Robert Shannon
Encyclopedia
Robert Shannon is an American former professional boxer.
, 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.
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.
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.
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 DistrictCentral District
There is more than one place called Central District, Center District or Centre District:*Central District *Center District, Israel*Tsentralny District, Russia*Central District, Seattle*Central, Hong Kong...
, 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 MoonSung-Kil Moon
Moon Sung-Kil is a former two-division world champion boxer from South Korea. His name is also rendered Sung Kil Moon.- Amateur career :...
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 TaylorMeldrick TaylorMeldrick Taylor is a former Olympic gold medalist and world boxing champion in two weight classes.-Amateur career:...
in final (5-0) - 1984 National Golden Gloves bantamweight champion
- 1984 Olympic Trails - defeated Jesse BenavidesJesse BenavidesJesse Benavides is an American former professional boxer.- Amateur career :Benavides was the 1981 National AAU light flyweight champion and 1982 National Golden Gloves flyweight champion....
on points 5-0, to qualify
1984 Olympic Results
- 1st Round - Sammy Mwangi, Kenya (W PTS)
- 2nd Round - Sung-Kil MoonSung-Kil MoonMoon Sung-Kil is a former two-division world champion boxer from South Korea. His name is also rendered Sung Kil Moon.- Amateur career :...
, 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 RichardsonGreg Richardson
- Amateur career :Richardson had an outstanding amateur career, and was the 1974 National AAU and National Golden Gloves flyweight champion.- Pro career :...
in 1986. The following year Shannon lost to future champ Jose Sanabria
Jose Sanabria
Jose Sanabria is a former boxer from Venezuela. He was the IBF super bantamweight champion.After losing his champion belt to Fabrice Benichou in 1988, Sanabria was largely reduced to a journeyman boxer....
and his career began to slide. He retired from the sport in 1990.