Dariana Cosado

On any given day, the term "knockout female” would apply for you. Yet you literally knock out ladies. Why such aggression?
I used to play sports in high school, especially basketball. I would play pick-up games and work out, and I got bored. I wanted something that was a bit more challenging. So I decided to go into Gleason's [gym] one day, and I just started boxing.

But you're also an aspiring model. Fist-to-face combat seems like a risk even Kate Moss would pass up.
That's another reason I started boxing: I wanted to lose weight. I never even had the intention of competing. I lost the 15 pounds and my coach asked me if I wanted to be in an exhibition, which doesn't go on your record. So I did it, and when I got through the first round, he told me to take it easy on the girl. After that, I kind of caught the bug.

It felt good kicking somebody's ass, huh?
Well, it felt good to be good at kicking ass.

Speaking of ass, Dominicans aren't really known for being svelte. Is your leaner framer a work-related hazard?
I had more curves [before I started boxing]. You don't get to pick and choose where you lose weight, so boxing basically made me lose all those curves I miss so much—a little bit of hips but mostly my behind.

Does your super-physical body training ever get you in the mood?
Honestly, I do feel sexier [because] if I'm in sports gear I'm getting ready to sweat. I like to get down and dirty and play sports, but I also like dresses.