Sammy Worthington: “I’m the champion in waiting, so whatever Katie decides to do, I’m just biding my time until I either fight for the belt or she relinquishes the title. Either way, I’m ready.”

Sammy Worthington: “I’m the champion in waiting, so whatever Katie decides to do, I’m just biding my time until I either fight for the belt or she relinquishes the title. Either way, I’m ready.”

Sammy Worthington got the biggest victory of her career this past weekend in Detroit, with a hard-earned majority decision over Victoire Piteau that earned Worthington the WBA Interim world super-lightweight title.

Worthington moved to 12-0 in defeating the tough Piteau. A career that is progressing quite nicely. “I am very happy with where my career is right now,” Worthington told FightPost. “There have definitely been times where I’ve felt stagnant and questioned how much longer I’d have to wait for an opportunity to shine like I did this past Saturday night. But then God blessed me with signing with Claressa Shields’ T-Rex Promotions and my manager Mark Taffet, and things are starting to fall into place.”

Worthington relayed to me that the win over Piteau was anything but easy. “Victoire was the unorthodox southpaw we thought she would be! She is obviously a very tough and experienced fighter, coming in with a record of 14-2. Because it was an orthodox fighter against a southpaw, there were a lot of head clashes that I thought she used to her advantage, because as the rounds went on, she started leading more with her head, which I didn’t expect. However, I am grateful she came to fight! I came in looking for the knockout and wasn’t sure how she would respond, but fortunately, we were able to put on a great show!”

In many ways, it was her coming-out party. But Sammy Worthington is looking for even more now. “Well, now that I’m the WBA Interim world champion, my next goal is to become the FULL WBA world champion. While I am honoured to hold this title, I’m ready to solidify that I am a world champion and become undisputed when the opportunity presents itself.”

Katie Taylor holds all the world super-lightweight baubles, and Worthington knows her next move could be decided by what Taylor does next. “This fight technically makes me first in line to fight Katie Taylor for the full WBA title. I’d say I’m right there. I’m the champion in waiting, so whatever Katie decides to do, I’m just biding my time until I either fight for the belt or she relinquishes the title. Either way, I’m ready.

“I’d love to start making moves to make more title fights happen for me! Ultimately, if Katie decides to keep the belts and defend them, I want to fight her. I think our styles would put on an explosive match. We both love Jesus, so I can envision a night that is incredibly glorifying to him, and I just think that would be the most iconic way to become undisputed. Names matter less to me than belts, so whoever has the belts is who I want to fight.”

Worthington has already detailed the importance of signing with Claressa Shields and her T-Rex Promotions. Worthington is fully appreciative of the help that the undisputed world heavyweight champion has given her.

“Claressa has helped me tremendously. From teaching me techniques I can use in the ring that you only learn as a seasoned fighter, to sparring with me and pushing me past my limits. To encouraging me in hours-long conversations when we’re just hanging out as sisters. She is truly one of the most incredible and gifted people I’ve ever known, and it’s so cool to get to do life together in this way. She inspires me not only because of her talent in the ring but mainly because of how she endures everything thrown at her outside of the ring. She embodies resilience and generosity, and I pray that people start seeing her for who she truly is.”

Sammy Worthington turned professional in 2019, and after toiling away from the bright lights for much of that twelve-fight career, the 29-year-old seems intent on making up for lost time.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions