2018 Year in Review

2018 was an eventful year that lived up to all expectations. The fighters delivered as promised in a year that featured equal amounts of brawling, boxing and then some. As the year comes to a close let’s take a look back at the stories that shaped Public Safety boxing in 2018.

UCA Promoter of the Year – Jeff Penn, SoCal Battle of the Badges
One who is respected and experienced in putting together the biggest fights with the biggest names. A production that can be compared to a professional boxing event. Events that are held in fan friendly venues and everyone is guaranteed a good time. Jeff Penn has been promoting the SoCal Battle of the Badges for 25 years. The events are held in some of the best venues California has to offer. Mr. Penn has a solid promotional background and a reputation for selling out each event he puts on. He is credited with re-energizing public safety boxing.

UCA Event of the Year – Central California Battle of the Badges, Hanford Civic Auditorium April 7, 2018
In 5 short years the Central California Battle of the Badges has become the most competitive must see events. Year after year each card is filled with an all-star cast of fighters.  The event has grown so much that it will be looking for a bigger venue in 2020.  

UCA Fighter of the Year – Marqus Blevins, Kings County Sheriff’s Dept.
A fighter who directly impacts Public Safety boxing by the way he/she performs in the ring. A fighter who stood out from the rest and proved they are the best by challenging and defeating anyone who was put in front of them. The undefeated UCA Heavyweight Champion Marqus Blevins defeated Josh Webb, California Highway Patrol to pick up the UCA Super Cruiserweight title and become the second fighter to hold 2 titles simultaneously.

Honorable Mention – Kellen Kramer, Bell Gardens Police Department
Kellen Kramer defeated Remin Pineda, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. at the 911 Fight Night, Pomona CA to become the UCA Middleweight Champion. Thee months later Kramer defended his title by outpointing Humberto Moreno, Los Angeles Police Dept. at the Fight for Life Event, Los Angeles.

UCA Coach of the Year – Mark Irwin
A coach who has the knowledge and experience to unlock a fighters true potential and mold them into a champion. There are a lot of critical factors that make a champion, having a great coach is the most important one. Mark Irwin is the coach of the undefeated reigning and defending UCA Middleweight Champion Kellen Kramer, Bell Gardens Police Dept. Mark continues to make all the right decisions as he continually expertly guides the career of his young champion.

2018 Fighters Who Received the Highest Public Safety Boxing Honor
Mike Hagen, California Highway Patrol defeated Izzy Montes, CDCR, California State Prison Sacramento to become the Masters UCA Light Heavyweight Champion April 7, 2018 Central California Battle of the Badges Hanford Civic Auditorium

Gerardo Serrano, Reedley Police Dept. defeated Gabriel Flores, Los Angeles Police Dept. to become the UCA Jr Cruiserweight Champion, April 7, 2018 Central California Battle of the Badges Hanford Civic Auditorium

Marqus Blevins, Kings County Sheriff’s Dept. defeated Josh Webb, California Highway Patrol to become the UCA Super Cruiserweight Champion April 7, 2018 Central California Battle of the Badges Hanford Civic Auditorium

April Martinez, CDCR, California Health Care Facility defeated Charde Stevens, Fresno Sheriff’s Dept. to become the UCA Super Welterweight Champion. Jun 30, 2018 NorCal Battle of the Badges, McClellan Conference Center, Sacramento

Kellen Kramer, Bell Gardens Police Dept. defeated Remin Pineda, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. to become the UCA Middleweight Champion. August 18, 2018 911 Fight Night, Pomona, CA

Christian Pharo, San Diego Fire Lifeguard defeated Mike Delery, Los Angeles Police Dept. to become the UCA Jr Middleweight Champion. November 16, 2018 Fight for Life Event, Pacific Palms Resort and Hotel, Los Angeles

UCA Fight of the Year – April Martinez, CDCR, California Health Care Facility vs Charde Stevens, Fresno Sheriff’s Dept.
UCA Super Welterweight Title Fight June 30, 2018 NorCal Battle of the Badges, McClellan Conference Center, Sacramento. A fight that delivers the most exciting back and forth battle that has fans cheering and on the edge of their seat. These fights symbolize what public safety boxing stands for.

UCA Breakout Fighter of the Year
A fighter who steps into the ring for the first time and wins over the crowd with skill, heart and personality. One you can’t wait to see fight again.

