Williams has a clear athletic advantage over her opponent Sparks, LASD. Williams is a well-rounded accomplished athlete who played short stop as a freshman for Cal State Fullerton, played professional baseball and football.  On the surface Williams seems sweet and nice with an infectious smile, don’t be fooled, deep down she is a beast. As a top level athlete you cannot compete at the level she competed at without being a competitor. Williams is a grinder who knows how to win and expects to win.  When Williams was having trouble finding an opponent she asked if she could fight a man. If the CSAC and USA Boxing would have allowed it she would have done it. Williams has relinquished her number 1 welterweight ranking and has jumped up four weight classes to take on the #1 ranked Super Middleweight Sparks for the State Championship Title.

Sparks clear advantage aside from natural given ability is her stable-mates and coaches. She trains everyday with some of the best Public Safety fighters in the state and the best coaches as well in Mike Young, Hank Nagamine and Al Fraijo who are accomplished boxers themselves.    Sparks is another one of those fighters who comes off sweet and nice but don’t let her friendly demeanor fool you. She is a warrior who takes no mercy on her opponents.  Sparks suffered her first defeat to Williams April 20, 2013. On May 24, 2013 Sparks plans on returning the favor by giving the 5-0 Williams the first defeat of her career.  Sparks is full of confidence and she will have the city of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. behind her when she steps into the ring Friday night.

Its official Julie “J-Cat” Williams, CDCR San Quentin and Stephanie “Motor City” Sparks, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. will headline the first Female UCA State Championship Title Fight May 24, 2013, at the Los Angeles Battle of the Badges Event held at the Quiet Cannon, in Montebello Calif.

Williams and Sparks engaged in an all-out war April 20, 2013. After slugging it out for three rounds it was up to the judges to decide whose hand would be raised.  Williams was awarded the win by split decision, prompting Sparks coach Mike Young to ask the judges to double check the score cards. The scores were correct and a rematch was immediately agreed upon by both camps. The fight was very close and could have gone either way. Here is where the famous line comes in, “Never leave it in the hands of the judges.” This time both fighters are determined to handle the decision themselves.  Fight fans can expect another war when these lady warriors step into the ring for the second time May 24, 2013.

The UCA “Fight of the Night” honors are given to a fighter who has a strong will and is willing to leave their comfort zone and lay it all on the line. On April 20, 2013 Sparks, LASD, Williams, CDCR, Burkhart, CDCR,  and Mirage, LAPD  did just that. They stepped into the ring with the mentality “Destroy or be destroyed.”  The thought of getting hurt is an afterthought – a black eye, a cut, a bloody nose is just another warriors wound in this life of gladiators. Sparks, Williams, Burkhart, and Mirage took a stand; laid it all on the line and it’s what defined them as fighters.  Congratulations to these four fighters for winning “UCA Fight of the Night.”

Justin Fortune fought professionally for over 20 years and had 29 professional fights including the World Championship against Lennox Lewis in 1995 have earned him recognition in the boxing world. He trained in Australia with Johnny Lewis (also trained World Champions Jeff Fenech, Jeff Harding and Kostya Tszyu) and then upon arrival in America, joined up with Freddie Roach. Before boxing, Fortune was the Australian Powerlifting Champion in 1987, squatting 365kg as a 110kg junior. Fortune’s experience combined with his unique body conditioning expertise makes him one of the most sought after trainers today. Fortune has trained World Champions that include Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquaio, Israel Vasquez, James Toney, Brian Villoria and Johnny Bredhal. Fortune and his team are building a new stable with some up and coming professional contenders in both boxing and mixed martial arts.

Also a trained Chef, Fortune’s complete understanding of nutrition helps his fighters maintain a healthy lifestyle that keeps them in top shape for their fights. Fortune also specializes in body conditioning and weight management. His training continually changes to shock the body into a present state. Justin’s workouts are known to push Champions to their limits. Muscle and Fitness says “Fortune takes men to the point where they’re sure they can’t possibly continue and then he has them work harder.” For more information on Fortune Gym please visit www.fortunegym.com

The LA Battle of the Badges presents Repeat or Revenge May 24, 2013 at the Quiet Cannon featuring three exciting rematches. Headlining the card will be the most anticipated female fight in Public Safety boxing history.  #1 ranked Julie “J-Cat” Williams, CDCR San Quentin Prison will put her undefeated record on the line when she takes on Stephanie “Motor City” Sparks Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. for the UCA Super Middleweight State Championship Title.  In the Co Main event Heavyweight Craig Hamblin, CDCR Solano Prison looks for vindication against 10th ranked Mike Hernandez, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. who won a close decision in their first battle.   Rounding out the rematches will  be Jr. Middleweight prospect 7th ranked Chris Martinez, Avenal PD squaring off with hard hitting hometown favorite 6th ranked Brandon Manning, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.

