Shannan Davey’s boxing career will reach an exciting new height in March when the Narrabri boy steps into the ring at Brisbane’s Southbank Piazza for his first professional bout.
The 25-year-old has left the amateur scene behind following his Olympics debut in Paris last year, and his quest to become a pro world champion has now begun.
Davey will line up opposite Suitama Manuele, who has a pro record of two wins and six losses.
The event on Saturday, March 1 will be hosted by No Limit Boxing and Ace Boxing Promotions and will be live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
It will feature more than 10 bouts, with the main event being the highly-anticipated rematch between Liam Wilson and Youssef Dib.
All eyes will be on Davey’s first fight since his Olympics appearance, and he told The Courier that he is relishing the opportunity to get back in the ring and show Australia what he is made of.
“It’s exciting. It’s another childhood dream coming true,” Davey said.
“Ever since I started this boxing journey I wanted to be a professional boxer.
“Reaching the Olympics was really a dream come true and it’s the pinnacle of the amateur sport, but I’ve always wanted to turn pro after the Olympics.
“I knew that I was going to, but I took some time to reflect on my next steps, and I got offered to have this fight so I made the decision.
“I’m pumped and super excited to show the professional scene my skills and ability, and I’m excited to embark into the pro ranks.”
Davey is determined to become a professional champion, and while he will work towards that every time he trains and steps in a ring, he is taking the journey one step at a time and focusing on who is in front of him.
His debut opponent, Manuele, is a strong Samoan/Australian boxer who will be a tough first test.
Despite Manuele’s two and six record, Davey is well aware that he will need to put his best foot forward to get the job done.
“Those Polynesian boys are all super tough,” Davey said.
“He will come forward and bring the fight. He’s going to want to beat me.
“I’ll have to be on my game and I’ll never underestimate anyone in this game.
“Everyone can punch in the pros.
“I’m looking at the step up just as business as usual though. The only big differences will be the smaller gloves with less padding, and you look at the amateurs like a sprint but the pros is a marathon.
“I think my style is suited to that though and I will naturally adapt.”
Davey is fresh and ready to rumble heading into the March 1 bout after some time off following the Olympics.
He continued to train hard to stay ready to ramp it up, which is what he is now doing as the dream debut approaches.
“I needed some downtime to let my body and my mind heal after the Olympics,” he said.
“It was a massive two years so I had some time to myself and fixed up some niggles.
“I’m back into it now and I’m feeling strong and ready to get the ball rolling again.”
The Narrabri boy has fans all around the country following his Olympics debut in 2024, but his hometown fans are always close to his heart.
“I want to do my hometown Narrabri proud,” Davey said.
“I want to show the young country kids that anything is possible when you have a dream and you work hard and you believe in yourself.
“I’m not just doing this for myself. I am doing it for the next generation, my family and my last name, Davey.
“I want to put Narrabri on the map.
“Get behind me and tune in on March the first. I’d love to see some familiar faces at the venue if possible, but if they can’t get there and support, tune in on Fox or Kayo and get behind me.
“It will be a big night for Australian boxing, not just myself. There’s so much talent on the card.”
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