Emily Klinefelter, one of the most decorated amateur women boxers in the sport,  made her professional debut on Friday night, at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino, in Reno, Nevada,  on the Lets Get It On Promotions undercard.

As an amateur, Klinefelter had won 15 national and international gold medals. A University of Iowa College of Business graduate with a 4.0 GPA, Klinefelter is currently studying for her masters of accountancy at the University of Iowa.

The 2006 Pan American Games Gold Medalist came in taking on the experienced Elizabeth Cervantes in a four round fight that was well received by the fans as the two fighters entered the ring.

Several times in the sport, women who show that they can fight in the amateurs are rushed into the professional ranks before they are ready. While Klinefelter could have rushed herself into the pro ranks, she honed her craft and prepared herself for the transition so she could be successful, all the while racking up the national and world amateur championships. Walking out to the ring, Emily appeared to be calm and ready for another night in the squared circle.

When the bell rang for the first round  “The Enforcer” went right to work landing effective combinations and backed up Cervantes. This would become the theme throughout the bout. Several times Klinefelter hurt Cervantes and backed her up, nonetheless, Cervantes was never in danger of being stopped as she found a way to run and survive. In the end, Klinefelter won every round on all three scorecards (40-36).

While talking with Emily after the fight she said, “I hit solid several times and she wasn’t going anywhere, I thought maybe a couple times if I kept putting it on her I could have gotten the stoppage.”  Emily also stated, “I hope one day I will get the world belts and everything, I’m happy to be here and I’m looking forward to a long and successful career.”

Emily is not just another entry into the female ranks; she has the pedigree to become something great in a section of boxing that is often considered a side attraction. In addition to boxing, Emily teaches college courses and she is working on her master’s degree in accounting. Judging from her past success as an amateur in addition to her poise she displayed making her pro debut Emily is sure to have that long successful career in the ring and equal success outside the ring.

Sources: Photos courtesy of Team Klinefelter/and added background information about Klinefelter's amateur career/Adam Pollack