This is my Story: Flyweight Miranda Adkins: “My mother said: Life is too short. Do the things you want to do NOW!”

Recently, we were contacted by Carden Combat Sports owner John Carden, about a new young Flyweight that has recently taken the Midwest by storm.

Carden stated, “Two years ago Miranda Adkins, now 41, of Topeka Kansas picked up combat sports as therapy after losing her mother to cancer. After competing as an amateur in mma and kickboxing she is now 2-0 as a pro flyweight in boxing and all this over the last month and a half! When not in the ring, Adkins works at the VA hospital helping veterans with their struggles.”

I had the opportunity to converse with Adkins recently.

I understand that you needed an outlet for family reasons and found boxing. Care to discuss this came about?

I lost my mother in 2016 due to stage 4 ovarian cancer. She was my best friend. The year she was diagnosed, I was also diagnosed with BRCA genetic mutation for breast and ovarian cancer and had cysts throughout. Had to have complete emergency hysterectomy. Following that I was taking care of my mom and her chemo. The week before she passed, she made me promise that “no matter what do the things you’ve always wanted to do now- Life is far too short to wait” I promised her I would do just that.

Six months later I began training in Mixed Martial Arts & Jujitsu at age 39. It was extremely therapeutic for me. At the time I was also working with hospice patients as a medical Social Worker focusing on mental health therapy . Which is a difficult field considering I was dealing with the loss of mom too. Martial Arts training gave me an outlet for my emotional pain and helped me be better at my career. The first year of training I competed in 2 Amateur MMA matched lost but went the distance. Decided to switch it up to Kickboxing and competed in 3 amateur kickboxing matches all in the first year of beginning training. I really enjoyed kickboxing! Won my first kickboxing match at age 40. I had another last May and lost that one by decision, but went all 3 rounds.

In June I chose to change up to Boxing training. I found difficult to find opponents my size at 5’1 112-115 range so by turning professional, and allowed for opening up more opponent possibilities. I ventured into my first Professional Boxing debut match Sept 2018 at age 41 and Won in the 3rd round TKO. Just had my second Pro Boxing match this month and won TKO in the 1st round.

However, I find the sport to be challenging and very therapuetic. Overall it helps me to stay sharp mentally and physically. I have 2 adult children and 1 grandchild and my boyfriend who’s very supportive they are all my biggest fans! We are not getting any younger. And like my Mother said: Life is too short. Do the things you want to do NOW!

What do you do with the VA Hospital and how does this motivate you and how do you affect others?

Last December I was offered a Medical Social Worker position at the VA Medical Center here working with Veterans in the ER. It can be challenging but is a wonderful position and I really enjoy the work that I do!

Understandably being in the mental health field it may appear unorthodox to some people that I am also a Professional Boxer.

Being in the flyweight division and now undefeated, is there someone you are looking at competing against? Someone you are targeting?

Being undefeated in the flyweight division my long term goal was to gain a fight with Marlen Esparza. However, she recently announced that she is expecting. I am happy for her taking time out to start her family! Although yes a little disappointed since she has always been my idol in female boxing!

Boxrec has you listed for a fight in April of 2019. Any upcoming fights planner or potential before then?

My promoter John Carden is currently working out the details of an all female card I will be appearing on prior to my next scheduled bout April 19th.

Who is part of Team Adkins?

My promoter is John Carden. My past trainers and gyms were: Hestons Gladiator Academy of Topeka Ks & Topeka Golden Gloves. My son Trey is also my corner guy. Now that I have turned pro in Boxing I am searching for a new potential gym that is more boxing focused. Our plans are to spend more time at Authentic boxing in Kansas City before my next fight.

Do you have any words for fans, sponsors, supporters?

I have always been thankful and appreciated all of my fans and supporters they have shown great love for my Boxing journey. I feel truly blessed to be able to be living out my passion for boxing as a woman, a survivor, and a fighter for all people in my career and in boxing. True strength is shown through the journey. Life is short live it up!

Follow the Champ:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram