NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez shines in pro boxing debut

NEW YORK CITY (March 18, 2024) – New York City police officer and decorated amateur boxer Nisa Rodriguez returned home last Friday night to the scene of many of her amateur victories, Madison Square Garden Theater in Manhattan, and the gifted, popular super middleweight turned in an auspicious pro boxing debut.

Rodriguez, fighting out of Manhattan, pitched a near shutout, winning each round on all but one of the judges’ scorecards enroute to a four-round unanimous decision (40-36 X 2, 39-37) over an outclassed yet game Jozette Cotton on 360 Promotions’ St. Patrick’s Day weekend event streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.

“When I was warming up,” Rodriguez said, “it felt like the golden gloves all over again. I was really relaxed, and everything felt normal. There were so many people there (supporting her), half the (police) department must have been there. It was a long time coming. It was an honor. 360 Promotions took a risk because I hadn’t been active. I want to thank my manager, Keith Sullivan, trainer Jimmy Sosa, and the Bronx crew.

“I wish I started the fight like I ended it, but I hurt a knuckle on my right hand in the first round, and I didn’t let my hand go until later in the fight. Headgear is used in the amateurs to protect the fighter, but I really enjoyed fighting without it because it can be an annoyance, especially for females. I’m ready to go back in the gym yesterday.”

SUPPORTING NISA RODRIGUEZ (L-R) – Mina Yoshida and her mother, IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida, 9-time, 7-division world champion Amanda Serrano, and Nisa and Miyo’s manager, NYC-based attorney Keith Sullivan (photo courtesy of Sullivan Management)

“I am really pleased with her performance,” Sullivan remarked. “For months there has been a lot of noise or hype around this pro debut, and she handled it all in stride. I didn’t pull the typical manager move for a debit and get her a warm body that would go down in one round. Nisa knew she had a tough opponent, but she stayed poised and boxed well. There are always things to improve on, and I’ve never seen a fighter more eager to get back in the gym to grind and work on those things than Nisa. We already are in talks for her next fight. My work on that literally started 10-minutes after Nisa’s hand was raised victoriously Friday night.”

As an elite amateur boxer, Rodriguez was an eight-time New York Daily News Golden Gloves, six-time Metro Championships, two-time Empire State and Caribbean and Central Americano gold medalist. The large majority of these fights were held at Madison Square Garden Theater, so Nisa felt comfortable fighting at home in her pro debut. She also captured three National Golden Gloves Championship titles.

A NYC police officer for two years, Rodriguez is stationed citywide for the rapid response unit, specializing in any crimes that involve adolescents, and supporting families of homicides.

Sullivan, a former Deputy Commissioner with the New York State Athletic Commission, and longtime boxing lawyer, also manages IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) and Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs), in addition to co-managing World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 12-rated welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs), the reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee.

TEAM RODRIGUEZ (L-R) – Sergiy Korchynsky, Jimmy Sosa, manager Keith Sullivan, Nisa Rodriguez and Aurillano Sosa

(Photo courtesy of 360 Promotions)

INFORMATION

Instagram: @Sweet_destruction

Facebook: /NisaRodriguez




Attorney Keith Sullivan Signs Amateur boxing star Nisa Rodriguez

 

NEW YORK CITY (March 11, 2024) – New York City-based lawyer Keith Sullivan has announced his signing of amateur boxing star Nisa Rodriguez to an exclusive managerial contract.

The 33-year-old Rodriguez is a New York City police officer, and former NYC teacher who has captured three National Golden Gloves Championship titles. She is also an eight-time New York Daily News Golden Gloves, six-time Metro Championships, two-time Empire State and Caribbean and Central Americano gold medalist.

Rodriguez is scheduled to make her pro debut this Friday night (March 15) at home in the Madison Square Garden Theater on a 360 Promotions card in a four-round bout versus Jozette Cotton (0-3-1), who is unbeaten in three bare knuckle fights.

“I decided to go professional now,” Rodriguez explained, “mainly due to my son who said he would like to see me go for some world titles now that he’s competing himself at the age of 14. I was set on focusing on my career with the police department, but I saw what boxing has done to inspire and teach other women. So, I’m hoping we can encourage more women to learn the sweet science. My pro debut feels like a homecoming. I’ve grown up at the Mecca of Boxing, where I watched my first Daily News Golden Gloves, and the following year won the title there at the age of 17, the youngest in my division. Fast forward seven more Golden Gloves and many other titles, I’m honored to have my debut where it all started.

“I signed with Keith because we had an opportunity to speak about what is expected from one another and given his track record with helping young amateur kids and reputation for being trustworthy. I utilize help at-risk adolescence I encounter in my line of work and through the Cops and Kids gym– it felt secure and reassuring. I have the utmost confidence he will assist me in my future professional career.”

Rodriguez has been a NYC police officer for two years, stationed citywide for the rapid response unit, specializing in any crimes that involve adolescents and supporting families of homicides.

