AUDIO: MAUREEN SHEA






Maureen Shea Battles Martina Horgasz in Main Event on Friday, January 17th at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (January 3, 2020) –Former two-time world champion, Maureen Shea will take on Martina Horgasz in the main event on Friday, January 17th at Gulfstream Park and Casino in Hallandale, Florida.

The show is promoted by BAD Promotions and ChampionsHeart Promotions.

Shea of of Bronx, New York has a record of 28-2-1 with 12 knockouts. Shea is a 13 year-veteran and is a two-time world champion.

On December 10, 2011, Shea won the WBC Interim Featherweight title with a majority decision over Diana Ayala. Shea became a two-time world champion when she won the IBA Super Bantamweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Angel Gladney on July 11, 2014.

Shea has victories over Silvia Jimenez (5-1) and Dayanna Gonzalez (4-1). Shea has won her last four and in her most recent out, Shea won a unanimous decision over Edina Kiss on October 14th in Niagara Falls, New York.

Horgasz of Budapest, Hungary has a record of 5-5 with four knockouts. The 20 year-old is a three-year professional, has faced four undefeated fighters Horgasz is coming off a six-round unanimous decision loss to undefeated Natalie Gonzalez.

In the co-feature, former welterweight contender David Estrada will take on Javier Frazier in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Estrada of Chicago has a record of 29-6-1 with 19 knockouts. Estrada, 41, will be entering is 21st year as a professional, and has faced some of the biggest names in the sport.

Estrada has wins over Matias Anibal Rios (7-0), Eric Pinero (1-0), Reggie Davis (1-0), Luke Leal (7-1), Joel Salas (10-2-1), Armando Valardez (14-1), Nurhan Suleymanoglu (14-0), Chris Smith (19-0-1), Luther Smith (22-4-2) and Orlando Lora (26-0-1). Estrada has won seven straight fight which includes his fight where he stopped Manuel Santos on two rounds on November 19, 2016 in Jalisco, Mexico.

Frazier of Aiken, South Carolina has a record of 8-12-1 with four knockouts. Frazier has a win over Kobe Wall (1-0). Frazier, who has faced nine undefeated opponents is coming off a loss to undefeated Derrick Coleman on November 2 in Louisville, Kentucky.

In Six-Round Bouts:

Blake Davis (4-0, 2 KOs) of Cooper City, FL will take on Luis Iniguez (2-3-1) of Vancouver, WA in light heavyweight fight.

Former University of Miami Basketball player, Rapahel Akpejiori (5-0, 5 KOs) of Miami fights Mike Delshaun Ford (6-1, 5 KOs) of Sarasota, Florida in a heavyweight bout.

In Four Round Bouts:

Phillip Jean Seide (0-2) of Orlando, Florida squares off with Allen Terry (1-1, 1 KO) of Miami in a super middleweight contest.

Gaspard Pierre will make his pro debut against Brian Stevens (1-8, 1 KO) of Marathon, Florida in a cruiserweight bout.

Anthony Martinez (6-1, 5 KOs) of Miami battles veteran Samuel Miller (34-21, 30 KOs) of La Habra, CA in a heavyweight fight.

Daniel Araujo Figueiredo (1-0, 1 KO) fights Shauncey Perry (0-1) of Joneboro, AR in a lightweight bout.

Professional Boxing kicks off 2020 in South Florida on Friday, January 17 at 6 pm, as BAD Promotions in association with ChampionsHeart Promotions proudly present its inaugural event “Only The Strong Survive,” a night of world-class boxing at Gulfstream Park & Casino in the Sports of King Theater, a unique and intimate venue for a night of world-class boxing with proceeds going to the local Breast Cancer Organization.

Tickets for “Only The Strong Survive” are on sale now and cost $50, $75, $100, Sofa Loungers $1500 seat up to 3-4 people, 10 VIP Tables, including 4 Premier Elevated Ringside VIP tables starting at $2200 and seat 8. Tickets are available through BADpromotions.com,

Gulfstream Park & Casino is located at 901 Federal Hwy in Hallandale Beach Florida, the FIRST BELL will RING at 7 PM in the beautiful Sports of King Theater on the second floor. Doors Open at 6 PM.


