Local fighter asks for community assistance

By: Zac Scott

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A professional boxer is asking the St. Joseph Community for assistance with funding for her next fight.

Katelyn Radtka is trying to move forward in Missouri's women's boxing scene. After her first professional fight at the Showdown N Joe Town, Radtka is currently 0-1. The woman who used to train in garages to prepare for fights now has her next match scheduled, but it comes with a twist.

"She's fighting for free. She's literally getting in the ring. We're taping her up, wrapping her up, putting her gloves on, and she's fighting," said Bear Den Boxing owner Byron Polly. "Every punch she throws is for free. She is not getting paid one time."

Polly put in over $2,000 to bring Radtka's opponent from Louisiana to Missouri to fight at the Carriage Club in Kansas City. Polly asks that the community support Radtka the same way they did at her professional debut at Showdown N Joetown. 

"She had a lot of people come watch her. They love Katelyn." said Polly. "If you love her and you want to keep seeing her, go to get this win. She needs help. Contact her directly. Contact me, contact the gym. Anything I'm telling you, $100 a piece helps this young lady keep going."

Radtka wants to be able to continue with her fighting career and hopes that St. Joseph can help her journey forward. 

"I trust my coach, Byron, and he feels like this is the best move for me right now. And of course, I love fighting. I want to be doing it. Of course. I don't want to do it for free, but I will," said Radtka.