Biography:
Shelley Williams, a prominent figure in the world of boxing, was born in Los Angeles, California. Her passion for the sport began during her childhood when she would watch the Gillette Friday Night Fights with her late father, Leo Williams. These cherished moments spent bonding with her father ignited her love for the sweet science and set the foundation for her remarkable career.
After completing her education, Williams entered the legal field as a paralegal, specializing in probate, family, and criminal law. It was during this time that she had the privilege of working alongside renowned attorney Robert Shapiro, who was widely recognized for his involvement in the O.J. Simpson trial. Williams also served as the personal and legal assistant to the legendary boxing trainer Eddie Futch, deepening her connection to the sport she held dear.
Williams’s unyielding determination and fierce dedication allowed her to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of boxing. She established Laced Leather Boxing Management, where she assumed multiple roles including Boxing Manager, Booking Agent, Publicist, Ringside Reporter, Journalist, Consultant, Matchmaker, and Production Coordinator. Through her agency, Williams represented numerous champions, including the likes of Michael Dynamite Dokes, Iran The Blade Barkley, Livingstone Rasi Bramble, Hannah The Vegas Fox, Helga Snowcat Risoy, and James Quick Tillis, who notably became the first man to go the distance with Mike Tyson.
Beyond her managerial endeavors, Williams actively participated in various aspects of the boxing world. She served as a meet and greet booking agent for notable boxers such as Ken Norton, Leon Spinks, and Earnie Shavers. Additionally, she contributed to the Prince Ranch Resort as a Boxing Camp Administrator and held the esteemed position of Commissioner of the International Female Boxers Association (IFBA).
Throughout her career, Williams has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the sport. She was honored as an inductee into the National Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016, acknowledging her dedication and impact on the boxing community. In 2020, Williams’s trailblazing efforts earned her another prestigious accolade as she was inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame.
Williams’s extensive involvement in the boxing industry extended beyond the United States. She engaged in media relations with Riddick Bowe, the undisputed world heavyweight champion, and fulfilled the role of Boxing Production Coordinator for various events and organizations worldwide. Her work included coordinating events featuring legendary fighters such as Hector Macho Camacho in Puerto Rico, Tim Witherspoon in Antigua and the British West Indies, and Laila Ali in China.
Aside from her professional endeavors, Williams also dedicated herself to charitable causes associated with boxing. She volunteered with the Global Village Champions Foundation, contributing to their homeless outreach event alongside boxing icon Evander Holyfield. Furthermore, she contributed her public relations skills to organizations such as Archie Moore’s Any Boy Can Foundation, the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, and the Harmik as Tom Jones Show featuring R&B singer Smokin’ Joe Frazier.
Williams’s remarkable journey in the boxing world has made a lasting impact on the sport and continues to inspire aspiring athletes and professionals. Her unwavering determination and multifaceted contributions have solidified her status as a trailblazer, further shaping the landscape of women’s history within the world of boxing.
Awards:
– Inductee into the National Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2016
– Inductee into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2020