Soul Perspectives is a long-running program creating space for critical discussion about local, national and international issues of concern to Montreal’s Black community.

Every Tuesday 7 - 8:30pm (EDT)

June 25, 2024: Celebrating Black Fathers w/Champion Boxer Shakeel Phinn

One of our final guests for this year’s Celebration of Black Fathers is Shakeel Phinn, also known as The Jamaican Juggernaut, is a Canadian Super Middleweight professional boxer. His professional record is 26 wins - 3 losses - 2 draws (17KOS).

Shakeel was born in Montreal. He has six siblings, three sisters and three brothers. His family is from Jamaica. His dad was born in their country and his mom was born in Montreal. He is a father of 2 boys: Zaire born in 2022 and Zayvion born in 2023.

Though Shakeel was a gifted athlete in multiple sports at 20 years old, he switched up his training and tried something new. That is when his interest in boxing came about. After about 50 amateur fights, Shakeel and his coach Ian decided that it was the time to turn professional and just like that, his 1st fight was on January 31st 2015. One year later, he won the Canadian Super Middleweight title in a 10-round unanimous decision. In June 2019, Shakeel fought for the vacant NABF and IBF North American Super Middleweight titles. He won this fight by KO. In Dec 2019, Shakeel traveled to Poland and unfortunately, he lost in his opponent’s hometown. That 3rd loss brought him to question his career choice. Covid happened and it was a blessing in disguise because he was forced to take the break he needed.

Early 2022, his 1st son was born, Zaire. Fatherhood pushed him to follow his heart and pursue his love for boxing. He got back into the ring in May 2022. He signed with a new promoter, United Promotion that is based in Ontario. In May 2023, he fought for the IBO Americas Super Middleweight title, which he won by unanimous decision. One month later, his second son Zayvion was born. After a couple of fights in Ontario, he was finally able to fight back in his hometown against another local boxer. The fight took place May 2nd 2024 at Montreal Casino. The winner would be getting 2 belts: NABF and vacant WBA Continental North America Super Middleweight titles. However, it ended in a controversial draw.

Currently, Shakeel balances his time between working at Blackout Fitness gym as a personal trainer, training himself to stay ready for an upcoming fight and being a father to his 2 boys. Shakeel is waiting for the next big opportunity that is going to bring his career to the next level. He aspires to be a World Champion and a man of the people just like his idol Muhammad Ali.

We will have more Black Fathers talking about their experiences as fathers, so join us this Tuesday June 25, 2024 and listen to Soul Perspectives from 7-8.30pm on www.ckut.ca or 90.3FM on your radio dial.

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