Sullivan also manages Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs), in addition to co-managing World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 13-rated welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs), the reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee.

“My mother was a teacher, my father was a cop, so putting aside Nisa’s incredible amateur career, I liked how she was living her life,” Sullivan commented. “She is a guiding force for kids who need a good role model. For me, it was a no-brainer based on her character. Combine that with her boxing talent, well, let’s just say I am excited for her future.”

INFORMATION

Instagram: @Sweet_destruction

Facebook: /NisaRodriguez




QUOTES: 360 PROMOTIONS NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE

New York, NY (February 6, 2024) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions held a New York City Press Conference on Monday in Mid-Town Manhattan to formally announce the highly anticipated return of The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, Cork, Ireland native ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs), to The Theater at Madison Square Garden against hard-hitting Kazak, Dauren Yeleussinov, 

(11-3-1, 10 KOs), in the ten-round headline clash. The bout is sanctioned for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title as part of a huge St. Patrick’s Day Weekend event on Friday, March 15.

Additional top New York City based undercard fighters also being introduced to the large media contingent in attendance included Undefeated Super Lightweight Prospect, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati, (15-0, 7 KOs), Super Lightweight Contender, Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin, (27-1, 23 KOs), Light Heavyweight Contender, Derrick ‘Take it to The Bank’ Webster, (29-4-1, 14 KOs), and Pro Debuting, Eight-Time New York City Golden Gloves Champion, Super Welterweight Nisa Rodriguez. Also, in attendance was Promoter Lou DiBella, representing light heavyweight ‘Irish’ Joe Ward, (10-1, 6 KO).

Below are quotes from the participants;

‘King’ Callum Walsh

“I want to thank everyone for being here again today. It’s great to be back here in New York and like I told everybody at the last fight I’d be back soon. I’m ready to put on another exciting fight and show even more of what I can do on March 15. The Irish will definitely be out in force for this show. I’m only 22 years old and this is my second time headlining at Madison Square Garden and I look forward to making it my second home. Many thanks to Tom Loeffler, Dana White and my trainer Freddie Roach for all their support.”

Reshat Mati

“Thanks very much to Tom Loeffler and 360 Promotions for this opportunity. The 140lb. division is the most stacked division and my game here is to fight and win. The Albanians will also be in the house on March 15 and I’ll be ready to put on a great show for everyone.”

Cletus Seldin

“Finally, I’m back at Madison Square Garden. I’m excited and going to show the best version of ‘The Hebrew Hammer’. I’m 27-1 with 23 knockouts and ranked #9 in the world by the WBA. If there’s ever been a time for a Jew in New York City to be fighting at the Garden it’s now. On March 15, Irish crowd, Jewish crowd; were ready to rock and roll.”

Derrick Webster

“Thanks very much for the opportunity. This is a great card to be a part of. I’m 16-17 years in the game and never turned down a fight. I’m going to have a world championship level training camp. I know Joe will come ready and I’ll definitely come ready on March 15.”

Nisa Rodriguez

“I want to thank everyone for helping make this happen. It’s a pleasure to be back where it all started for me in the amateurs. The first time I fought at Madison Square Garden I was 17 years old and I’m very happy to make my pro debut there.”

Tom Loeffler

“Since we announced this event, I’ve had a wealth of promoters, managers and fighters who want to be part of March 15, the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and we’re very happy to have the opportunity to work with these select fighters for the added value they bring to the show.”

“It’s great to be promoting back at Madison Square Garden, The Mecca of Boxing. Ever since I managed Kevin Kelley in the late 90’s at MSG I realized the value of fighting at the Garden. Anytime we can promote at Madison Square Garden, it’s a golden opportunity.”

“I also want to give a big shout out to Dana White and UFC FIGHT PASS for all their support of 360 Promotions and Callum Walsh.”

Lou DiBella

“This is a really great event and really important to keep up our tradition of having a great show on St. Patrick’s Day. This is a card that’s set up in a tremendous manner. It’s great to see Nisa here, a New York City Police Officer, Reshat who has the talent to become a star in boxing and Cletus who’s like the Engelbert Humperdinck of boxing. Derrick Webster is the toughest opponent Joe Ward has fought. It’s time for Joe to step up and that’s why we made the fight.”

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The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, Undefeated ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs), of Cork, Ireland will battle on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, Friday, March 15 against hard-hitting Kazak veteran Dauren Yeleussinov, (11-3-1, 10 KOs) in the ten-round main event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast live globally on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. The fight will be contested for the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title.

Walsh vs. Yeleussinov is promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions as part of their nationally acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series. Tickets starting at $45 can be purchased at MSG.com.

