By Police1 Staff
LAS VEGAS — Twelve women who have served in law enforcement while making their mark in the boxing world will be honored at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) “Night of the Stars II” event on April 4, 2025, in Las Vegas.
The ceremony, taking place at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, will shine a spotlight on female officers who have demonstrated strength and resilience both in the line of duty and inside the ring. Dubbed the “Women Cops Who Box” honorees, the award recipients include a mix of active and retired law enforcement officers who have balanced careers in policing with their passion for boxing.
The honorees are: Melissa Cooper, Alex Love, Tracy Byrd, Stephanie Han, Terri Moss, Ann Marie Carrizales, Kathy Williams, Kyana Williams, Melanie Costa, Nora Daigle, Nisa Rodriguez and Irma Garcia Tor.
The April 4 event will be a prelude to the official IWBHF induction ceremony on April 5, which will recognize a new class of Hall of Famers from across the globe. This year’s celebration coincides with the WBC Women’s Convention, ensuring a week dedicated to the recognition and advancement of women in boxing.
About the “Women Cops Who Box” honorees
Elia Carranza is a professional boxer with a 10-1-0 (3 KO) record and a deputy with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Carranza has emphasized her goal of breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. “As a law enforcement officer, I want to show that women can excel, just as I have in boxing,” she said.
Melanie Costa, a full-time police officer in Norton, Massachusetts, is known in the boxing world as “The Pit Bull.” Costa, 30, balances her law enforcement duties with training and competition. “I love the job and enjoy the challenge of encountering new situations and meeting new people,” she said.
Ann Marie Carrizales has built a career in both boxing and law enforcement, earning numerous awards in policing and military service. A survivor of a violent encounter in which she was shot in the face and chest, Carrizales continued to pursue the suspects despite her injuries. She also made history as the first woman to represent the Marine Corps in amateur boxing and is a member of the All-Marine Boxing Hall of Fame.
Kyana Williams, a Providence Police officer and recent bronze medalist in amateur boxing, has overcome significant challenges. Before becoming an officer, she was shot during a home invasion. “Police work requires you to be comfortable making uncomfortable decisions for other people,” Williams said. She views law enforcement as an opportunity to build trust within the community.
Kathy Williams, a retired world champion, transitioned from professional boxing to coaching and officiating. She also served as a police officer, working in areas such as cybercrime and child exploitation. From 2019 until her retirement in 2023, she trained new recruits at the Ontario Police College. Williams was inducted into the Northwestern Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Tracy Byrd, a retired multi-world champion and former police officer from Michigan, was one of the first women to headline an all-female boxing card on pay-per-view. She became Flint, Michigan’s first female world champion and was inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022. Byrd credits her boxing career with opening doors for future generations of female fighters.
Stephanie Han, an undefeated professional boxer (8-0-0, 2 KO), is also a police officer in Texas. She will be honored alongside her sister, Jennifer Han, who will be inducted into the IWBHF the following night.
Alex Love, a decorated boxer who competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials, turned professional after a successful amateur career and later became a police officer in Colorado. She also served in the U.S. Army and was recognized with an Army Commendation Medal for her role in the World Class Athlete Program.
Terri Moss, a retired multi-world champion and 2015 IWBHF inductee, began her career as a campus police officer before moving into local law enforcement, where she specialized in narcotics investigations. She later transitioned to boxing promotion and now organizes events in Georgia.
Melinda Cooper, a retired world champion and Las Vegas police officer, turned professional at age 17 after an impressive amateur career. She was inducted into the IWBHF in 2020 and continues to be a role model for aspiring female fighters.
Nora Daigle, a former professional boxer, retired from law enforcement after 20 years with the Parliamentary Protective Service. She was on the front lines during the 2014 Parliament Hill attack and previously fought professionally across North America.
Nisa Rodriguez, a former teacher and accomplished amateur boxer, has won eight New York Daily News Golden Gloves titles and multiple regional championships. Now a New York City police officer, she works in a rapid response unit specializing in juvenile crime and supporting homicide victims’ families.
Irma “Tornado” Garcia Tor, a professional boxer with more than 28 fights, is currently ranked No. 3 in the world. In addition to her boxing career, she has been an advocate against discrimination and violence toward women in Mexico.
For more information about the event, visit IWBHF’s website.
