Ronnie Shields
Born: June 6, 1958 Port Arthur, TX
Ronnie Shields was born on June 6, 1958, in Port Arthur, Texas, and found success in boxing at an early age. In 1974, he captured the National Junior Olympics Featherweight Championship, marking the beginning of a remarkable amateur career. Just three years later, at age 17, Shields won the National Golden Gloves Featherweight title, establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising young fighters. He followed that up with two more National Golden Gloves titles in the light welterweight division, becoming one of only a handful of boxers to claim national titles in multiple weight classes.
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In 1975, Shields represented the United States Amateur Athletic Union on an international boxing tour in Germany, gaining valuable experience against top-tier competition. After compiling an impressive amateur record of over 200 bouts, he turned professional in 1980, competing in the light welterweight division. As a professional, Shields built a record of 26 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with notable victories showcasing his sharp technique and resilience.
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During his career, Shields twice challenged for a world title and was ranked among the top ten contenders for five consecutive years by all of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies. He captured the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Light Welterweight Championship, solidifying his reputation as one of the most skilled and respected fighters of his era. Shields retired from professional boxing in 1988, but his impact on the sport was far from over.
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Following his retirement, Ronnie transitioned into coaching and became one of boxing’s most successful and sought-after trainers. Over the years, he has worked with numerous world champions and top contenders, including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Juan Díaz, Pernell Whitaker, Arturo Gatti, and John Molina Jr. Known for his technical precision and calm ringside demeanor, Shields has earned the respect of fighters and peers alike.
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In 2003, he was named Trainer of the Year by the World Boxing Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport. Today, Shields continues to train world-class fighters out of the Plex Boxing Gym in Stafford, Texas, where he remains a guiding influence in the boxing community and a proud representative of Southeast Texas.
