In the politically correct world of she/her and he/him, this conundrum can become a bit confusing in the sports world of traditional male competition, sometimes.
Sunset High 2018 graduate Kaylee-Ann Knight has the XX chromosome match that makes HER a female, the fairer sex gender and one who’s flourishing in the world of pugilism; moreover, Kaylee is an aspiring boxing phenom. Kaylee-Ann is undefeated (10-0) in her amateur boxing career and she may soon enter the professional ranks of this traditional XY (Male) boxing sport.
Kaylee-Ann is a 2018 graduate from Sunset High who played basketball, volleyball and wrestled on the Del Norte High Boys team (before a girls team was established).
She began boxing training with Ron Otremba at Warrior Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2018 and Bryan Sargent her mittman who taught her valuable boxing maneuvers.
In 2020, Kaylee-Ann moved down to Sausalito where she admitted the new environment was a bit of a culture shock coming from small town Crescent City. Kaylee found her team of trainers at the Lions Den, in Pittsburg and gained her first amateur bout in June, 2023, found immediate success at the RIP City Tournament in Portland last year, followed by victories at the 2024 California Regional and State Golden Gloves Championships, which Kaylee became a first time National champion.
Her next tournament is a biggie.
Kaylee and team are heading down to Mexicali for the “Guerra en la Fronterra” Tournament this week-end (10/25-10/27) which has a rule for no headgear and 10 ounce gloves for the elite female division. Kaylee admits it’s a risky move sans headgear and lighter gloves but her goal is to become a professional which competes with no headgear and light-weight gloves.
Kaylee plans to compete in the 2024 USA Boxing Nationals in December in Richmond, Virginia. If Kaylee prevails in Richmond, she’ll be ranked in the Top 10 in her 132 pound weight division. Her plan is to turn pro in 2025 or whenever her team feels she’s ready. Her coaches are Wali Herawi, Joseph Peres and Cordell Pearson.
Kaylee-Ann Knight has a Go Fund Me Page entitled, “Donate to Support Youth Boxers Chase their Dreams” through Lions Den Gymnasium in Pittsburg, California.
Kaylee admits she grew up tough and didn’t have the best childhood. She credits her dad with her mental, emotional and physical toughness. She credits boxing as her escape… “(boxing) has saved my life in so many ways.”
The Triplicate wishes the best to boxing phenomenon Kaylee-Ann Knight.