Shakeel Phinn

Shakeel Phinn, born on October 31, 1990, in Brossard, Quebec, Canada, has made a significant impact in the super middleweight division as a professional boxer. Holding both the WBC–NABF and IBF North American super middleweight titles since 2019, Phinn has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the ring. His entry into boxing was influenced by his father, Benjamin, an amateur boxer, which steered him towards the sport after a stint as an offensive MVP for his college football team at Champlain College Saint-Lambert.

Phinn's professional career began on January 31, 2015, with a technical knockout win over Eddie Gates in Gatineau, Quebec. Despite a setback in his second fight against Roody Rene, Phinn quickly rebounded, accumulating a series of victories that included a notable win over Guillaume Tremblay-Coude, despite experiencing the first knockdown of his career. His prowess continued to grow, culminating in a victory over Paul Bzdel in Saskatoon, where he captured the vacant CPBC national super-middleweight title, highlighting the event as the first night of professional boxing in the city in 16 years.

Phinn's career, however, has seen its challenges, including a controversial majority draw against Dario Bredicean in Quebec City and losses that tested his resolve and skill. Nevertheless, his resilience shone through as he captured the WBC–NABF and IBF North American super-middleweight titles by defeating Elio Germán Rafael in June 2019. Despite a subsequent loss in Poland to Mateusz Tryc, Phinn's record stands commendably, with significant victories continuing into 2023. As he progresses in his career, Phinn remains a prominent figure in Canadian boxing, showcasing the toughness and skill that have defined his journey in the sport.

Shakeel Phinn’s boxing style is built around a heavy jab that feels like a sledgehammer, often used to blind his opponents and set up devastating follow-up shots. His combinations slice through the air with precision—not all intended to land but designed to create openings. When the follow-up connects, it leaves his opponents disoriented and, at times, seeing white.

Physically imposing, Phinn uses his powerful frame and commanding presence to dictate the pace of a fight. His posture and physical prowess serve as weapons, enabling him to impose his will on the competition. Whether cutting off the ring or overwhelming an opponent in close quarters, his sheer size and strength make him a formidable force.

Despite his rugged build, Phinn moves with the surprising grace of a dancing bear - big, powerful, yet incredibly clean and fluid in his movements. He always maintains an acute awareness of his center, ensuring balance and stability. This allows him to generate punishing power while staying ready to recover and counter.