MightyGloves.com

Fabulous With a Definite Chance at Perfection

posted by Kathleen Holland on April 25, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Maureen "Moe" Shea for Mightygloves. This would be my first interview with a female boxer and I was psyched. Maureen made the entire process seem easy as pie as well as very memorable.

Maureen's record is 12-0 with 6 KO's. She was named boxer of the year 2007 by World Sports and is currently ranked #1 super feather weight in the World by the WBA and #5 by the WBC. However, she is much more than the bouts and figures that complete her record. Maureen is genuine, funny and very passionate about her chosen sport.

The interview with Moe didn't feel like an assignment at all. At times it was funny with a lot of laughs, other times it was serious and to the point but it was always insightful. Maureen is a very strong, independent, smart and introspective woman. Her answers were honest and direct (just the way I like them.) Her positive energy radiated threw the many twists and turns that our discussion took. She never lost a beat once. Maureen never shied away from any question put towards her. (My questions can be labeled eclectic at the very least.) One occurrence that was totally awesome in this interview was the fact Moe sometimes gave me a new question to consider with her poignant answers.

There was so much important, inspirational and thought-provoking information generated by this interview that I simply can not and do not want to condense it at all. For this reason this discussion will be in 2 parts so keep tuned to find out more about a very special woman, person, and fighter. Moe has made a lasting impression on this writer. She has become an inspiration to me as a woman, boxing fan, and writer with her strong, independent, and classy attitude. Maureen Shea is a credit to the sport boxing as well as to all society. Let's talk to Maureen Shea:

BD Maureen thanks for taking the time for this interview.
I know you have probably answered this question a 100 times so let's make it 101: Why boxing?

MS Oh man. Boxing choose me. God put it in my life. I was at a crossroad and needed a direction and that is when I saw a boxing ring in the back of a gym and I knew I had my answer. Boxing gave me an identity when I didn't have one.

BD What makes you "special"?
MS 3 years ago I would have said personal things now it's spirtuality. Living the life I do lets me be me. I am concerned with becoming a better person.

BD What is your most memorable accomplishment?
MS Coming back after the amateurs and becoming a pro, The press wrote me off but I knew I had more to give the sport of boxing.

BD Where did the nickname "Moe" come from?
MS I have many different nicknames but Moe can from my uncle it's short for Maureen.

BD What's on your plate now in regard to boxing?
MS I'm back to training. I took some time off. I needed a break. My hope is for a fight this summer.

BD How do you deal with being a woman in a male dominated, male focused sport?
MS Easy. I don't care. I don't deal with it. I don't care if they are men. Boxing is a profession to me. I am not intimated by men at all. I never separate myself from boxing.

BD What will it take for woman's boxing to take a higher profile?
MS More media. Woman's boxing will get more credit when they get more opportunities to showcase their talents. TV time as well. I also wonder why promoters these days do not promote female fighters?

BD How can we keep boxing strong?
MS Boxing is a sport that goes up and down. Boxing is so outside the box compared to other organized team sports. Boxing has to take it's course. Boxing will be fine.

BD How if any of your training differs from the male fighters around her?
MS I train harder. The people around me treat me as an equal. That is why I respect my trainer Hector Roca so much he never treated me less and he was harder on me and I'm glad.

BD What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about female boxing or female boxers?
MS That we are ugly, not feminate or are all of one sexual preference. Those theories are totally false. We have heart that's what really matters.

BD Are you a "girly girl"?
MS I have so many different looks. At home I like to be comfy. I also enjoy dressing up for press conferences it makes me feel good. I have my own style. I don't follow the trends. I do like to look put together and classy when in the public eye.
My manicures are my sanity.

BD If you were to interview yourself, what tough question would you ask?
MS What are you afraid of? To answer the question I would say my fears are personal ones. Having to face reality of a situation sometimes can be scary.

BD Does your tough ring reputation mimic your daily life?
MS yes, that's why I'm single. ( laughs) I'm very set in my ways. I'm very disciplined and too hard on myself.

BD What are your hobbies?
MS bike riding, hiking, water skiing, writing, reading and I love to be outdoors.

BD Do you consider yourself a role model?
MS Absolutely. It's an honor to be viewed as such.

BD What do you love about boxing?
MS The fight and training. It's a circle and it helps with the struggle to find myself.

BD What do you dislike about boxing?
MS Women need to be treated more equally as far as prize money and opportunities goes. That is the attitude which needs to be changed.

BD What is your favorite color?
MS Green

BD What is your favorite snack food?
MS I love, love, love apples with organic almond butter.

BD If you could have a super hero power it would be?
MS The ability to fly. I love to travel. To see the world from the sky.

BD What are 3 words that describe your personality?
MS loyal, honest, and respectful.

BD In your past life you were...
MS A warrior.

There is much more to come in part 2 of my discussion with this talented and inspirational woman. Stayed tuned.

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