Robert Shannon
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 a 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. Moon had a standing eight count in the second round. Later, Shannon also had a standing-eight count on Moon. 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 Trials - defeated Jesse Benavides on points 5-0, to qualify
1984 Olympic Results
- 1st Round - Sammy Mwangi, Kenya (W PTS)
- 2nd Round - Sung-Kil Moon, South Korea (L TKO 3, 1:46)
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 a trainer in Seattle and runs a gym in the Roosevelt neighborhood.
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