Up Close With Rhode Island Boxer Shelito Vincent

Up Close With Rhode Island Boxer Shelito Vincent

For the first half of her life, Shelito Vincent couldn’t catch a break. She had a mean streak in her that was fueled by a drinking problem she developed at a very early age. Shelito was raped as a teenager by a friend of her mothers and spent a significant number of her earlier years in various correctional facilities. Known now as Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent, Shelito has turned her life around and boxed her way to an 8-0 record and a shot at the title. Shelito is one of only a few openly gay professional athletes in the country and has encouraged tolerance with regards to sexual orientation.

On Friday, May 17, at 7pm, Shelito will try to keep her perfect record in tact when she fights for the WIBA bantamweight title at Twin River Casino in Lincoln. GoLocal sat down with the inspirational woman.

Which boxer/athlete has influenced you personally the most (and your boxing style)?

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As far as male boxers go, it has to be Vinny Paz. His style, his heart, that never give in will. If we saw blood from Vinny, then he was really going in for the kill. His swagger in the ring; the whole seen, known, and heard persona. But his ring generalship and such made everything look so pretty. He was flashy and was always the smaller guy. [Watching smaller boxers succeed] gave me hopes being so short. Growing up I would go to Manfredo's because I looked up to and wished I was Peter Jr. and that I had a pops like Pete Sr. For female boxers, Lucia Rjiker, Jamie Clampitt and Missy Fiorentino. Jamie is actually the one who pulled me back into the sport.

How has Kurt Reader helped you progress as a boxer and a human?

Peter escalated my skill. He taught me how to be a better person in and out the ring. Peter is like a second father to me and he is the only man I EVER trusted. He has my back and I got his.

What made you choose to commit to boxing and stay out of trouble?

Because I’ve seen and I know how bad it can get when you make bad choices. Boxing is a healthy lifestyle and it saved my life. I take my frustrations and past trials and tribulations out on my opponents across from me. [My opponent] fights all my demons that night.

What type of advice do you give children facing situations similar to your own upbringing?

Talk to someone and never act out. There is ALWAYS someone there. If I knew and/or had someone to talk to, I would have been a whole different person and would never have fallen victim to certain life lessons.

What are your goals as a professional fighter?

To achieve all the belts and titles. I don't have a goal to be good; my goal is to be great and have my name remembered and known to survivors of abuse. I want to be an inspiration to young ladies wanting to do this craft.

When/why do you plan on retiring from the sport?

When Peter tells me it's time. I think he cares about me enough to be tell me, ’Shel, you know, kid, it's time to hang ‘em up.’ Sometimes our pride and other things can get in our own way.

For more information on Vincent's bout at Twin River, go here.