Photo Credit: BoxingScene
On March 4th, 2024 in New York City, Miyo Yoshida, the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight World Champion with a record of 17 wins and 4 losses, and no knockouts, has recently inked a management deal with New York-based attorney Keith Sullivan.
At 35 years old, Yoshida boasts an impressive resume, having secured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight titles twice in 2019 and 2021. Originally from Japan, she made the move to Manhattan last year and now trains at the renowned Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, under the banner of DiBella Entertainment.
Yoshida's signing with Sullivan adds another layer of expertise to her corner. Sullivan, renowned for his legal prowess and impeccable reputation, comes highly recommended to Yoshida. Speaking about the partnership, Yoshida expressed confidence in Sullivan's ability to elevate her career:
"Keith Sullivan is an excellent lawyer with an undisputed reputation. I believe that he will be able to advance my career forward by becoming my manager. He was highly recommended, and I am happy he is part of Team Miyo. It will also broaden the scope of my career."
Sullivan also shared his admiration for Yoshida, highlighting her remarkable journey both inside and outside the ring: "Miyo is a great story on many levels, both in and out of the ring," Sullivan commented. "She was a single mom in a foreign country coming off a tough loss, took that fight on two weeks’ notice, and dominated her way to another World title. She has a lot of fight still in her. It’s an honor to work with someone as professional and respectful as Miyo."
Yoshida's most recent triumph came in December, when she stepped in on short notice to face defending IBF bantamweight champion Ebanie Bridges in San Francisco. Despite the odds stacked against her, Yoshida delivered a masterful performance, securing a dominant 10-round unanimous decision victory over Bridges.
Reflecting on her career-defining win, Yoshida expressed her determination to continue pushing herself: "Without a doubt, this match was my greatest career achievement," she said. "I want to get stronger than I am now and continue to be a great champion."
Beyond her achievements in the ring, Yoshida is celebrated as a role model in her native Japan, where she is affectionately known as the "Fighting Single Mother." Her success both as an athlete and as a parent earned her the 2023 Most Inspirational Female Fighter award from The Ring magazine.
Looking ahead, Yoshida aims to inspire the next generation of fighters: "Many senior Japanese women have paved the way for me without giving up," she remarked. "I would like to follow in their footsteps and pave the way for my juniors."
Yoshida's journey to boxing began a decade ago when she moved from Kagoshima, Japan, to Hawaii to pursue kickboxing. After dabbling in kickboxing and MMA, she transitioned to boxing at the age of 26. Despite a hiatus from the sport to care for her daughter, Mina, Yoshida made a triumphant return, turning professional at 28 and carving out a successful career in boxing.
In addition to managing Yoshida, Sullivan also oversees the careers of other promising fighters, including Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor, standout amateur Nisa Rodriguez, and reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland, Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan.