About BAD Promotions… BAD Promotions is built off loyalty and strives to be the most honest and reasonable promotional company in the business. BAD Promotions insist, without a doubt on being the GOOD GUYS in BOXING. Originated by 25-year-old Blake Davis BAD Promotions is positioning itself for greatness.


About Gulf Stream Park & Casino Since 1939, Gulfstream Park has been one of the most important venues for horse racing in the country. Some of the world’s top thoroughbred contenders pass through Gulfstream Park with their eye on Triple Crown glory. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95 and is open seven days a week. Ideally located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami International Airports and just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, this vast entertainment destination offers up countless things to do. In addition to thoroughbred racing, Gulfstream Park offers over 800 Vegas-style slot machines and South Florida’s finest poker room with over 20 live-action tables. Anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack, The Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier home design, dining, shopping, and entertainment destination. The open-air mall includes a plethora of signature home stores, an international array of restaurants, world-class art galleries, a bowling alley, outdoor cafes and nightclubs, fashion boutiques, and health and beauty services. Valet service and complimentary self-parking is available. Gulfstream Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator.




VIDEO: Maureen Shea on her fight in Miami Derick Santos, Phil Daru and More!



Professional Boxing kicks off 2020 in South Florida on Friday, January 17 at 6 pm, as BAD Promotions in association with ChampionsHeart Promotions proudly present its inaugural event “Only The Strong Survive,” a night of world-class boxing at Hallandale Park & Casino in the Sports of King Theater, a unique and intimate venue for a night of world-class boxing with proceeds going to the local Breast Cancer Organization.

Tickets for “Only The Strong Survive” are on sale now and cost $50, $75, $100, Sofa Loungers $1500 seat up to 3-4 people, 10 VIP Tables, including 4 Premier Elevated Ringside VIP tables starting at $2200 and seat 8. Tickets are available through Badpromotions.com

“Only The Strong Survive” will feature former two-time world Champion Maureen Shea 28-2-1, 12 KOs who makes her South Florida Debut and continues to make noise in the bantamweight division as she makes strides towards regaining her World Titles.

Former BKB Middleweight Champion, & elite contender David “King” Estrada 29-6(, 19 KOs makes his return to the ring and South Florida in a 6 round attraction. .

The main attraction will feature red hot undefeated Light Heavyweight and local hero from Davie Florida Blake Davis 4-0, 2 KOs as he makes his much-anticipated return to the ring and his debut under BAD PROMOTIONS.

Former UM basketball player & Undefeated Heavyweight 6’10” Raphael Akpejiori 5-0, 5 KOs looks to continue his KO streak, along with Cuban Amateur standout Heavyweight Anthony “White Chocolate” Martinez 6-1, 5 KOs

Also on the card, 18-year-old Daniel “The Brazilian Kid” Figueiredo 1-0 makes his debut under BAD PROMOTIONS. Former Amateur standout Gaspard “Sweet Feet” Pierre, and Maxi Mussio will be making their Pro Debuts. Also in action, Princeton NJ native, Phillip Jean Seide.

Gulfstream Park & Casino is located at 901 Federal Hwy in Hallandale Beach Florida, the FIRST BELL will RING at 7 PM in the beautiful Sports of King Theater on the second floor. Doors Open at 6 PM.


About BAD Promotions… BAD Promotions is built off loyalty and strives to be the most honest and reasonable promotional company in the business. BAD Promotions insist, without a doubt on being the GOOD GUYS in BOXING. Originated by 25-year-old Blake Davis BAD Promotions is positioning itself for greatness.


About Gulf Stream Park & Casino Since 1939, Gulfstream Park has been one of the most important venues for horse racing in the country. Some of the world’s top thoroughbred contenders pass through Gulfstream Park with their eye on Triple Crown glory. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95 and is open seven days a week. Ideally located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami International Airports and just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, this vast entertainment destination offers up countless things to do. In addition to thoroughbred racing, Gulfstream Park offers over 800 Vegas-style slot machines and South Florida’s finest poker room with over 20 live-action tables. Anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack, The Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier home design, dining, shopping, and entertainment destination. The open-air mall includes a plethora of signature home stores, an international array of restaurants, world-class art galleries, a bowling alley, outdoor cafes and nightclubs, fashion boutiques, and health and beauty services. Valet service and complimentary self-parking is available. Gulfstream Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator.




