Samantha Worthington believes her upcoming interim title fight proves her career is on a positive trajectory – even if she never winds up facing Katie Taylor.
With the interim WBA junior welterweight title on the line, Worthington, 11-0 (7 KOs), will face Victoire Piteau in a 10-round bout on the undercard of Claressa Shields-Lani Daniels on Saturday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Worthington signed a co-promotional agreement with Shields’ T-Rex Promotions and Salita Promotions in 2024. She is trained by John David Jackson, who also trains Shields. And like Shields, Worthington believes she is destined for big things.
The elephant in the room: Taylor holds the full WBA junior welterweight title, and in women’s boxing, it doesn’t get any bigger than fighting her.
Taylor recently defeated Amanda Serrano for the third time in a row, more than likely concluding their rivalry. That bout was contested at a 136lbs catchweight with the junior welterweight titles on the line. Taylor is also 39 years old. If Taylor vacates the title, the winner of Worthington-Piteau could elevate to a full titleholder.
Worthington, a 29-year-old from Lexington, Kentucky, reflected on the moment.
“It feels like I am stepping into my purpose,” Worthington told BoxingScene. “I have known since the very moment I decided to turn pro that this is what I was created to do. I am going to be the undisputed world champion, and this is just a step in that direction.”
Worthington is unbothered by whatever Taylor, a surefire Hall of Famer, does. She is focused on her own fight.
“I view it as a title fight because I know those are my belts,” Worthington said. “Not because there is a formality with Katie having the belt, if she wants to fight me for this title, that is fine, but it is still my belt.”
Piteau, 14-2 (2 KOs), is a 26-year-old from Saint-Maur, Indre, France, and is on a five-fight win streak. Worthington will be Piteau’s first opponent in the United States, with the majority of her fights taking place in France.
“She is going to be my toughest opponent on paper to date,” Worthington said. “I think her style plays into my style really well. It is going to allow me to shine.”
Worthington is excited to be a part of the event, which features three women’s bouts among the five-fight main card.
“I feel this is a powerful night of boxing,” Worthington said. “I am excited to participate and be a part of that power.”
