Shawn O'Sullivan

Shawn O'Sullivan

Shawn O'Sullivan, boxer (b at Toronto 9 May 1962). O'Sullivan's amateur record of 94-6 is matched by few Canadian boxers. From a boxing family, he started boxing at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre under Ken Hamilton, his original mentor. As a 16-year old, he won the Canadian junior title in Whitehorse. In 1981, as a 19-year old, he defeated Cuban Olympic gold medallist Armando Martinez twice, the second time en route to winning the gold medal in the World Amateur Championships. That year he was named Canada's Athlete of the Year. In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, after totally dominating his earlier opponents, he lost the gold medal match to Frank Tate of the US. He turned pro immediately after, and by September 1987 his record stood at 16-1. However, O'Sullivan's career suffered a severe setback in January 1988 when he was knocked out by Luis Santana. O'Sullivan retired later that year after another devasting loss. In 1991 he attempted a comeback, but his skills had obviously deteriorated and he retired again.