Below is an excerpt from an email sent by Sarge Dreamland Boxing Gym, San Jose (Coach of Light Heavyweight Champion Matt Wurdinger) to Mike Barragan after the UCA Championship Title fight on April 20, 2013.

“We wanted to thank you for taking the fight on such short notice. I was able to see one of your videos before the fight, and saw what an excellent boxer you are. I couldn’t find anything wrong. Your boxing skills are excellent, so my instructions to Matt were “don’t let him breathe”! Your courage and heart are those of a champion. There were no losers in that fight. Your hand speed and combos are really excellent, plus I would be very proud to have been in your corner.”

“I see that you are a former Marine and if I’d known that from the gate – I probably wouldn’t have taken the fight (just kidding)! I am also a former Marine (Vietnam Era) and I consider you a brother and someone, again, I would be honored to train. The best to you in your boxing career. You are a true Champion. If you ever need us for anything, please do not hesitate to call.”

 Thank you for your service, both USMC and LAPD.  Semper Fidelis.

Sgt. David Neeleman, USMC and Mrs. Maria Neeleman

This email exemplifies the honor and respect that these fighters and coaches have for each other. Stepping into the ring it’s fighter against fighter and when it’s over the fighters and trainers are respectful, professional and support each other.

A near capacity crowd filled the Richmond PAL Sports Complex April 20th for the first Battle of the Badges of 2013. Those in attendance watched some of the best Public Safety fighters in California go toe to toe. Fighters from Los Angeles, Avenal, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo and San Mateo were represented on the card.

Bout -1 featured middleweights Brent Burkhart, CDCR DVI Prison vs. Quincy Mirage, Los Angeles Police Dept. In a must win fight,  Burkhart vs. Mirage was an easy choice to start off the Richmond Battle of the Badges. The first bout is as important as the main event; it sets the tempo for the rest of the event. Burkhart and Mirage did not disappoint. Both fighters knew they would be in a war and prepared mentally and physically to be tested like never before. When the bell sounded both guys came out landing brutal shots and it continued until the final bell.  The judges would have a tough fight to score. In a very close fight, Mirage would get the hard earned split decision win.  Burkhart and Mirage are gladiators that were made for each other. They could fight ten times and it would be a war every time. Burkhart vs. Mirage are Public Safety’s Gatti vs. Ward. This fight would receive “Fight of the Night” honors.

Bout -2. Featured Heavyweights Craig Hamblin, CDCR Solano Prison 215lbs vs. Mike Hernandez, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. 212lbs. When the bell sounded Hamblin came out fast throwing combinations and pressuring Hernandez. The first half of the round Hernandez didn’t throw any punches; he just circled around the ring and seemed to be studying Hamblin.  Once the round ended everyone in attendance knew where Hernandez got his nick name “Sweet Feet” from. In the 2^nd round Hernandez went to work landing counter right hands over Hamblin’s jab and not sticking around for Hamblin to return the favor. Hamblin pursued Hernandez the whole fight but couldn’t seem to cut the ring off.  In the 3^rd round Hernandez continued with his footwork, head movement and counter shots to secure the victory.

Bout 3 featured Super Cruiserweights Ryan Hotchkiss, San Mateo PD vs. Sunny “Sunshine” Gerber, Grover Beach PD. When the bell sounded Hotchkiss got off to a quick start, taking full advantage of his height and reach throwing one, twos and keeping Gerber at the end of his punches. Gerber was able to close the distance and land some body shots on the much taller Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss would eventually get the distance he needed to connect with a crushing right hand that surprisingly dropped Gerber. Most people would not have made it up but Gerber isn’t like most people. He would beat the count and come right back at Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss continued to impose his will on Gerber which resulted in another knock down. He was warned for hitting behind the head and Gerber may have been affected by it but refused to quit. The referee would eventually stop the fight. Hotchkiss winner 1^st round TKO. Hotchkiss came into this fight with Gerber as one of the hottest Super Cruiserweight prospects. It is still early to tell but Hotchkiss may be the one everyone has been waiting for to challenge the #1 ranked, lb 4 lb, undefeated, Police Olympic Gold Medalist Chris “The Bull” Barrios, LASD for the vacant Super Cruiserweight Title.

