O2 chooses shopworker Shannon Ryan for first boxing sponsorship
O2 has entered into its first ever boxing sponsorship deal after partnering with Watford-born boxer Shannon Ryan, who was recently signed by Anthony Joshua’s 258 management boxing agency.
Ryan will make her professional debut in O2 branded fight wear when she takes to the ring at the Ovo Wembley Arena on Saturday in a match broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Ryan has a particularly close relationship with her sponsor as her day job sees her work in retail at the Watford branch of O2. The organic partnership will see the telecoms firm using the scale and reach of its business to raise Ryan’s profile.
Gareth Griffiths, director, partnerships and sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said: “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.”
Ryan has worked for O2 for five years, during which time she has fought hard to build a name for herself in the boxing community, first by winning the 2019 Women’s Winter Box Cup and later claiming silver at the 2020 London Championships.
O2 has a long association with sport, including as shirt sponsor of the England rugby team.