21.01.07 – by David Pambianchi: The face of Boxing changes over 3,000 years, not its motivation. A new breed of warriors grace the arena, women testing their courage through personal challenge and combat, the odyssey of stepping into a ring and giving their all in a controlled battle ironically referred to as “The Sweet Science.” Maureen Shea emerges as one of these warriors, a rugged, determined young woman ready to face and fight an opponent on equal terms. Intelligent, thoughtful, discerning, she values education, boxes professionally, and hails from the Bronx. Together with life experiences, she continues to develop not only a good right cross, but depth in character and understanding on many levels..
Maureen identifies and connects with people, “I feel the fans in the ring with me.” She overcomes doubts and weaknesses and not only sets a goal for achieving a World Championship, but beyond by hoping to inspire and leave “a lasting impression,” something good and worthwhile to contemplate and remember. She longs to travel and will “never forget where I came from or who I am.” Art, song, literature, any thing or place of beauty, she knows how to appreciate. As she quietly sits and reads, one can imagine those green eyes looking up from a book outside a cafe in “Greece, Mexico” or “Ireland.” Friends, family, health, thoughtfulness, she knows what matters and whenever possible, volunteers to speak at charities and benefits.
“I fight with a lot of passion. I’m a passionate person by nature,” says Maureen, “Each of us has a fight in us.” Spectators respect courage, and they recognize it when they see it. They strive to triumph over their own fears, and try to relate to the boxers who bravely compete before them. Disappointed by bias and corruption in society, we admire those who struggle, a soldier from Texas who fights for freedom, a citizen from Washington that marches to uphold fundamental rights, a father from New York who battles against the odds to remain part of his children’s lives, anyone who puts truth and justice before prejudice and politics. Boxing can remind us that there is a fighter, and a worthy cause in each of us.
Maureen Shea is on a quest in and out of the arena, revealing a lesson that beckons us to rejoice in human endeavor, survive, succeed, push on, give all, and enjoy the skills and determination of those who do so. Already a champion in heart outside the ring, risking bruises, cuts, blood and stitches, with dignity, this Green-eyed Angel may one day be honored for her hard work and efforts with a Championship title.