Shelby Walker, Gone, but not Forgotten
 By "Big Dog" Benny Henderson Jr., Doghouse Boxing (Nov 5, 2012) Doghouse Boxing
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I
find it a bit strange how a mind works, especially when it comes to
certain memories of individuals that were in your life, in some shape,
form or fashion. A certain smell, song, movie, or nothing really in
particular can trigger a thought about a lost loved one, or deceased
friend. And just a couple of days ago, I found myself in that position. I
was sitting at the office going through paper work, and for no reason
in particular; the late Shelby Walker came to mind, and a small wave of
emotion came over me, and I thought to myself, “Damn, has it been that
long?”
I
came to know the multi-talented fighter in 2005, Boxing Insider’s Larry
Goldberg introduced us, and from the first interview, I knew the young
lady was more than just good looks; she was an extremely humble as well
as entertaining soul.
Shelby
was born in the Lone Star state and served in the US Army, out of the
service Walker competed as a professional in women’s professional boxing
as well as a combatant in the mixed martial arts. The little scrapper
fought under the tutelage of Buddy Mcgirt, and blossomed under Howard
Davis Jr. and was the first female of the American Top Team. In January
of 2005, Walker commented on her experience with ATT, “I consider my
self very, very lucky, I’m the first lady of the American Top Team and I
feel really blessed to be able to be a part of such a great team and to
be able to work with an Olympic Gold medalist as Howard Davis Jr. It is
a dream come true for me”.
“Shelby Girl” made her debut in the MMA
in 2001, banging out a record of 3-3, earning herself a record with the
fastest KO in the history of women's MMA with a five second knock out
against Angela Wilson at Ring Of Fury 3. She also participated in
professional boxing, and in her time she compiled a 7-6-1 (6) record,
and fought the likes of Fujin Raika, Jaime Clampett, and the legendary
Mia St. John.
I
wondered why a woman with such beauty would lace up the gloves, or step
in the cage, and when I asked Shelby, she boldly stated, “I have always
been a fighter, I love the game!”
I
met Shelby at UFC 51, prior to that night, it had been rumored that she
may take part in the UFC, to be the first woman combatant under the
banner, but that never materialized.
I
had the pleasure of interviewing Walker a few times, and each time was a
blast. She was always down to earth, would not dodge a question,
answered everything with a shoot from the hip manner, and she knew the
fight game. She lived it, and breathed it. Shelby did not shy away from
the critics, she knew being a lady in the fight world was not an easy
task, “the critics who think I can’t fight need to watch one of my
fights”. And either in a win, a loss or a draw, Shelby fought, she
fought her heart out, she gave her all, and all though her hand may not
have been raised in every fight, with her drive and passion for the
sport, she was a winner.
September
24, 2006, thirty-one year old Shelby Walker passed away from what was
described as an apparent overdose on pain medication. She left behind a
slew of family, fans a friends, including a son. I got the news a day or
two after her death, and I was in complete shock, dismay, I could not
believe that such a talented person, with so much time give was cut down
in her prime.
The
out pour of emotion from adoring friends, family and fans was breath
taking, Larry Goldberg who managed Shelby at the time of her passing
stated, “I lost a sister”, Maureen "Moe" Shea explained, “She was
beautiful, kind, upbeat and warm, she will be missed but always
remembered, much respect.”
It
has been six years since the world lost such a great person, and for
people who was not a close friend of hers or family member to still
think about her as I do from time to time, I believe that speaks volume
on how much if an impact Shelby had on this world. So to her family and
friends, she may be gone, but she will never be forgotten.
I
said this once, and I will say it again, I asked Shelby what was her
main goal in the fight game, and she stated, “I want to leave my mark.”
Well, she most certainly did leave a mark. Shelby, I do not know if you
can read this, I am pretty sure you are busy up in the heavens, but I
want to close by saying this, just the short time that I knew you, you
left your mark in my life, it was a pleasure interviewing you, speaking
with you, and just being able to say that we crossed paths brings me
joy. I just want you to know, that all though you may not be a living
being on this earth anymore, your spirit is with us all, and you will
always be Shelby “Girl” walker to us, much love, much respect, and I
hope you finally found peace.
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