Local boxing champ embarks on first title defense

Tampa’s first homegrown world boxing champion will have a sizable contingent of family, friends and kids she mentors anxiously watching as she puts her belt on the line Saturday in Orlando. 

Jasmine “Animal” Artiga plans to keep her emotions at bay despite the fight’s significance. The bout against challenger Linn Sandstrom is her first title defense, the first under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and just 80 miles away from her “roots.” 

Artiga’s great-grandparents immigrated from Cuba to work in Ybor City’s cigar factories. The Tampa Bay History Center displays the gloves she wore from her title fight, and Mayor Jane Castor proclaimed May 27 as Jasmine Artiga Day.

“I just want to keep the legacy going for Tampa, and keep making history for Tampa,” Artiga told the Catalyst. “I am here to stay. I’m not just a flash in the pan.” 

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor recognized Jasmine Artiga’s contributions to the community and sport of boxing in May. Photo: City of Tampa.

The World Boxing Association’s (WBA) undefeated super-flyweight champ was all business before discussing her family and mentees. Artiga said she enters the ring with the same mindset – regardless of where she is fighting. 

Her mission remains unchanged: Dominate the division and prove that Paul, one of the biggest names in boxing, made a smart decision by signing Artiga on the heels of a historic all-women’s card. 

Artiga (13-0-1, 6 KOs) and Sandstrom (10-3-3, 2 KOs) will headline MVP Fight Night’s preliminary card Saturday at the Caribe Royale Resort. The event features two world titles and two interim championship bouts, and will stream live globally as part of the DAZN subscription package. 

“Just know that we’re going to come sharp, ready and explosive,” Artiga said. “My fight style – I’m always looking for the knockout. I’m an aggressive fighter. But we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it smart. And when the time comes, then we’ll go ahead and make that move.” 

She noted that Paul and his business partner, Nakis Bidarian, are “trying to change the game.” The two signed Artiga and four other elite, international female fighters in late July, less than three weeks after MVP’s all-women’s card on Netflix set several financial and viewership records. 

Artiga has stormed into the spotlight after 13 unbeaten professional bouts, including a first-round technical knockout in MVP’s Most Valuable Prospect series. She secured the vacant WBA super-flyweight title March 22 with a majority decision over Mexico’s Regina Chavez. 

“To be part of a roster with so many champions and prospects, future champions, it goes to show that I am here to stay,” Artiga said. “Ya’ll are going to see Jasmine around for a very long time. I have plans to become undisputed. We just have to take it fight by fight.

“I’m excited to be under a banner that supports that vision.” 

Family and children

Artiga, 33, played multiple sports at Tampa area high schools. She then became the youngest woman to join the Legends Football League. 

Boxing is a family affair for Artiga, who did not begin training until the age of 21. Her father and manager, Peter Kahn, remains in her corner during fights. 

Artiga, while preparing for her title fight, received guardianship over her grandmother, who is 95, suffers from dementia and never wants to miss a day at the gym with her granddaughter. “There’s not a lot of things that she remembers, but that’s one thing she looks forward to every day,” she said. 

“She’ll be at the fight, which is amazing,” Artiga added. “It’s going to be her first time witnessing me fight, which is probably the most meaningful part of it all for me.” 

She said her life revolves around boxing. “If I’m not training myself, I’m training a child. I’m training a group of kids.” 

Artiga lacked confidence growing up and wants to show local youth that hard work and “going down the right path” will benefit them for the rest of their lives. She said her self-journey is now selfless, and realizes a community now looks at her as a leader. 

“As much as I give back to the youth, I don’t really think they understand the impact they have on me,” Artiga said. 

Artiga said her father is the “one person who believed in me, when no one else did.” He shares the corner with her brother, her mother “keeps me fed,” and her sister is also a part of a “team effort” that “keeps us all together.” 

“When you go into a fight knowing that your corner is there forever, and they’ll never switch up on you, no matter the outcome … it’s such a beautiful thing,” Artiga said. “I tell people all the time, ‘I don’t have a sad story.’ I have a beautiful story.” 

Jasmine Artiga’s grandmother, 95, will watch her fight in person for the first time Saturday. Photo: Instagram.

The future

Paul has several local ties, and called signing Artiga “exciting as we think about future events in the market. While Tampa is home, Artiga said she loves St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach and, in particular, Pass-a-Grille.

“We have the best beaches,” she continued. “Of course I’d come over on the other side of the bridge and fight.” 

Artiga does not have any specific opponents in mind following her bout with Sandstrom. “I want belts,” she said. “And if your name is attached to a belt, then I want it.” 

While it might sound “cliche and corny,” Artiga encourages children to follow their dreams. She would tell her younger self to be patient.

Artiga noted that no one achieves greatness without several years of hard work. “Take pain and use it as fuel,” she said. “Because without pain, there is no success.” 

For tickets to MVP Fight Night 14, visit the website here.