Photo Credit: 360 Productions
Last Friday night (March 18, 2024), New York City police officer and esteemed amateur boxer Nisa Rodriguez made a triumphant return to the Madison Square Garden Theater in Manhattan, marking her highly anticipated professional boxing debut with an impressive performance.
Fighting out of Manhattan, Rodriguez delivered a commanding performance, dominating each round and securing a near shutout victory against a determined opponent, Jozette Cotton. The judges unanimously scored the bout in Rodriguez's favor (40-36, 40-36, 39-37) in the four-round contest, which was streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.
“Warming up, it felt like I was back at the golden gloves. I was relaxed, everything felt natural,” Rodriguez remarked. “The support from the crowd was incredible; it felt like half the department was there. This moment has been a long time coming, and I'm honored. I want to express my gratitude to 360 Promotions for taking a chance on me despite my inactivity. I also want to thank my manager, Keith Sullivan, trainer Jimmy Sosa, and my Bronx crew."
“I wish I had started the fight as strong as I finished it, but I injured a knuckle on my right hand in the first round, which affected my performance early on. Transitioning from the amateurs, where headgear is worn for safety, to the professional ranks, where it's not required, was liberating. I'm eager to get back in the gym and continue improving,” Rodriguez added.
Keith Sullivan, Rodriguez's manager, expressed his satisfaction with her performance. “Nisa handled the pressure surrounding her professional debut with composure. Instead of opting for an easy opponent, she faced a tough challenge and demonstrated poise and skill throughout the fight. Nisa's determination to improve is unmatched, and we're already planning her next bout.”
Rodriguez boasts an illustrious amateur career, having clinched numerous titles, including eight New York Daily News Golden Gloves championships, six Metro Championships, and two Empire State and Caribbean and Central Americano gold medals. Her familiarity with the Madison Square Garden Theater, where she has competed in the majority of her fights, contributed to her comfort in her pro debut. Additionally, she has claimed three National Golden Gloves Championship titles.
In her role as a New York City police officer for the past two years, Rodriguez serves in the rapid response unit, specializing in cases involving adolescents and providing support to families affected by homicides.
Sullivan, a former Deputy Commissioner with the New York State Athletic Commission and seasoned boxing lawyer, also manages IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) and Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs). Additionally, he co-manages World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 12-rated welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs), alongside former world middleweight champion Andy Lee.