Anthony Walker, Reedley Police Dept. April 7, 2018 Central Cal BOTB
Anthony Martinez, Madera Police Dept. April 7, 2018 Central Cal BOTB
Sterling Ingram, U.S Navy April 7, 2018 Central Cal BOTB
Donavon Lewis, Fresno Police Dept. April 7, 2018 Central Cal BOTB
Jekora Robinson, CDCR. California Health Care Facility June 30, 2018 NorCal BOTB
Aaron Benoit, CDCR, California Health Care Facility June 30, 2018 NorCal BOTB
Devin Desjarlais, Linda Fire Dept.June 30, 2018 NorCal BOTB
Bryce Gutierrez, LA City Fire Dept. August 18, 2018 911 Fight Night
Destiny Moreno, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. November 16, 2018 Fight for Life
Zane Archer, LA City Fire Dept. November 16, 2018 Fight for Life
Shawn Baker, LA City Fire Dept. November 16, 2018 Fight for Life
Charles Medrano, Los Angeles Police Dept. November 16, 2018 911 Fight for Life
Dustin Moreno, LA County Fire Dept.November 16, 2018 Fight for Life

Deserves a Title Shot
Jessica Ortiz, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Jekora Robinson, CDCR, Calif Health Care Facility
Daniel Rosales, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Marco Franco. LA City Fire Dept.
Noel Montes, CDCR Folsom State Prison
Anthony Cross, CDCR, California State Prison, Sacramento
Roman Grider, CDCR, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
Alberto Tapia, USC Police Dept.

UCA Gym of the Year – Valley Fight Club
Home of the undefeated 2 division UCA Champion Marqus Blevins, Kings County SD, the undefeated UCA 3rd ranked Middleweight Sterling Ingram, U.S Navy and UCA Super Middleweight Erick Blue, U.S Navy.

UCA Announcer of the Year – Carlton Jones, Fresno City Fire Dept.

UCA DJ of the Year – DJ Prince

UCA Photographer of the Year – Chris Akins

UCA Videographer – Fernando Vargas

The Most Exciting Division – Jr Middleweight 
The Jr Middleweight division is a talented division with a lot depth. Names like Christian Pharo, Mike Delery, Dusty Rodriguez, Marco Franco, David Bermudez and Anthony Young can take turns putting on memorable battles like the ones between Hagler, Duran, Hearns and Leonard.

The Division with the Most Potential – Jr Welterweight 
BJ Adkins, Devon Dejoie, Frank Quitugua and Aaron Padilla make up an impressive group of equally skilled contenders. These fighters are active and make for an exciting Jr Welterweight tournament. The belt can change owners every time it is up for grabs.

The Most Anticipated Rematch of 2019 – April Martinez, CDCR, CHCF vs Charde Stevens, Fresno SD

Most Improved Fighter – BJ Adkins, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Dept. (West Virginia)

Never in a Bad Fight – Josh Webb, California Highway Patrol

UCA True Grit – Kayle Sicaros, Los Angeles Police Dept.
To have fortitude, determination, honor, braveness and the strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage.

UCA Upset of the Year – Frank Quitugua, CDCR, California Medical Facility defeated Aaron Padilla, CDCR San Quentin State Prison.
A fighter who enters a contest a considerable favorite and is defeated by a less experienced, unknown or unranked fighter.

UCA Gladiator Award – Remin Pineda, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept.
One who is greatly admired for bravery and courage. A fighter that projects strength resolve and humility. One who is tested and proved they are a true modern day gladiator.

Fighters to Keep an Eye On
Jessica Gamez, CDCR, Mule Creek State Prison
Charde Stevens, Fresno Sheriff’s Dept.
Frank Quitugua, CDCR, California Medical Facility
Anthony Young, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Benny Cervantes, CDCR, Calif Heath Care Facility
Jasper Sandoval, CDCR, Chino State Prison
Efrain Moreno, Los Angeles Police dept.
Victor Ibal, Sanger Police Dept.
Rodney Cavanagh, Pomona Police Dept.

Memorable Moments of the Year
April Martinez, CDCR, CHCF faced Charde Stevens, Fresno SD in the NorCal Battle of the Badges Main Event for the UCA Super Welterweight title. Martinez would capture the title and become the new UCA Super Welterweight Champion.

