Kauffman's father, Marshall, a former 7–1 amateur boxer who gave up a career to raise the boys, began training his sons from a young age.
After taking some time off from the sport during his upbringing and being sent to local juvenile detention centers, Kauffman returned to an amateur career; at age 15 he won the Middle Atlantic tournament, then was selected for the 2001 junior Olympic team.
At age 17, Kauffman made it to the semifinals of the 2003 National Golden Gloves Super Heavyweight tournament, where he was defeated by 23-year-old Travis Walker.
After compiling a 52–12 amateur record over four years and achieving the number one ranking, Kauffman made his professional debut in 2006.
Kauffman fought Jason Barnett on November 30, 2013, breaking his ribs in the fight but earning a first-round knockout win and the WBU interim heavyweight title.
Kauffman has started to work with trainer Nassim Richardson and has help from Al Cole, a former cruiserweight title holder.
At Santander Arena, in his hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania on September 9, 2016, Kauffman scored a second-round TKO over Josh Gormley.
[3] On March 17, 2017, Kauffman fought Amir Mansour in a Fight of the Year candidate, losing via split decision.