Bout 4 featured Jr. Middleweights Chris Martinez, Avenal Police Dept. vs. Brandon Manning, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. – No feeling out period in this one. Each fighter knew what they had to do to win. Martinez needed to keep the fight in the middle of the ring and Manning needed to make it a rough and tough inside fight.  From the beginning to the end Manning gave Martinez no reprieve, pressuring him the whole fight. Martinez landed some nice combinations and displayed beautiful footwork and lateral movement. Martinez landed the cleaner blows while Manning landed the harder ones. This fight would be very tough to score. Do you score the fight for the pressure fighter or the smooth boxer? Manning would pick up a very close split decision win. These guys have already agreed to a rematch May 24, 2013 LA Battle of the Badges. This match up may turn into a classic trilogy.

The fifth bout of the evening featured the only female fighters on the card, a pair of #1 ranked undefeated modern day gladiators.  Julie “J-Cat” Williams, CDCR San Quentin Prison and Stephanie “Motor City” Sparks, Los Angeles SD are not looking for easy fights. They want to test themselves against the best out there so they agreed to fight each other at a catch weight of 175lbs. On paper this had the making of a knock down drag out fight and Williams and Sparks exceeded that. The fight would be nothing short of spectacular. Just when you thought one of the fighters would give up they would come back with a flurry of punches.  Williams and Sparks dished out punishment and received punishment until the bell sounded to end the fight.  Williams would pick up the razor close split decision win and remain perfect at 5-0. Williams and Sparks would earn “Fight of the Night” honors for their heart, desire to win and the sacrifice they made to make this fight happen.

Congratulations to Matt Wurdinger , Santa Clara PD fighting out of Dreamland Boxing on becoming the new UCA Light Heavyweight State Champion.  Wurdinger took on Los Angeles Police Department’s Mike Barragan in Saturday night’s Triple Header Main Event.  In a fight that looked like it would end in the first round resulted in a war that would go the distance.  Any normal human being would have quit from the combinations Wurdinger was cranking out. Barragan never gave up and proved he is super human by not only staying on his feet and finishing the fight but landing combinations of his own and keeping the fans on the edge of their seats for the chance of a  comeback.  For Barragan to enter the biggest fight of his life with two weeks’ notice shows the kind of warrior spirit he has.  Barragan has a huge heart and will be a champion one day.  Wurdinger would not be denied victory, he was unbeatable Saturday night.  Mike Tyson could have stepped into the ring with him and got beat. Wurdinger simply is on another level and there doesn’t seem to be anyone out there that can stop him.  His performance Saturday night clearly established him as the best Public Safety fighter in California. It’s up to Matt to decide how long he wants to be a champion.

The Kennel Boxing Club prodigy Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD was a fresh faced prospect looking to make a name for himself when he stepped into the ring for the first time in March, 2012. Today he is the undefeated UCA Welterweight State Champion.   On Saturday night April 20, 2013 at the Richmond Battle of the Badges, Bugarin took on one of the most decorated, experienced Public Safety fighters in Jorge “The Baby Faced Assassin” Caamal, Los Angeles SD.  For three rounds Bugarin and Caamal engaged in a battle of wills with neither fighter backing down. Bugarin and Caamal are elite fighters and brought the best out in each other. When the bell sounded to end the fight is was Bugarin’s pressure and taking the initiative to attack that would win him the title. Bugarin extended his unblemished record to 4-0, and showed California Public Safety boxers and fans how good he really is.  Congratulations to the first UCA Welterweight State Champion Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara Sheriff Dept.

The third mega fight of this Triple Header night of boxing featured Cleon Jones, Yolo Co Corrections squaring off with Rahsaan “The Kracken” Harrison, Los Angeles SD.  Jones goal from the beginning was to become a champion.  Being 42 years old Jones knew time was not on his side. His moment was now and he took full advantage of it. In the first round Jones came forward and brought the fight to Harrison. Harrison used his footwork to stay out of danger however the southpaw stance seemed to puzzle Harrison. Harrison was waiting and looking to end the fight with one big shot. Jones used a variety of punches and feints to prevent Harrison from setting and hitting a homerun. Harrison had his moments throughout the fight however it was Jones punch selection and ring generalship that won him the belt.  Congratulations to Cleon Jones, Yolo Co Correction on becoming the first UCA Super Heavyweight State Champion

The crowning of three new champions took place Saturday night at the UCA Boxing Championship Triple Header event held in Richmond California. Congratulations goes out to Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD Welterweight State Champion, Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara PD Light Heavyweight State Champion and Cleon Jones, Yolo Co. Corrections, Super Heavyweight State Champion.  All the fighters on this card showed an enormous amount of heart, professionalism and respect for the sport of boxing and each other.  What makes these amazing events possible are the great fighters, families, fans, trainers and the boxing gyms that allow these fighters to fine tune their skills. Big thank you to USA Boxing NorCal President Robert Rodriguez, Vice President Candy Lopez, Chief of Officials Lydia Razo.