Shanell Dargan: Beyond The Ropes

Shanell Dargan: Beyond The Ropes

The recent win over Shannon O’Connell in Sydney extended the win-streak of Shanell Dargan to six, and moves her ever-closer to a shot at a world title.

O’Connell announced her retirement after being stopped in the 2nd round of their bantamweight fight on Thursday, but for Dargan, her career is now moving in a completely different direction.

The 32-year-old hasn’t lost since Felmy Sumaehe beat her on points in 2024. Dargan has rebounded with six wins on the bounce culminating in that big early win over O’Connell, who, while being at the tail end of her career, is still a more than decent name to have on your resume. In 2024, O’Connell defeated the then-unbeaten Jasmine Parr and went into the fight with Dargan on the back of two straight wins.

Dargan (11-2-2) started her boxing journey in 2019, after a beyond difficult period in her life. “After going through a domestic violent relationship, my mental health wasn’t the best,” Dargan told me last year, and she attributes boxing for saving her life. Dargan has been fighting hard for most of her life. Her parents battled various addictions, and both spent time in prison. “It’s been tough not having my parents around much, but it’s made me stronger and made me want to make something of myself.” Shanell Dargan has certainly done that. A life saved. A life changed. A perfect example of what boxing can do.

The impressive win over Shannon O’Connell puts Dargan on the brink of very big things. Boxrec rate her as the 9th best bantamweight in the world. Winning a world title has long been her dream. “I really have big dreams. I would love to become the first Aboriginal female world champion.” The story of Shanell Dargan is another great boxing success story. There is every chance it will get even better.