Stepping into the ring for the very first time, an 8-year-old Nayeli Rodriguez felt her body shut down – her knees and elbows shaking. She recalls her father then kissing her forehead to calm her nerves.
What the father-daughter duo did not know was the fight marked the beginning of a boxing dream fueled by hard work and perseverance.
Now, with a 5-0 record, Rodriguez is proving that determination and dedication pave the way to success in the world of boxing. The road to turning professional is not easy for some, but for Rodriguez, the sacrifices, countless hours in the gym, and extensive amateur career with over 100 fights gave her the opportunity for a smooth transition.
Although her amateur record does reflect some losses, there were also significant victories, including winning a national championship in Mexico and being runner-up in the U.S., as well as her participation in the Olympic Trials.
“I have loved this sport ever since I was little, I just had so much passion for it I fell in love with it from the first day,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez broke into the pro boxing world on Aug. 31, 2024, in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico where she won her fight by unanimous decision. Rodriguez said the city holds a special place in her heart because that is where most of her family is from.
“My first professional fight was crazy, the adrenaline was insane,” Rodriguez said. “It was also emotional. My dad kissed my forehead and said, ‘You got this,’ just like he did in my very first fight. I fought and loved it because I was able to fight in front of my family from Juarez and from here too.”
Pondering the decision of going pro in Mexico, Rodriguez said she not only felt that she was given more opportunities to prove herself among the top athletes in her division but felt that more doors have been opening ever since.
“I had a tough route over there. I had to win the regionals at Juarez, then go to state, then go to nationals. All those times I fought the number ones the very first day, and they gave me the win because I won, there was no such thing as favoritism,” Rodriguez said. “They gave me the opportunity and it opened doors for me in the future.”
Being doubted and underestimated did not stop her from being where she is today but it gave her fuel to accomplish bigger things and to want to succeed more and more every day.
“I’m always thankful for all the people who always supported me and most of all, always believed in me, because a lot of people didn’t really have faith in me–didn’t believe in me,” Rodriguez said. “I’m solely accomplishing and getting what I deserve, and I just want to thank all my people for always being by my side and always showing love and support.”
With a recent win under her belt on April 5, Rodriguez continues to build the career she once dreamed of as an 8-year-old in the ring, with her father’s words echoing in her heart. She hopes to return to the ring between May and June — ready to prove herself as a challenging and deserving opponent.
Diego Cruz-Castruita is a staff photographer and can be reached at [email protected] and @dddieggoo11 on Instagram.
