Boxing champion Maureen Shea inspires future officers at PBSC

PBSC’s criminal justice defensive training room turned into a boxing ring as world champion Maureen Shea showed students how discipline and strength can translate into real-world confidence as future officers.

Shea, a two-time world titleholder, led Basic Law Enforcement and Correctional Officer recruits through a high-energy training session at the Lake Worth campus on September 9. During the session, she shared practical tips on maintaining control, proper stance and positioning and executing effective hooks and jabs.

Students paired up to practice the techniques hands-on, taking turns applying what they had learned. Under Shea’s guidance, they worked on refining their movements and building muscle memory, key elements for staying calm and effective under pressure.

“I never dreamed of becoming a world champion. I just showed up for me every day and I knew I wanted to be better,” Shea said. “Every time you open your eyes it’s an opportunity to be better and to grow.”

The session marked the first time this type of training has been offered to students in the program. PBSC’s Criminal Justice Institute is currently working to integrate boxing skills and conditioning into its curriculum to enhance recruits’ fitness, confidence and preparedness for their career. Additional boxing instructors will be brought in to help train the recruits throughout the term.

“You need these skills because you have to be able to protect yourself and protect others in the community,” said Richard Morris, PBSC’s criminal justice director. 

Shea’s passion for teaching these skills comes from personal experience. For her, boxing is more than a sport, it’s a life-saving discipline. She began training at 17 while in an abusive relationship, turning to the gym to overcome depression and reclaim her self-worth. Originally considering a career in law enforcement like her father, she instead found her path in the ring, going on to win the World Boxing Council interim female featherweight title in 2011 and the International Female Boxers Association super bantamweight title from 2014 to 2015. Shea is also known as the "Real Million Dollar Baby," earning the nickname after serving as actress Hilary Swank’s main sparring partner in preparation for the 2004 Academy Award-winning film Million Dollar Baby.

Now 44, Shea has fought and won battles in and out of the ring. She’s now using those lessons to help others prepare for the challenges they’ll face in life and in their careers. She emphasized the importance of repetition and consistent practice for success, encouraging students to show up with intention and give 100%, even on the days they don’t feel like it.

“Even when I was uncomfortable, I showed up and I worked hard and I stayed disciplined and I stayed consistent,” Shea said. “You may not feel it right away, but I guarantee you if you start putting that in the bank, you're going to cash out."