NEW YORK CITY – Undefeated professional boxer Brooklyn “The Big Deal” Barwick is preparing for the biggest fight of her career as she challenges for the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) Female Americas Featherweight Championship this Thursday night, February 26, at El Polideportivo in Ensanche Isabelita, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The 26-year-old Barwick, originally from Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, California, now represents Manhattan in the professional ranks. She enters the bout with a perfect 4-0 record, all four victories coming by first-round knockout. Two additional South American wins are currently pending official recognition.
Barwick will face Dominican hometown favorite Grecia Novas Mateo (19-32-4, 10 KOs) in a six-round title contest with historic implications.
Fighting for More Than a Title
For Barwick, this opportunity represents far more than championship gold.
“This fight means everything to me because it represents survival, faith, and redemption,” Barwick explained. “Boxing and religion saved me during my darkest moments. And every step forward since then has been guided by Him. I carry the strength of the Jewish people with me into the ring, and I want the world to understand that we are far stronger than they think. Before I went pro, I was jumped in the streets and relentlessly cyber-bullied, it broke me. I went into hibernation: off social media, out of the public eye, and quietly rebuilt myself when no one was watching. Boxing became the place where I gained confidence and proved that I am not someone to be played with.”
Barwick’s father is Jewish, and she is currently completing her Orthodox Jewish conversion. She is recognized as the only female Jewish professional boxer in the United States and one of just two worldwide. A victory on February 26 would make her the first female Jewish professional boxer to win a professional boxing title.
A Historic Moment in the Making
Barwick understands the magnitude of the moment ahead of her.
“This fight is historic,” Barwick added. “I’m on the verge of becoming the first Jewish woman to bring home a professional boxing title, and that responsibility fuels me every single day. I know exactly what I bring into the ring: discipline, resilience, and an unbreakable will. A win on February 26th changes everything for my career and cements my place on the world stage. More than that, it aligns with where I’m headed spiritually. I am in the process of completing my Orthodox Jewish conversation, and I’m fighting not just for a belt, but to officially stand as part of Am Yisrael. This title isn’t just a victory; it’s a declaration of who I am and what I survived.”
Training and Team
Barwick trains at the New York City Cops and Kids gym in Brooklyn under the guidance of trainer Jimmy Sosa. She is managed by Sullivan Management.
Her manager emphasized her work ethic and preparation:
“Brooklyn takes enormous pride in representing Jewish boxing,” Sullivan commented, “but what really sets her apart is the work she puts in every day. She’s prepared, focused, and ready to make a statement in this fight.”
Sullivan, a former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, also manages several notable fighters including undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (11-0, 7 KOs), three-time, two-division world champion Miyo Yoshida (18-5), Bronx NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez (4-1, 2 KOs), Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs), and lightweight Fei Faiva (6-0-1, 4 KOs). He also co-manages IBF Welterweight World title challenger Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) and middleweight Jim Donovan (2-0, 1 KO) alongside coach and former world champion Andy Lee.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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