St. Joseph Fighter Katelyn Radtka to Make Pro Boxing Debut This Fall
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Veteran fighter Katelyn Radtka from St. Joseph is ready to enter the professional boxing arena this November after nearly ten years in amateur MMA, primarily competing in Kansas City.
After announcing her comeback this summer, Radtka, who has eight amateur MMA fights under her belt with four stoppage wins in her last six bouts, is excited to tackle the new challenge of boxing.
“I feel alive. Like I’m back to my old self and it just feels really good. I feel really strong. I’m excited,” Radtka stated. She is also a women’s kickboxing coach at The Outlaw and Bear Den Boxing Club in St. Joseph. “Focusing on the training is the biggest deal to me.”
Her professional debut is scheduled for Nov. 15 at the Showdown in Joetown IV, which will be her first match since a quick first-round TKO victory in August 2021.
Katelyn, a St. Joseph native and mother, who graduated from Missouri Western State University, has revitalized her career after joining the Outlaw and Bear Den Boxing Club to coach women’s kickboxing. What began as a small class has flourished into a supportive group of over 20 women.
“When I got here eight months ago, I wasn’t in the best place. I had recently moved back from Florida after my father passed away, and I needed this place more than they needed me as a coach,” she reflected. “They have inspired me to get to where I am today. I wouldn’t be fighting if it weren’t for this class.”
With her pro debut approaching, Radtka is fully dedicated to her training regimen, spending countless hours refining her boxing skills with coach Byron Polley, a respected former boxer from St. Joseph. Despite competing in the junior flyweight category (108 pounds), her coaches have praised her impressive punching power.
Showdown in Joetown IV is set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph, featuring ten amateur bouts alongside a mix of professional fights, including two female matches. Weigh-ins are scheduled for 5 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Tipps Sports Bar and Grill.
