Samantha Worthington looks to shine under Shields banner

For many, Samantha Worthington might simply be known as the first fighter signed to Claressa Shields’ T-Rex Promotions in collaboration with Dmitry Salita’s Salita Promotions. But the junior welterweight from Lexington, Kentucky hopes to lay the groundwork for a breakout year in 2025.

The 29-year-old Worthington returns to action Thursday night, taking on Jaica Pavilus in a six-round fight at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan, on a card headlined by a junior middleweight fight between Ardreal Holmes Jnr and Edwin Humaine Jnr.

Worthington (9-0, 7 KOs) is a USA Boxing alum who has fought professionally since 2019. However, her profile has grown significantly since joining forces with Shields in June.

“After a couple of Olympic runs, I decided to make the move to become a professional,” Worthington said during Tuesday’s media workout. “Starting my career with multiple knockouts affirmed my decision and let me know I was right where I was supposed to be.”

Pavilus, 27, represents a step up for Worthington. Although the New York City-based fighter holds a record of 4-6-1 (1 KO), she brings notable wins over unbeaten Chiara Dituri in March and decorated amateur Mia Ellis, daughter of trainer Kenny Ellis, in 2022.

Worthington enters Thursday’s bout fresh off a stoppage win over veteran Edina Kiss and hopes to keep the momentum going against Pavilus.

“I don’t plan for knockouts,” Worthington said. “They sort of just come. I scored my first knockout when I was 13 years old and was like, ‘Oh my gosh. What did I just do?’ That power has always been there for me, so it just comes naturally.”

Worthington’s friendship with Shields dates back to their time on Team USA in 2013, and she credits Shields with being both a mentor and advocate.

“Claressa and I were on Team USA together a couple of times. The first was when we were both on the Youth Championships team in 2013, so we just became best friends. Fast forward to 2015, we were both on Team USA. When I turned pro, she was always there, advocating for me and being that mentor. It’s a really special, full-circle moment in our careers, being the first fighter she has signed to her promotion.”