Apr 2016 11

UCA 1 (1)The Central California Battle of the Badges has become the most anticipated event of the year from the talent it attracts. On Saturday, April 9, 2016 the most skilled fighters in the country met in the ring for a blockbuster night of boxing at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. The card featured two of the best fighters from Louisiana, one from Illinois and the best from California. The fans got their money’s worth as they were treated to knockouts, knockdowns, back and forth battles and highly skilled fighters laying it all on the line for charity.

The night’s opening bout saw two female warriors compete in their last amateur bout before turning pro. Katonya Fisher, Bakersfield and Sarah Flores, Fresno displayed good skills for 3 nonstop action rounds. Fisher would to pick up the decision victory in a very exciting fight, setting the stage for a riveting night of action.

UCA 1 (2) (800x642)The second bout of the night featured Super Middleweight’s Larry “Americanelo” Treybig, Los Angeles vs Will Heard, U.S. Navy. Treybig is a bit of a celebrity due to his resemblance to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. He trains at the world famous Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, CA and has been featured on HBO’s 24/7  with Miguel Cotto and Showtime All Access with Floyd Mayweather. When the bell sounded to start the fight Heard came forward looking to end the fight early. Treybig used good head movement to avoid Heard’s heavy blows. As the fight wore on Heard started to slow down and Treybig started to come forward. In the 2nd round Treybig landed a clean shot would send Heard to the canvas. This fight would go the distance and Treybig would have his hand raised and bring his record to 3-1.

UCA 1 (3) (800x686)Bout 3 featured perhaps the next UCA Jr Middleweight Champion. The much talked about Mike Delery, LAPD finally got his chance to display his skills and he did not disappoint. Delery took on a tough opponent in Hue Xiong, Fresno Sheriff’s Dept. Xiong was clearly the stronger fighter but Delery would never feel his power as he worked angles, moved in and out, and displayed good footwork, and hand speed. Xiong also displayed good footwork and balance and was most effective when he was aggressive and came forward but it wasn’t enough. Delery was too slick and sharp, he would run his combinations and not stick around for the pay back. Once the final bell sounded Delery would pick up his first UCA win by a unanimous decision victory. Delery is the total package and a threat to everyone in the Jr Middleweight division.  For his performance Delery received “UCA Golden Fists” honUCA 1 (4) (800x640)ors

Bout 4 featured two fighters making their ring debuts in the heavyweight division, Javier Estrada, Madera Probation vs Gilbert Galvan, U.S. Army. Galvan started out aggressive coming forward throwing punches in bunches while Estrada held his ground and fired back shots of his own. Galvan kicked it up a notch in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the fight. After 3 hard fought rounds it was Galvan who would pick up the unanimous decision victory.

UCA 1 (6) (800x671)Bout 5 featured Heavyweights Marqus Bleveins, Kings County Probation vs Nate Webb, U.S. Navy making their UCA debut. This was an old fashion shoot out from the opening bell. Blevins was a little bit faster on the draw and was able to unload before Webb had a chance. Webb would have his moments throughout the fight connecting shots of his own. Blevins was busier and more accurate with his punches which ultimately forced the referee to step in and end the fight at 1:20 of the 3rd round. Blevins winner 3rd round TKO. It was a star making performance that put the heavyweights on notice. Blevins revealed he is truly a special fighter with unlimited potential. For his performance Blevins received “UCA Golden Fists” honors. Webb would receive “UCA Gladiator” honors.

UCA 1 (8) (727x800)Bout 6 featured two fighters making their UCA debut, Travis Clark, Stockton Police Dept. vs Roberto Osuna, Army National Guard.  Clark took control of the fight early with speed, footwork, and ring smarts while Osuna showed a lot of heart, good fundamentals and composure. After 3 rounds of boxing Clark would pick up a unanimous decision victory.  Clark is fundamentally sound and doesn’t seem to have any weakness.  Add another name to the already exciting Middleweight division. For his performance Clark received “UCA Golden Fists” honors. Osuna would receive “UCA Gladiator” honors.

UCA 1 (10) (800x688)Bout 7 featured a matchup between Martin Gutierrez, Lemoore Police Dept. vs Mike Valle, CDCR, Pleasant Valley State Prison. When the bell sounded to start the fight the sold out crowd had no idea what they were about to witness. Two fighters with warrior blood running through their veins who refused to back down. It was a frenzied battle that was filled with unrelenting action from bell to bell. Other than the mandatory one-minute rest period between rounds, it felt like one extended round as Valle and Gutierrez exchanged punches nonstop the entire fight. This brutal 3 round war showcased both fighter’s heart, grit and toughness. This fight was about who can break the other man’s unbreakable will. That is how you make an impact in your first fight, Martin Gutierrez, and Mike Valle welcome to the UCA! Before the decision was announced and regardless of the outcome this fight had rematch written all over it. Both fighters tried to take it out of the judge’s hands but neither man would break. When the scores were added up Mike Valle would emerge victorious by a very close split decision. For their performance Valle and Gutierrez received “UCA Fight of the Night” honorsUCA 1 (13) (800x751)

Bout 8 featured Super Heavyweights David Ross, CHP making his UCA debut against Rishard Hayes, Tribal Public Safety Officer. When the fight started Ross moved around the ring well using his height and reach advantage. As the fight continued Hayes was able to get inside the lengthy Ross and land hooks and uppercuts. After 3 action packed rounds the decision would be left in the judges hands.  In a very close fight Hayes would pick up the win by split decision.