from Kinchen’s social media
Former National Amateur Champion Samantha Kinchen, of Lexington, KY, left the amateur ranks and any Olympic hopes in the past as of this past Saturday.
The cozy and quaint Bourbon Hall, in Louisville, KY, was packed from wall to wall with boxing fans for a great night of boxing where Kinchen brought “The Heat” nickname to Paid for Punches ranks in her professional debut on Eskridge Enterprises show.
Kinchen’s Middleweight 4-Round debut bout with El Paso, TX’s Karina Mendoza (0-4) had the temperature rising right away as the amateur standout hit the curtains for her ring entrance.
The capacity crowd was in full frenzy as stepped foot between the ropes, continuing to the center of the ring for referee instructions, and back to her corner for the opening bell.
Once that bell rang, the Heat was on. Kinchen cracked with stiff jabs and heavy rights that sent Mendoza to the canvas only 15 seconds into the bout.
Mendoza took the standing 8 count and composed herself after her first knockdown of her career before Kinchen came right at her in the neutral corner with blistering rights and left to the head.
Mendoza finally tied up with Kinchen to get a brief break from the attack as Referee Marvin Whittamore separated them.
Mendoza took that break as a signal to participate or suffer an early stoppage as she started to show some aggression and come forward with jabs.
But “The Heat” kept a constant 1-2 combination that was depleting and devastating. The overhand rights lead to a second 8 Count administered to Mendoza.
Kinchen sensed that dinner was ready to be served and hammered Mendoza back into the ropes with relentless rights. The Referee saw enough for Mendoza and waived off the contest at 1:58 in the opening round.
Kinchen showed some rapid hand speed with some intriguing power to add to the potential matchups in her climb up the ranks of the Welterweight to Middleweight divisions, whichever she decides to fit best for her.
Kinchen stated, via social media:
Easily one of the best nights of my life. I am FILLED with gratitude to everyone who came out to support me last night as I made my debut into the professional side of boxing. 1:58 TKO in the 1st round. I am overwhelmed.
As I was praying over this fight for the past couple months, Jesus gave me this picture of Him fighting for me in the ring—literally giving me strength in my punches and taking the blows for me. A couple weeks ago, someone at my church came up to me and expressed the same vision Jesus had given him during his prayer time. Last night was an answer to prayer and a fulfillment of so many promises God has given me. I am so excited for what is to come in my pro career and how Jesus is going to use me in the sport of boxing to make His Name famous!!🙌🏼
A special S/O to my team—
My coach James Doolin….there are no words to adequately describe him other than PHENOMENAL. He is the true PHENOMENON. He prepared me SO WELL for last night and I will never be able to thank him enough for all he’s done for me in and outside of the ring.
My fiancé…..again, no words. Chase, you have been more than incredible over the past few months. Keeping me calm and encouraged even all the way from California and since you’ve been back, you’ve taken care of me way beyond what I deserve. You are a true picture of Christ’s love and grace in my life and I love you so much.
My parents and family…..I love you all so much. You have been with me from the beginning and always loved and supported me no matter what. I wouldn’t be where I am today without y’all.
My friends…..I cannot believe how much God has blessed me by y’all. The turnout last night was AMAZING and it made me SO THANKFUL for each and everyone of you 💜
#TEAMHEAT!!!!🥊🔥
“All glory and honor goes to Jesus!” cited Kinchen.
When asked about how she felt, after getting that debut victory, “Great! Haha! I’m very excited for what the future holds!”
Kinchen has some strong, vicious hands with some stifling combos that should make for some additional crazy competition to the hottest weight divisions in female boxing today. I cannot wait to see more of “The Heat”.
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Jay Kemp, #NextGenChamp
Northwest Chicago Suburb native that has an aptitude for development of sports. Sports is my life, from youth to professional levels. I make things happen! I AM GOLDEN! Sports BIZness specialties include marketable presentation, public relations, sponsorship acquisition and retention, up-to-date marketing strategies, charitable projects and how they translate into positive public image. In addition to boxing, I am a nationally certified coach in the sports of lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling, with ties to many other sports. Telephone: 224-627-3777
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