Last Friday, under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden Theater, Nisa Rodriguez, a New York City police officer with a trove of amateur trophies, stepped into the professional ring with confidence. The celebrated return to a familiar battleground marked Rodriguez’s first foray into the professional ranks, a transition she navigated with the ease of a seasoned vet.
Rodriguez, a Manhattan native, delivered a performance that nearly swept the scorecards, securing a unanimous decision victory (40-36 X 2, 39-37) over Jozette Cotton. The event, part of the St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebrations and broadcasted live on UFC Fight Pass, showcased Rodriguez’s dominance in the ring from the opening bell.
Reflecting on her professional debut, Rodriguez admitted, “It felt like a flashback to my golden gloves days. I was in my element, calm and collected. The turnout was incredible; it felt like the entire police force came out to support.” She added a touch of humor, “It’s been a long time in the making, and I have to tip my hat to 360 Promotions for rolling the dice on me after a bit of a hiatus.”
Despite a slight hiccup in the first round where she injured a knuckle, Rodriguez didn’t let it deter her. “I had to hold back initially, but once I got into the rhythm, there was no stopping. And let me tell you, ditching the headgear felt liberating. I’m already itching to get back to training.”
The corner supporting Rodriguez was nothing short of stellar, with the likes of Mina Yoshida, IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida, and the prolific Amanda Serrano, alongside Keith Sullivan, her manager and NYC-based legal eagle.
Sullivan, wearing his manager’s hat with pride, commented, “We didn’t take the easy route for Nisa’s debut, and she rose to the occasion magnificently. She’s already gearing up for the next challenge. We barely had time to celebrate before we started planning her next fight.”
Rodriguez’s amateur career was nothing short of impressive, with numerous titles to her name, many of which were claimed at Madison Square Garden Theater, making her professional debut on familiar ground feel like a homecoming.
Balancing her boxing career with her duties as a police officer, Rodriguez is part of a rapid response unit focusing on youth-related crimes and supporting families affected by homicide, showcasing her dedication both inside and outside the ring.
Sullivan, with a portfolio that includes managing champions and contenders, is no stranger to nurturing talent. His roster includes names like Miyo Yoshida and heavyweight hopeful Pryce Taylor, along with co-managing Paddy Donovan, a force in the welterweight division.