Next bout July 23
By LORENZO RECUPERO
It’s been over a year since Everett boxer Shayna Foppiano last got into the ring to defend her undefeated professional record.
Finally, after months of searching for an opponent and waiting out Coronavirus restrictions, the time has come for Foppiano (3-0-1) to flex her muscle and try to extend her winning record.
“Oh, man, I am so excited for the fans! It’s definitely music to my ears!,” said a very ready-to-go Foppiano, who will be fighting in front of a live crowd, something she wasn’t sure would be a possibility when fig planning began earlier this year.
The upcoming bout, against pro boxer Vanessa Grimes of Texas, who has a background in Mixed Martial Arts, will take place Friday, July 23rd at the Castleton Banquet Hall in Windham, New Hampshire. Doors are scheduled open at 6pm, fights start at 7pm.
The Castleton Banquet Hall, the site of her last two fights, has been good to Foppiano as she pulled off two 4-round unanimous decision victories over Raquel Santos in November of 2019 and Crystal Byers in January 2020.
In the months leading up to her next fight, Foppiano has been busy training, even underwater, with her trusty trainer, Joe Lake, and continuing to gain popularity, including signing a deal with Gronk Fitness earlier this year.
“I haven’t stopped training since my last fight. Even during quarantine I was training for hours a day and working on things. I knew the time would come where fights would happen again and it was important to me that I stayed ready and prepared. Despite not fighting for a while, I’ve been sparring 10-12 rounds per week so it doesn’t really feel like it’s been that long for me,” said Foppiano. “Training under water was a cool experience! I realized that I’m not a very good swimmer, but luckily I’m in great physical condition and was able to hold my breath for a while,” she said light-heartedly.
And the demand to see her perform in the ring has increased as she ups her win streak. Tickets for the July fight went on sale at $40 a pop and sold out in just a few short weeks.
The scheduled fight with Grimes will happen at the lightweight division (135 pounds). If you were unable to score a ticket, the show will be live-streamed via Boston Boxing Promotions YouTube channel.