Samantha Worthington, a junior welterweight boxer from Lexington, Kentucky, is poised for a breakthrough year in 2025. While she may be best known as the first fighter signed to Claressa Shields’ T-Rex Promotions, in partnership with Salita Promotions, Worthington is determined to carve her own path in professional boxing.
The 29-year-old, who boasts an undefeated record of 9-0 with seven knockouts, will face Jaica Pavilus in a six-round bout on Thursday night at Flint, Michigan’s Dort Financial Center. The event will be headlined by a junior middleweight clash between Ardreal Holmes Jr. and Edwin Humaine Jr.
A USA Boxing alum, Worthington turned professional in 2019 after two Olympic runs. Reflecting on her decision, she said during a media workout, “Starting my career with multiple knockouts affirmed my decision and showed me I was where I was meant to be.”
Her opponent, Pavilus, 27, enters the fight with a 4-6-1 record but has notable victories over undefeated Chiara Dituri and accomplished amateur Mia Ellis. Worthington, fresh off a TKO win against veteran Edina Kiss, views this matchup as a stepping stone to further success.
“I don’t plan for knockouts—they just happen naturally,” she explained. “I scored my first knockout at 13, and it’s been part of my game ever since.”
Worthington credits her close friendship with Shields, dating back to their time on Team USA in 2013, as instrumental in her career. “Claressa has always been my mentor and advocate,” she shared. “It’s a full-circle moment to be the first fighter signed to her promotion.”
With her sights set on a big year, Worthington hopes Thursday’s fight will continue her upward trajectory in the boxing world.
