A boxer’s nickname isn’t just a label—it’s an extension of their identity, a symbol that sets them apart inside the ring. Some are flashy and designed to intimidate, while others carry deep personal meaning, reflecting their journey, hometown, or fighting style. Floyd Schofield Jr., the rising star who is set to challenge Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title, has one of the more unique monikers in the sport, ‘Kid Austin.’

But have you ever wondered about the story behind it? How did Schofield come to embrace this distinctive nickname, and what does it represent? As he prepares for the biggest fight of his career on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, let’s take a closer look at the origins and meaning of ‘Kid Austin’—a name that holds more significance than meets the eye.

Why is Floyd Schofield called ‘Kid Austin’?

Floyd Schofield, known as ‘Kid Austin’ in the ring, earned his nickname by reflecting his young age and the city he now calls home. Originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, Schofield faced a tough upbringing before moving to Austin, Texas, where he built his boxing career. The moniker combines ‘Kid,’ highlighting his youthful rise in the sport, with ‘Austin,’ representing his adopted hometown.

Now an undefeated lightweight prospect, Schofield isn’t just fighting for paychecks—he’s chasing a legacy. In a CampHouse feature by Golden Boy Promotions, he emphasized his commitment to greatness over financial gain, distancing himself from fighters he believes are in it for money and clout. With his next fight against Shakur Stevenson, Schofield looks to further cement his place among boxing’s elite. Motivated by the birth of his son, ‘Kid Austin’ continues his journey with hunger, discipline, and a relentless work ethic.

Floyd Schofield’s background and early life

Floyd ‘Kid Austin’ Schofield’s journey to boxing stardom began with a story of resilience and determination. Born on August 27, 2002, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Schofield faced significant hardships early in life. He and his father, Floyd Schofield Sr., spent three years homeless, struggling to make ends meet. “We had to stay in a drug-infested hotel, and I had to pay them just so I could get to work,” Schofield Sr. recalled. “We just worked hard to get out of that predicament.”

Once they found stability, boxing became a central part of their lives. Schofield Sr. trained at a gym daily, bringing his young son along. “That was my therapy, the gym, and I didn’t have money to get a babysitter, so I’d bring the playpen, and he’d sit in the playpen,” he said. But young Schofield had other plans. “Me, I [didn’t] want to be in the playpen; I [wanted] to be out,” he said.

With a stellar amateur record of 180–20, Schofield turned professional in 2020, quickly making a name for himself. “All he ever wanted to do was box,” said his father. “He’d say, ‘Dad, I’m going to be the greatest boxer.'”

That said, Floyd Schofield Jr. has finally received the opportunity to achieve greatness in the sport by fighting Shakur Stevenson. Whether his past struggles, which got him his nickname, helped him get it is yet to be seen. What do you think about his nickname?