PFL prospect Sammy Jo Luxton recently shared the harrowing story of facing a potentially fatal health crisis and the loss of her father just as she was set to make her promotional debut.
After signing with the PFL following a notable knockout win in March 2024, Luxton was diagnosed with cancer, requiring emergency surgery. This difficult time was compounded by the severe illness and subsequent death of her father from a heart attack.
Luxton was by her father`s bedside when he passed, having herself just undergone surgery and being brought up in a wheelchair from her own hospital ward.
Six weeks later, having returned to training, Luxton developed sepsis, a life-threatening infection stemming from her surgery. She initially dismissed the symptoms as fatigue from camp.
Her condition worsened dramatically. She suffered tremors and seizures, and her temperature soared to a critical 42°C (107°F). Rushed to the hospital, she overheard a nurse express alarm, saying, “She`s 25, she`s too young to die!” This moment made the reality of her potential death terrifyingly clear, making her think of her family`s recent grief.
Doctors managed to control the sepsis. After recovering from the immediate crisis, Luxton felt overwhelmed by the events – the loss of her father, the severe illness – and questioned if she should continue fighting. “I thought the universe told me I`m not going to fight anymore,” she said.
She reflected on how crucial her father was to her career, being there from her first training session at age 10 through her travels and fights. His belief in her, even booking flights for the PFL final, made the thought of competing without him seem impossible mentally.
Despite her doubts, she returned to the gym, initially just for physical recovery. Gradually, her passion returned. By November, after full health clearance, training became serious again.
At the beginning of the year, feeling ready to fight again despite family advice to wait, she received an unexpected call from the PFL offering a fight. She saw this as a sign, seizing the opportunity.
Preparing for her PFL debut in Belfast, Luxton is fighting with renewed purpose, driven by everything she almost lost. “I`m not a singer. I`m not a dancer. I`m a fighter,” she stated. She aims for the world championship, dedicating her pursuit to her father`s legacy. She imagines him having the “best seat in the house for free” now and believes she`ll hear his guidance during her fights.
The past year has given her a new perspective on life, and she`s willing to share her story. She even joked that her 2024 could be a movie, suggesting Margot Robbie play her.
