Capital City Explosion Raises the Bar

The Square Vision, UCA Capital City Explosion, Battle of the Badges event lived up to the hype and expectations, delivering the fans an action packed night of professional and amateur boxing. The lineup looked fantastic on paper, and proved to be even better when the fighters stepped into the ring. High-level boxing, great technique, unmatched athleticism, knockouts and come-from-behind victories. It was a special card and a great night of fights that raised money for Multiple Scleroses, Race to Erase MS. This card is going to be tough to beat. Not only was the card stacked with amateur and professional talent, tickets were sold at an unbelievable price of $25.00 for General Admission and $40.00 for Ringside. The fighters were competing for more than a victory they were fighting to help find a cure for MS. Eight very proud Public Safety fighters were on the card and they did not disappoint.

The first UCA fight featured Josh Webb, CHP vs. Battle of the Badges newcomer Jason Gutknecht, Madera Police Dept. Webb’s game plan was to keep the fight on the outside and keep Gutknecht on defense by throwing a lot of punches. Gutknecht’s plan was to find a home for his powerful straight left hand. Webb would execute his game plan first landing a straight right hand scoring a flash knockdown.  Gutknecht would get right up and continue to come forward. Gutknecht had his moments and was most effective when he worked behind his jab.  Gutknecht seemed to slow down half way through the 2nd round and Webb began to pull away out working Gutknecht. Webb boxed brilliantly on the outside with good footwork, head movement and mixing up his punches to the body and head.  Webb winner by decision.

The energy and excitement was at its peak when Super Heavyweights Pierce Masse, Fresno Police Dept. and Iulia Tuua, CDCR, Mule Creek Prison squared off. This is the one everyone was waiting for.  As soon as the bell sounded Tuua came straight at Masse with deadly intent.  Tuua caught Masse with a hard shot in the first round and it looked like it this fight would be done in one. Masse would receive a standing 10 count. When the fight resumed Masse stayed on the outside looking to establish his jab and keep Tuua at a safe distance. Masse would land a good combination before Tuua would close the distance and land another devastating blow. Tuua has horseshoes in his gloves and whatever he hits, he destroys.  The referee would step in again and take a good look at Masse as he gave him a standing 10 count. The three knockdown rule was in effect and one more knock down and the fight is over.   Masse would survive the first round but was in serious trouble. Masse did some good work in the round but was clearly behind on the score cards. Masse’s trainer Bryan Williams, Fresno PD pleaded with his fighter to not sit in front of Tuua and to move and box. Masse started the 2nd round on steady legs, boxing and moving like a lightweight.  Tuua was visibly exhausted in the 2^nd round and tried to land a big punch before he ran out of gas completely. Masse would press the action and catch Tuua with a 3 punch combination against the ropes but Tuua was too tired to answer back prompting the referee to step in and call a halt to the bout. Pierce winner 2^nd rd TKO. What a fight!  Not only did Tuna and Masse steal the show, they also picked up “Fight of the Night” honors. These two gladiators will meet again.

Josh Tann, Cal Fire vs Chris Anaya, Roseville Fire Dept. featured two evenly matched fighters with the same skill set. Who would impose their will on the other?  Round one and two were very close. Both fighters threw and landed the same amount of punches. Even fight going into the 3rd round whoever comes out hard, wins the fight. Anaya would initiate the action and come forward throwing three punches to Tann’s one.  Tann and Anaya made it a tough fight for the judges at ringside to score.  Anaya would pick up the decision win due to his offensive output in the 3rd round.

And the New….

Congratulations to Chris Lewis, Fresno Sheriff’s Dept. on becoming the new UCA Super Heavyweight State Champion. Chris Lewis took on Zeke Johnston, (civilian) Security Officer in Saturday night’s UCA Main Event. Both fighters came out hard at each other to start the fight. The pace would eventually slow down and Lewis would find his openings and land some clean shots against the hard charging Johnston. Johnston gave a good account of himself against the younger fighter but Lewis was just too good.  Lewis moved comfortably around the ring working angles and mixing up his punches. Lewis finished strong landing a straight right hand forcing the referee to take a close look at Johnston and administer a standing 10 count. When the bell sounded to end the fight Lewis would pick up a three-round unanimous decision win over the grizzled veteran Zeke Johnston.  With the win, Lewis remains perfect and claims the UCA Super Heavyweight State Championship Strap. The win also sets up an earth shattering blockbuster Super Heavyweight State Championship title fight against Pierce Masse, Fresno Police Dept. in the Central California Battle of the Badges April, 11, 2015 at the Civic Auditorium.

It was a huge night for public safety boxing as UCA fighters competed on the same card a professional fighters and perhaps future world champions. The public safety fighters did not disappoint and earned respect from the professional fighters and the fans.