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.”
