Shane McCarthy: Champion Boxer Turned Entrepreneur at Morrissette

Shane McCarthy, a recent graduate from Western University and reigning national boxing champion, is making significant strides in the entrepreneurial landscape through the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship. This innovative institute, powered by the Ivey Business School, has provided McCarthy with critical resources and mentorship to transform his passion for boxing into a viable business venture.

McCarthy, 24, has dedicated himself to developing a product that addresses a common problem faced by boxers and mixed martial artists: the management of hand wraps. These wraps can become tangled and difficult to dry after use, leading to inefficiencies in a boxer’s training routine. To tackle this issue, McCarthy conceptualized the Drago Boxing Dual Wrap Roller, a device designed to streamline the drying process of two wraps simultaneously.

His journey began in 2024 when he and his friend Luke Richardson attempted to sell boxing gear sourced from overseas. However, they soon realized the quality control issues and shifted their strategy to create a product locally. "I knew boxing was my passion, but I also knew there’s not much money in it unless you’re a top professional, so I decided to build a business around it," McCarthy explained.

The Morrissette Institute has been instrumental in guiding McCarthy through the various stages of entrepreneurship. The institute offers programs like the Entrepreneurial Summer Internship (ESI), which provides funding, mentorship, and access to prototyping tools. McCarthy credits the mentorship from experienced professionals such as Matt Travis, who encouraged him to engage with potential customers to refine his product based on real feedback.

In 2024, McCarthy participated in the Startup Challenge at Morrissette, where he won $1,500, which further propelled his entrepreneurial ambitions. His initial idea evolved into a prototype that was 3D printed with the help of advisors from Morrissette, resulting in a robust design that meets the specific needs of athletes.

After securing a second-place finish at the Ivey Business Plan Competition in January 2025, McCarthy continued to refine his business model and product design. He emphasized the importance of user input in developing the Dual Wrap Roller, stating, "Almost everything I’ve updated in the design came from user feedback."

The ESI program has allowed McCarthy to progress from a prototype to market readiness. He has implemented patent filings, established shipping systems, and developed marketing strategies aimed at direct-to-consumer sales through social media platforms. His ambitions extend beyond business; he also trains daily in hopes of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Kiran Bains, manager of the Western Accelerator Program, noted that mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of young entrepreneurs. "After graduating from either the ESI or the Accelerator Program, most of our entrepreneurs tell us mentorship helped them significantly," Bains stated. This ecosystem of support has proven vital for McCarthy, who aims to run Drago Boxing full-time alongside Richardson.

As he prepares for the next steps in both his athletic and entrepreneurial careers, McCarthy reflects on the transformative impact of the Morrissette Institute. “Morrissette Entrepreneurship helped me turn my passion for boxing into a real, viable business,” he concluded. With mentorship and resources at his disposal, McCarthy stands as an inspiring example of how dedication, innovation, and support can converge to create successful ventures in the competitive landscape of sports and business.