To many, Samantha Worthington may simply be known as the first fighter signed to Claressa Shields’ T-Rex Promotions in association with Dmitry Salita’s Salita Promotions. But the junior welterweight from Lexington, Kentucky, is hoping to lay the foundation for a breakout year in 2025.

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

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

“After a few Olympic runs, I decided to take the step and go pro,” Worthington said during Tuesday’s media workout. “Starting my career with multiple knockouts strengthened my decision and showed me that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”

The 27-year-old Pavilus represents a step forward for Worthington. Although the New York City-based fighter holds a record of 4-6-1 (1 KO), she notched notable victories over undefeated 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 will be hoping to keep the momentum going against Pavilus.

“I don’t plan on knockouts,” Worthington said. “They just come, so to speak. I scored my first knockout when I was 13 and thought, ‘Oh my God.’ What did I just do?’ This power has always been there for me, so it’s just natural.”

Worthington’s friendship with Shields dates back to her time on Team USA in 2013, and she credits Shields for his role as a mentor and advocate.

“Claressa and I were on Team USA together a few times. The first was when we were both on the Youth Championships team in 2013, so we just became best friends. In 2015, we were both on Team USA. When I became a professional, she was always there, advocating for me and being my mentor. Being the first fighter to sign her to her promotion is a truly special, full-circle moment in our careers.”