Ronnie Shields is Golden

In an already great career in boxing, Port Arthur, Texas’ Ronnie Shields is being honoured one more time.

One of boxing’s best trainers was recently named as an inductee for the 2025 National Golden Gloves of America (GGA).

The former fighter, a great amateur and professional, joins fellow inductees
Tommy Morrison, Sean O’Grady, and Steven Pelster.

Shields, a very accomplished amateur, participated in the GGA, winning national titles in 1975, 1976, and 1978.

Ronnie would turn pro in 1980 and rack up a record of 26-6-1 (19 KOs) over 8 years.

During that time, he would face world champions Bruce Curry, Saoul Mamby, and Joe Manley, and world title challenger Frankie Warren.

He would also fight twice for the world title. He lost on points to Billy Costello in New York in 1984 and dropped a razor-thin SD to champion Tsuyoshi Hamada in Japan in 1986.

During his pro run, he would capture the North America Boxing Federation (NABF) title in 1983 with a UD 12 over former world champion Saoul Mamby.

Shields, as nice a guy as you can hope to meet in the sport, was a very respected amateur and professional. Since retiring, Shields has been one of the most successful and sought-after trainers in boxing, guiding an extensive list of fighters to world titles. Shields has worked with the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Arturo Gatti, Vernon Forrest, and Pernell Whitaker, to name just a few. 

Congratulations, Ronnie - well deserved!