Women’s boxing will be introduced as a sport at the Summer Olympics in London this year, and the United States will have at least one representative.

Marlen Esparza, 22, became the first American female boxer to qualify for the summer games this week, according to the New York Times.

Esparza, who is from Houston, defeated Luu Thi Duyen of Vietnam on Tuesday to earn her Olympic berth, the Times reports.

Two other female boxers from the U.S. – Quanitta Underwood, 28, and Claressa Shields, 17 – were eliminated from the qualifying tournament, the Women’s World Boxing Championships, which are being held in China this week. However, they may still be eligible for a spot in the Summer Olympics, based on the decision of an international commission in the upcoming weeks, according to the Times.

Women’s boxing will feature three weight divisions in the Olympics: featherweight (112 pounds), lightweight (132 pounds) and middleweight (165 pounds), as opposed to the 10 divisions in men’s boxing. Esparza will compete in the featherweight category.

Local pride is on the line again this year as law enforcement officers from across San Diego prepare to enter the ring on Saturday, May19, 2012, as part of the 10th annual Barona Battle of the Badges charity boxing event. The event will be held at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino in Lakeside, CA. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children, 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling (619) 474-2922

Last year’s winning team, Team Unified, included (L to R) Gabrielle Nasworthy, David Rodriguez, Gabrielle Romero and Carlos Hernandez shown here posing with their coaches and the coveted trophy.

Over 700 fight fans showed up to watch Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and Military fighters battle it out for charity at the Alameda Battle of the Badges Saturday night. A mix of Boxing, MMA and Kickboxing made up the 11 bout fight card.  The proceeds from the event supported the California Narcotics Officers Memorial Fund, SMF, NEFA and the California Narcotic Officers Association Reg. 1.

The night started off with two fighters who were anxious to get it on. As soon as the bell rang Omar Salem, Napa P.D. and David Lloyd, Alameda P.D. (195lbs) went at it. Salem came out like a sharp shooter with his one-two punch combo. Lloyd fought tough but did not have an answer to avoid Salem’s punches. Lloyd suffered two knockdowns before the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Salem, winner 1^st rd TKO.

Bout 2, (150lbs) Anthony Carrasco, Palo Alto P.D. vs. Lou Strickland, Dept of Homeland Security. This fight would go the distance but it would not be easy for either fighter. Carrasco made Strickland fight every second of every round. Carrasco kept Strickland in his range and threw punches in bunches. Strickland didn’t give any ground and kept a good defense and landed solid counters. Carrasco, winner by decision.

Bout 3, (Kickboxing) John Kaanehe, Alameda P.D. vs Chris Mercado, Oakland Fire Dept. Kaanehe came out strong the first round and seemed to be on his way to an easy victory. Between rounds Mercado listened to his corner and turned the tide by being more aggressive with his punches and kicks. Mercardo, winner by decision.

Bout 4, Kickboxing Johnny Pena, San Benito S.D. vs Wale Forrester, Oakland F.D. First 2 rounds were very close. Forrester had a little more left in the tank in the 3^rd round to pull out a close decision win.

Bout 5, MMA (200lbs) Gene Gabriel, San Francisco P.D. vs Josh Webb, CHP, San Jose. Both guys showed good skills on the ground and standing. Webb was able to secure an arm bar right before the bell sounded to end the 1^st round. Webb winner 1^st round Arm Bar.

Bout 6, (180lbs) James Allen USCG San Francisco vs Jesse Peters, USCG Alameda. There was no feeling out period in this one, it was kill or be killed.  Allen landed the harder shot first and that was all it took. Allen winner 1^st rd TKO.

Bout 7, (165lbs) Adam Ward, Oakland Housing Auth P.D. vs. Gino Sanchez, Hayward P.D. After an action packed 1^st round and over hand right thrown by Ward that put Sanchez down, everyone knew they were in for a treat. The 2^nd round was very close with both fighters having their moments. Ward found a home for his right hand in the 3^rd round to seal the victory.

