Maureen Shea wins NABF featherweight title

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Maureen Shea with the NABF belt.

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Maureen "The Real Million Dollar Baby" Shea will bring the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) featherweight title back to the Bronx after defeating tough-minded contender Liliana Martinez at the City Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. The end came at 1:18 of the third round.

Shea, now 15-2 (9 KO), accepted the role of aggressor from the opening bell, establishing a rhythm behind her stiff jab. The turning point of the fight came a minute into the third round, when Shea landed a heavy left hook to the body that doubled over the 26-year-old native of the Dominican Republic. Shea followed up along the ropes as Martinez turned away in pain, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Shea, who sparred with former IBF light flyweight champion Carlos Tamara in preparation for this fight, first gained attention as Hillary Swank's sparring partner for her award-winning movie role in 2004's The Million Dollar Baby. Shea has also been featured on the MTV reality show Made, where she provided guidance to a young girl hoping to become a boxer.

The 29-year-old Shea entered the bout weighing 125 pounds, while Martinez weighed 121. Martinez drops to 8-11 (4 KO), while losing for the first time by knockout.

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