By Lorenzo Recupero
Leader Herald Sports Editor
The legend of Everett boxer Shayna Foppiano continues to grow.
Her latest feat — to remain undefeated and improve to 6-0-1 professionally — a third round TKO victory.
At the sold out Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire Friday night Foppiano, who co-headlined the main event hosted by Boston Boxing Promotions, showcased how turning boxing into life has turned into punishment for her opponents.
It was Bourne, Massachusetts’ Sarah Click that got the unpleasant privilege of being the next one up, and subsequently put down, at the hands of Foppiano.
After landing double and triple jab combinations one after the other, including a major uppercut that staggered and cut Click, Foppiano forced the referee to step in and call the scheduled six round fight with just seconds left in the third round.
The win avenged a draw Foppiano and Click fought to back in 2018. It was her second career fight.
Foppiano says she has come a long way since then. The footwork and spacing she showed off in the TKO of Click proved it.
“[The win] Showed me how much I’ve grown as a fighter since the start of my career,” said Foppiano. “It’s the most important fight so far. I had to overcome some mental barriers,” said Foppiano, who battled with how she would perform against Click, the only fighter to take her to the limit without beating her.
Foppiano credits the “level up” to new trainer Danny Olivar, who she’s had by her side since the summer of 2022. Around the same time, she stopped working her full-time job to start boxing and training others at Sunny’s Boxing in Middleton.
She is a solid 2-0 in the ring since then.
“He‘s unbelievable. I watch my training videos and I’m using the exact combinations we worked on in trainings in my fights. My last two fights are a true showing of what I’ve learned, including my footwork and I believe that’s a sign of an elite fighter,” said Foppiano.
“I’m really excited because ever since I came to Sunny’s with Danny I feel like I’m a different fighter, I’m more confident. Things are only up from here. I want to stay busy and boxing full time,” said Foppiano, who is quickly moving up the professional ranks.
She plans to fight again some time this year.