Bout 8, Kickboxing Brian Everett, Napa Co. Correction vs Greg Smith, Monterey Co. Corrections.  Everett outworked Smith to get the decision win.

Bout 9, (155lbs) Daniele McCollum, San Jose P.D. vs Janean Reynolds, CHP San Jose. This was the fight everyone was waiting for and for good reason. These ladies battled in the trenches for 3 solid rounds. The only break they took was when the bell sounded to end the round. McCollum showed a little more experience with her slips, counters and bodywork to claim the win.

Bout 10, (175lbs) UCA 4^th ranked Jerry Ribeira, Oakland Housing Auth P.D. vs Mike Hagen, CHP, San Jose. It was the sweet science at it’s best. Crisp combinations, footwork, balance, head movement, angles and bodywork. Rebeira edged this one out to claim the decision victory.

Bout 11, 210lbs Main Event. Michael Froseca, Alameda Co. S.D. vs Ramon Jackson, Dept of Vetrans Affairs Police. 1^st round was even due to a lot of feeling out.  In the 2^nd round Jackson landed a solid right hand that stumbled Froseca. In the 3^rd Jackson found his rhythm and timing to secure the win.

RIBEIRA TALKS TO SR: BATTLE OF THE BADGES ON COAST GUARD ISLAND, MAY 12

THE UCA #4 RANKED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT STEPS UP IN WEIGHT

Alameda Battle of the Badges this Saturday night.  3^rd Annual Charity Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA Event at the Alameda Coast Guard Island. Seven boxing matches, three kickboxing and two MMA fights.  All Fire Service, Law Enforcement, and Corrections fighters. Tickets are $20.00. Fights start at 7pm. Proceeds to benefit

The Cordova Girls Softball season has started and the Lady Ballers are back. They are not the original Lady Ballers, they are the new generation Lady Ballers.  The girls are only 8yrs old so I still consider them Baby Ballers. The original Lady Ballers started as 10 year olds in 2006. And for 6 years the team dominated, beating older teams, and winning many tournaments and championships. Those ladies have now moved on to play high school softball and other sports. The Baby Ballers are here to take their place. The girls have big shoes to fill but they will be getting help from their older sisters who played on the original Ballers. Coaching team sports, the talent pool comes in waves. In 2006 the wave of talent that came through Cordova Girls softball was a wave of speed, athleticism, drive, heart, and attitude. When the Lady Ballers stepped onto the field together there was chemistry and a trust between the players that made them unbeatable. It was an honor and privilege to coach the Lady Ballers for all those years.  As I look to the younger generation of Lady Ballers I hope for them what I had with my team. The UCA supports and wishes the 8U Lady Ballers much success this season and the seasons to come.

Single done by Darden, Vallejo P.D. as a tribute to the annual Peace Officer Memorial Unity Ride. Thousands of officers ride bicycles from New Jersey to Washington DC to raise money for the Peace Officer Memorial Museum located in Washington DC. The ride is also dedicated to the fallen brothers and sisters who were killed in the line of duty. Please take a moment to listen.

http://youtu.be/InY92cZjh8s

The March 31^st Battle of the Badges Event was an action packed evening with some incredible fights. On most nights, the fight of the night honors would have gone to Dozier Vs. Kim, Williams Vs.Woienski or McDonald vs. Heredia. But very few could have expected the fireworks they witnessed from two fighters who were stepping into the ring for the first time. Nelly Mendoza, Fresno P.D. vs. Jodi Brown, Sacramento P.D. will go down in UCA history as one of the best fights of the year. What a fight it was. The excitement built with every round and the audience could tell they were watching something special. These fighters gave all they had, going back and forth, with endless energy. Just when you thought the fight was going one way it would swing back in favor of the other fighter. The high endurance, determination, heart and warrior spirit these ladies showed is certainly worthy of the Fight of the Night Honors they received March 31^st. It is with great pleasure to award these fighters the UCA Fight of the Night award.