The reigning and defending UCA Welterweight Champion Mike Delery, LAPD tested himself by moving up a division to pick up his 2nd title but fell just short of claiming the UCA Jr Middleweight title as he dropped a split decision to Christian Pharo San Diego Fire Lifeguard. Fight for Life, Los Angeles.

The UCA Heavyweight Champion Marqus Blevins, Kings County Sheriff’s Office attempted to do what no other fighter has done before. Blevins moved down to the Super Cruiserweight division to take on #1 ranked Josh Webb, CHP for the Super Cruiserweight title at the Central California Battle of the Badges, Hanford.  Blevins defeated Webb by decision to become the first fighter to hold two titles simultaneously.

Super Heavyweight Craig Hamblin – CDCR-Solano State Prison picked up his first win at the NorCal Battle of the Badges June 30, 2018. The big question surrounding the fight was, Will Hamblin’s “O” go? Hamblin started boxing 8 years ago and unfortunately he has been on the losing end of every fight and owns a record of 0-7. Hamblin would defeat Matt Eleopoulos – Solano County DA’s Office and finally have his hand raised.

Michael Hagen (55 yrs old)(CHP) claimed the Masters UCA Light Heavyweight title with a superb win over veteran fighter Izzy Montes (52 yrs old) CDCR, CSP Sacramento at the Central California Battle of the Badges, in Hanford CA.

Gerardo Serrano (Reedley PD) squared off with Gabriel Flores (LAPD) for the UCA Jr Cruiserweight Title at the Central California Battle of the Badges, Hanford. The fight started with both fighters landing relentless blows. As the fight went on the action picked up. Half way through the 2nd round Serrano and Flores were fighting in close quarters and Flores dislocated his shoulder. The excruciating pain put Flores to the canvas. Medical staff was sent into the ring and were able to put Flores shoulder back in place. Flores immediately jumped up and said, “I’m ok, I’m ready to fight.” Unfortunately the referee already called off the fight. Serrano would become the new UCA Jr Cruiserweight Champion by 2nd rd. TKO.

2018 UCA Rumors
The reigning and defending UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Chris Dubinsky, Camp Pendleton Fire Dept. will attempt to become a two division champion when he challenges Marqus Blevins, Kings County Sheriff’s Dept. for Blevin’s UCA Heavyweight Title.

The undefeated reigning and defending UCA Middleweight Champion Kellen Kramer, Bell Gardens Police Dept. will drop down to 154lbs and fight for the Jr Middleweight Title.

The former undefeated reigning and defending UCA Jr Welterweight Champion Shant Sheklanian, CDCR, State Parole is coming out of retirement to challenge for the Welterweight Title.

The UCA Super Welterweight Champion April Martinez, CDCR, California Health Care Facility will take on the Asiah Medawar, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Dept. for Medawar’s UCA Welterweight Title.

Boxing fans have a lot to look forward to in 2019. The year promises to give the fans the matchups they desperately want to see. Title fight contracts are being drawn up for some great fights. The undefeated Heavyweight Donavon Lewis, Fresno Police Dept. will face the undefeated UCA 2 Division Champion Marqus Blevins, Kings County Sheriff’s Dept.  Aaron Benoit, CDCR, CHCF will challenge for the UCA Super Cruiserweight title when he meets the undefeated Champion Gerardo Serrano, Reedley Police Dept. Christian Pharo, San Diego Fire Lifeguard will put his title on the line when he takes on #1 ranked Dusty Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept. Quincy Mirage, LAPD and Mike Valle, CDCR, PVSP will go toe to toe a 3rd and final time. Mike Hagen, CHP and Izzy Montes, CDCR will lace em up one more time for Hagen’s Masters UCA Light Heavyweight title. #1 ranked Roman Grider, CDCR, SATF will challenge undefeated #2 Anthony Cross, CDCR, CSP, Sac for the vacant UCA Cruiserweight title. Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD will lock horns with Jack Rivera, Sac City Fire Dept for the vacant Masters UCA Jr Cruiserweight Title. #1 ranked BJ Adkins, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Dept. (West Virginia) will take on 2nd ranked Devon Dejoie, U.S Navy for the vacant UCA Jr Welterweight crown. See you in 2019.