Popular Irish light heavyweight Joe Ward, (10-1, 6 KOs), of Moate, Ireland will make his return to Madison Square Garden against battle-tested veteran Derrick ‘Take it to the Bank’ Webster, (29-4-1, 14 KOs’) of Glassboro, New Jersey on the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Event. He hits the ring following a second-round stoppage of Prince Oko Nartey on November 18, 2023 in Letterkenny, Ireland. This will be Ward’s fifth fight at Madison Square Garden including wins over Frederic Julan, Britton Norwood, and Tory Williams. The upset minded Webster looks to bounce back into the win column following a split decision draw against Christopher Pearson on August 26, 2023 in Atlantic City, NJ.

‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati, (14-0, 8 KOs), will put his undefeated record on the line in a super lightweight contest. Fighting out of Staten Island, New York, the 25-year-old Mati returns to The Theater at Madison Square Garden ring following a ninth-round knockout of Dakota Linger on June 23, 2023. This will be his fifth fight inside the famed venue.

Long Island fan favorite, super lightweight Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin, (27-1, 23 KOs) will make his long-awaited return to Madison Square Garden. Most recently Seldin knocked out Patrick Okine on October 10, 2023 in the sixth round at Sony Hall in New York City. The all-action Seldin is currently on a six-bout winning streak with all victories coming by stoppage.

Irish super featherweight prospect Feargal McCrory, (15-0, 7 KOs), will also see action. Fighting on the Callum Walsh – Ismael Villarreal November 9 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden undercard, the Coalisland, Ireland native won a six round unanimous decision over Nikolai Buzolin.

Additionally, super welterweight contender Brian Ceballo, (16-1, 8 KOs), returns on the March 15 event. The popular Puerto Rican native has won three fights in a row including a fourth-round stoppage of Kenneth McNeil on November 9, 2023 on the Callum Walsh – Ismael Villarreal undercard. The victory was his fourth fight at Madison Square Garden.

Eight-time New York City Golden Gloves Champion and NYC Police Officer Nisa Rodriguez will make her professional debut in a four round women’s super-welterweight bout.




360 PROMOTIONS: JOE WARD, FEARGAL MCCRORY, RASHAT MATI, CLETUS SELDIN, BRIAN CEBALLO AND NISA RODRIGUEZ ADDED TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEKEND EVENT FRIDAY MARCH 15 IN THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

New York, NY (February 1, 2024) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has announced the addition of numerous top New York City fan favorites to the highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Weekend event on Friday, March 15 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast live globally on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

The March 15 event is headlined by The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, Undefeated ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs), of Cork, Ireland clashing with hard-hitting Kazak veteran Dauren Yeleussinov, (11-3-1, 10 KOs) in a scheduled ten rounder for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title.

The St. Patrick’s Day Weekend eventis presented as part of 360 Promotions’ nationally acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series. Tickets starting at $45 can be purchased at MSG.com.

“When we announced Callum’s return to the Mecca of Boxing I received a wealth of phone calls from many promoters, managers and fighters who wanted to be part of this event,” said Tom Loeffler. “We’re excited to add many of the most popular and talented New York City based fighters for what will be an outstanding night of entertainment on March 15.”

“Tickets are moving very well since they went on-sale last week and I strongly encourage fans to act quickly to ensure entry on fight night.”

Popular Irish light heavyweight Joe Ward, (10-1, 6 KOs), of Moate, Ireland will make his return to Madison Square Garden on the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Event. He hits the ring following a second-round stoppage of Prince Oko Nartey on November 18, 2023 in Letterkenny, Ireland. This will be Ward’s fifth fight at Madison Square Garden including wins over Frederic Julan, Britton Norwood, and Tory Williams.

Irish super featherweight prospect Feargal McCrory, (15-0, 7 KOs), will also see action. Fighting on the Callum Walsh – Ismael Villarreal November 9 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden undercard, the Coalisland, Ireland native won a six round unanimous decision over Nikolai Buzolin.

‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati, (14-0, 8 KOs), will put his undefeated record on the line in a super lightweight contest. Fighting out of Staten Island, New York, the 25-year-old Mati returns to The Theater at Madison Square Garden ring following a ninth-round knockout of Dakota Linger on June 23, 2023. This will be his fifth fight inside the famed venue.

Also added is longtime Long Island fan favorite, super lightweight Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer Seldin, (27-1, 23 KOs). Most recently Seldin knocked out Patrick Okine on October 10, 2023 in the sixth round at Sony Hall in New York City. The all-action Seldin is currently on a six-bout winning streak with all victories coming by stoppage.

Additionally, super welterweight contender Brian Ceballo, (16-1, 8 KOs), returns on the March 15 event. The popular Puerto Rican native has won three fights in a row including a fourth-round stoppage of Kenneth McNeil on November 9, 2023 on the Callum Walsh – Ismael Villarreal undercard. The victory was his fourth fight at Madison Square Garden.

Rounding out the announcements, New York City Police Officer Nisa Rodriguez will make her professional debut in a four round women’s middleweight bout.

Additional information on these fights will be announced shortly.