O2 has unveiled its ‘first ever’ boxing partnership with female fighter Shannon Ryan.

As part of the deal with the mobile operator, Ryan will wear the O2 logo on all her fight clothing including her team t-shirt and her shorts. O2 will also use the reach and scale of its business to boost her boxing profile.

The 25-year-old boxer from Watford will showcase the partnership when she makes her professional debut on Saturday 26 March as part of Boxxer and Sky Sports: Fight Night.

The news comes as Ryan was recently signed by Anthony Joshua to his 258 Management company.

“We are delighted to be working with O2 as Shannon’s first major commercial partner,” 258 Management managing director Freddie Cunningham said.

“It’s a really organic partnership with a great story behind it and we can’t wait to see her rise in the sport with their support.”

The super-flyweight boxer already has a connection with O2 as she has worked for its retail store in Watford for the past five years.

Ryan added: “I have a great relationship with O2, having worked at the Watford store for 5 years and they’ve been nothing but supportive with my journey.”

“I am truly honoured that they have placed so much faith in me and I am looking forward to now getting in the ring and showing everyone what I am capable of.”

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The Watford-based boxer has experience in many combat sports, starting her career as a kickboxer at five years old in her father’s kickboxing gym in Bushey.

She then went on to win various international tournaments in the sport, including the WAKI Junior Europeans. Ryan was also given a place on the Team GB Taekwondo squad.

Ultimately, however, her focus eventually shifted to boxing, excelling at amateur level and winning multiple tournaments, including a silver medal at the 2020 London Championships.

Virgin Media O2 director of partnerships and sponsorships, Gareth Griffiths concluded: “Everyone at O2 has been so impressed by Shannon’s commitment to reach this moment in her career.”

“To pursue her boxing dreams, supporting herself by working in our O2 Watford store is an inspirational story. Sport is in the DNA of O2 and we’re proud to be backing Shannon alongside our long-standing England Rugby partnership.”

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