BAD Promotions Kickstarts in Hallandale Featuring Former World Champion Maureen “MO” Shea, David “King” Estrada, and more on January 17, 2020!

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (December 23, 2019) Professional Boxing kicks off 2020 in South Florida on Friday, January 17 at 6 pm, as BAD Promotions in association with ChampionsHeart Promotions proudly present its inaugural event “Only The Strong Survive,” a night of world-class boxing at Hallandale Park & Casino in the Sports of King Theater, a unique and intimate venue for a night of world-class boxing with proceeds going to the local Breast Cancer Organization.

Tickets for “Only The Strong Survive” are on sale now and cost $50, $75, $100, Sofa Loungers $1500 seat up to 3-4 people, 10 VIP Tables, including 4 Premier Elevated Ringside VIP tables starting at $2200 and seat 8. Tickets are available through EventBright.com, link below.

“Only The Strong Survive” will feature former two-time world Champion Maureen Shea 28-2-1, 12 KOs who makes her South Florida Debut and continues to make noise in the bantamweight division as she makes strides towards regaining her World Titles.

Former BKB Middleweight Champion, & elite contender David “King” Estrada 29-6(, 19 KOs makes his return to the ring and South Florida in a 6 round attraction. Estrada, who is always entertaining has battled against the likes of the best of boxing in Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron, Andre Berto, Luis Abregu and Jesus Soto Karass.

The main attraction will feature red hot undefeated Light Heavyweight and local hero from Davie Florida Blake Davis 4-0, 2 KOs as he makes his much-anticipated return to the ring and his debut under BAD PROMOTIONS. Davis the former amateur standout and Ringside World Champion, is looking to make a big statement for his beloved South Florida fanbase.

Former UM basketball player & Undefeated Heavyweight 6’10” Raphael Akpejiori 5-0, 5 KOs looks to continue his KO streak, along with Cuban Amateur standout Heavyweight Anthony “White Chocolate” Martinez 6-1, 5 KOs

Also on the card, 18-year-old Daniel “The Brazilian Kid” Figueiredo 1-0 makes his debut under BAD PROMOTIONS. Former Amateur standout Gaspard “Sweet Feet” Pierre, and Maxi Mussio will be making their Pro Debuts. Also in action, Princeton NJ native, Phillip Jean Seide.

Hallandale Park & Casino is located at 901 Federal Hwy in Hallandale Beach Florida, the FIRST BELL will RING at 7 PM in the beautiful Sports of King Theater on the second floor. Doors Open at 6 PM.

Tickets available at EventBright.com or by calling 954-903-1844

https://yea.to/P0Vm5


About BAD Promotions… BAD Promotions is built off loyalty and strives to be the most honest and reasonable promotional company in the business. BAD Promotions insist, without a doubt on being the GOOD GUYS in BOXING. Originated by 25-year-old Blake Davis BAD Promotions is positioning itself for greatness.


About Gulf Stream Park & Casino Since 1939, Gulfstream Park has been one of the most important venues for horse racing in the country. Some of the world’s top thoroughbred contenders pass through Gulfstream Park with their eye on Triple Crown glory. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95 and is open seven days a week. Ideally located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami International Airports and just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, this vast entertainment destination offers up countless things to do. In addition to thoroughbred racing, Gulfstream Park offers over 800 Vegas-style slot machines and South Florida’s finest poker room with over 20 live-action tables. Anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack, The Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier home design, dining, shopping, and entertainment destination. The open-air mall includes a plethora of signature home stores, an international array of restaurants, world-class art galleries, a bowling alley, outdoor cafes and nightclubs, fashion boutiques, and health and beauty services. Valet service and complimentary self-parking is available. Gulfstream Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator.