Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch: The Fighter, the Film Star,the Force Behind Chingazos

When Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch walks into a room, you don’t just see him—you feel him. At 54, this world-champion fighter, decorated military veteran, stuntman, and now Hollywood actor has the kind of presence that demands attention. But beyond the larger-than-life persona lies a man on a mission—one that’s about more than titles, trophies, or the bright lights of the red carpet.

Ritch is bringing all his worlds together this fall as he graces the cover of Hollywood Magazine—celebrating not only his latest big-screen appearance in the crime thriller Boneyard alongside Mel Gibson, but also the debut of his own combat sports empire: Chingazos.

From Arizona Dirt Roads to the Hollywood Hills

Born in Coolidge, Arizona, and raised in the farming town of Randolph, Shannon grew up in an environment that forged grit.

“I was bullied as a kid,” he recalls, “but that just made me fight harder—to protect myself, and eventually to protect others.”

That fighting spirit led him to the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, where he honed discipline, tactical skill, and leadership. His service later extended to Blackwater Security in Iraq—experiences that would shape both his personal philosophy and his future in the cage.

The Cannon’s Combat Legacy

Shannon’s professional fighting résumé is one of the most impressive in the sport’s history:

• Over 237 MMA bouts since his debut in 1991.
• 26–3 bare-knuckle boxing record, all wins by knockout.
• Multiple world titles, including King of the Cage and BKFC International Heavyweight Champion.
• Black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate, plus competitive backgrounds in wrestling, boxing, and taekwondo.

His nickname “The Cannon” isn’t just for show—it’s a warning to anyone standing across from him.

The Big Screen Breakthrough

Ritch’s discipline and authenticity in combat have translated naturally to Hollywood. In Boneyard—inspired by the chilling West Mesa murders—he plays a role that taps into his real-life tactical expertise.

“Being on set with Mel Gibson was an education in storytelling,” Shannon says. “You bring the same focus you’d bring into a fight—only here, the punches are choreographed.”

Boneyard released in theaters in June 2024 and is now available digitally, introducing audiences worldwide to Shannon’s on-screen intensity.

Chingazos: The Future of Bare-Knuckle Boxing

This September, Shannon steps into the role of promoter and CEO with the official launch of Chingazos, his new fight league. Its first event—set for September 13, 2025, on the beach in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico—promises the kind of raw, high-energy spectacle fight fans crave.

“We’re not just putting on a fight,” he says. “We’re creating an experience—bare-knuckle boxing under the stars, right on the sand, with the ocean as the backdrop. It’s history in the making.”

A Warrior With a Cause

Outside the ring, Shannon champions the Kindness Movement, an initiative rooted in his own experiences with bullying. He visits schools, speaks to youth groups, and uses his platform to remind kids that “true strength is protecting the weak.”

Faith, family, and service remain his compass points—even as his career continues to scale new heights.

What’s Next

With Boneyard now on digital, Chingazos set to make its debut, and a wave of film projects on the horizon, Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch is living proof that reinvention isn’t bound by age or past chapters—it’s driven by purpose.

Shannon is also building a five-star resort hotel in Sedona, Arizona, with a group of partners under the banner Quantum Space Resorts.

As he takes the cover of Hollywood Magazine, he stands not just as a fighter or an actor, but as a force—a man who has fought in the cage, served in combat zones, and is now ready to conquer the entertainment world on his own terms.

“Every fight, every role, every step—it’s all about leaving a legacy,” he says. “And mine’s just getting started.”

Chingazos Boxing: https://chingazosboxing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonritchmma?igsh=MTJsbTN6dW5sa2g0ZA==
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3373649/
Quantum Space Resorts: https://quantumspaceresorts.com/