Junior middleweight Jordan Panthen has a clear goal: to become an iconic American boxer who fights on national holidays such as the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day (which occurs this Monday).
The latest signee of Golden Boy Promotions, Panthen is the fourth fighter from the Los Angeles-based gym Brickhouse Boxing to join the promoter, alongside cruiserweight Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, junior bantamweight John Ramirez and middleweight Eric Priest.
In the ring, Panthen (9-0, 8 KOs) wears trunks featuring America’s stars and stripes, a nod to his deep sense of patriotism. “I would love to go to their country and fight their best fighter and whatnot,” the 27-year-old Panthen said, joking about his willingness to take on opponents in nations at odds with the United States, whether in Russia, China or elsewhere.
Unlike many of his peers, Panthen isn’t focused on flaunting potential earnings or promising future titles. His ambition is simple: to represent the U.S. and become the most exciting man in boxing. “I think it’s the same performance that I’ve been doing,” Panthen said. “Just keep on recreating those performances every time I go out.”
After a hiatus that saw him miss amateur boxing national tournaments from 2014 to 2021, Panthen returned to the ring and won the first post-pandemic USA Boxing national title by defeating Ralph Clemente in the finals. Four months later, he captured the Golden Gloves championship by overcoming Obed Bartee El.
Panthen aspires to become an American boxing icon, similar to what Miguel Cotto represents for Puerto Rico and Julio Cesar Chavez for Mexico. He cites his experience – and success – against non-countrymen as a case study. “When I spar elite fighters in the gym, my level elevates,” Panthen said. “When I spar Tim Tszyu, when I spar Janibek [Alimkhanuly], I’ve seen myself elevating in those moments.”
Panthen sees himself as a pioneer, aiming to revive a sense of American pride in boxing. “Yeah, I do feel like a pioneer,” he said. “I think I am going to bring back the term of ‘American boxing’ in a new way. Or maybe not a new wave – maybe a regenerative wave is a better way to say it – but I think I am pioneering my own way.”
Panthen promises to deliver excitement every time he steps into the ring.
“I’m going to get guys out of there in style, represent America every time I go out, and hold my head high,” Panthen said. “I’ll make every fight exciting, even if the guy’s running and boring. I promise you, this will be more exciting than 90 percent of the fights you watch.”
Panthen is confident that the junior middleweight division’s tough opponents will bring out the best in him, and he’s eager to make 50-50 fights in a loaded weight class. “I think I’ll thrive in those moments, in those tough fights,” he said. “I’m just excited. I think it’s perfect for me and for boxing, and there are some exciting times ahead.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
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