Louisiana Battle in the Bayou

The 11th annual Louisiana Battle of the Badges took place Saturday night at the Fant Ewing Coliseum University of Louisiana. Nearly six thousand fans packed into the coliseum to witness one of the best action packed cards of the year. The best fighters from California Texas, Kansas and Louisiana laid it all on the line for charity. Jorge Caamal, John Henderson and Chris Martinez represented California. First to enter the ring from CA was the former #1 ranked title challenger Jorge Caamal, LASD who squared off with a less experienced but very game opponent in Rodney Moore, West Monroe Fire Dept. Caamal would land some heavy leather throughout the fight but Moore kept coming, firing combinations of his own.  This fight was a battle of attrition with neither fighter backing down. In the end the judges would give the decision to the hometown fighter, Rodney Moore. Next up was 6th ranked John Henderson, Hanford PD taking on Austin Tull, Shreveport Fire Dept. this was another competitive fight between two warriors. Tull had a slight experience and height advantage. Tull would do a job of using his footwork and reach to keep Henderson at the end of his punches and to stay out of danger. Henderson would close the distance and land some hard shots but it wasn’t enough. After 3 hard fought rounds, Tull would pick up the win. The co main event featured the interim UCA Jr Middleweight Champion Chris Martinez, Fresno Police Dept. vs UCA Golden Fists award winner Steven Lee, Sedgwick Sheriff’s Dept. As soon as the bell rang Martinez and Lee met in the center of the ring looking to engage. Lee gave up 9 pounds for the opportunity to
fight Martinez and it proved to be a big disadvantage. Martinez was clearly the stronger fighter and Lee would learn early he packed a punch. Martinez hurt Lee in the first round and went in for the kill. Lee showcased his warrior spirit never giving up and answering back. This fight would go the distance and in the end it was the power shots that sealed the win for Martinez. With the win, Martinez retains his UCA Jr Middleweight title and picks up the Louisiana Battle of the Badges belt.