Jul 2018 07

The Battle of the Badges served up another exciting night of boxing Saturday night at the McClellan Conference Center in Sacramento, CA. The lineup featured some compelling fights including a UCA title fight between Charde Stevens, Fresno Sheriff’s Dept. vs April Martinez, CDCR, CHCF. Here are the results from the night.

DSC_5899 (800x530)The show kicked off with a pair of Middleweights. 5th ranked Sterling Ingram, U.S. Navy vs. Gerardo Garcia, CDCR-DVI. Ingram has his eye on the UCA Middleweight title and was looking to separate himself from the pack. Garcia was making his ring debut and looking to make a name for himself. When these warriors came out of their corners there was a short feeling out period before they were trading leather. Garcia was holding his ground against the 5th ranked Ingram and edged out the first round. Ingram picked up the pace and started landing some clean shots in the 2nd. One round a piece going into the 3rd. Ingram found his rhythm in the third. He was using good footwork, landing clean punches, moving in and out, staying out of range and making Garcia miss. Ingram winner by decision.

BOB_9323 (800x511)The Masters UCA #1 ranked Light Heavyweight Izzy Montes, CDCR, CSP Sacramento returned to the ring looking to stay busy after his disappointing loss to Mike Hagen, CHP in April for the Masters UCA Light Heavyweight Title. Montes squared off with civilian fighter Mike McIntyre who trains out of Urijah Faber’s Ultimate Fitness Gym. Montes did not do enough against Hagen and did not want to make the same mistake against McIntyre. When the bell rang Montes stayed busy throwing punches in bunches keeping McIntyre on defense.  McIntyre had a good jab and would land when he threw it. Montes outworked McIntyre for 3 rounds picking up the win by unanimous decision. Montes wants another crack at the Champion Hagen.

DSC_5930 (800x582)Super Heavyweights Matt Eleopoulos – Solano County DA’s Office vs. Craig Hamblin – CDCR-Solano State Prison. The big question surrounding this fight is, Will Hamblin’s “O” go? Hamblin stepped into the ring in hopes of getting his first win against the Masters 8th ranked Super Heavyweight Eleopoulos who will end a 12 month layoff. Hamblin hasn’t stopped fighting since he first stepped into the ring 7 years ago. Unfortunately, he has been on the losing end of every fight and carries a record of 0-7.  For Hamblin to lose seven times and continue to train and fight is a true testament of his persistence to not give up until he wins. When the bell sounded to start this highly anticipated fight both fighters came forward looking to establish their dominance. From bell to bell these guys were throwing and landing punches with bad intentions. When the final bell ended there was no clear winner. Tough fight to score. Did Hamblin do enough to pick up his first win? When the decision was announced it was Hamblin who would finally have his hand raised. Persistence pays off, congratulations to Craig Hamblin.

BOB_9599 (800x533)UCA #6 Cruiserweight Anthony Martinez – Madera Police Dept. vs. Aaron Benoit – CDCR-CHCF featured a high skill level match up. 30 seconds into the first round we all knew we were in for a great fight. Martinez is 1-0 and Benoit was making his ring debut but they looked like they each had 10 fights. They showed great balance, technique and composure. These guys may have met too early in their career. If these guys ever meet again it will be for the title. Beautiful jabs, right hands and body work were traded throughout the fight. Half way through the 3rd round both fighters stood in the middle of the ring and showed their warrior spirit and went at it throwing everything they had at each other.  When the final bell ended it was Benoit who would walk away with the win. What a fight! That is how you make an impact in your first fight, Aaron Benoit welcome to the UCA! 

DSC_6000 (800x529)In what was considered the “UCA Fight of the Night” Heavyweights Robert Mantilla – CDCR-CHCF and Rusty Snyder – CDCR-Folsom Prison slugged it out for three rounds. These guys completely emptied themselves in a full on dogfight to prove who was the better fighter.  Both fighters refused to back down. This was a tremendous fight with both fighters giving everything they had of themselves. When the dust settled both fighters came to the center of the ring to hear the judge’s decision. When the score cards were added up it was Folsom Prison’s Rusty Snyder who would have his hand raised.  Rumors are Rusty Snyder may hang em up for good. I hope the rumors aren’t true, Snyder is too gifted of an athlete to not keep fighting

IMG_7530 (638x423)Jr Middleweights Jekora Robinson – CDCR-CHCF vs. Jessica Gamez – CDCR-Mule Creek State Prison When the bell rang these ladies didn’t waste any time getting to know each other. They came out swinging. Jekora was the stronger puncher and seemed to land more punches in the exchanges. Gamez held her ground absorbed the punches and answered back with her own. When the final bell ended is was Robinson who would be announced the winner.

IMG_7531 (640x427)Anthony Cross, CDCR, CSP Sacramento finally gets his chance to shine. Cross was set to fight UCA #3 Brent Pavey, Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Central California Battle of the Badges in April but was forced to pull out of the fight. The fight was rescheduled for the NorCal Battle of the Badges.  Unfortunately, Pavey was forced to pull out of that fight also. Cross was again left without an opponent. When Cross found out Pavey backed out again he said, “Get me a fight and I want a tough fight” Heartbeat Boxing (Fresno) coach Gilbert Ruiz said “I have a tough fighter who is ready to go.” Anthony Cross vs Carlos Cuadra was made.  When the bell rang to start this fight Cross was more than ready. He came forward pressing the action throwing heavy leather. Cuadra couldn’t keep Cross off him, he had to fight every second just to survive. “Pressure bursts pipes” and from bell to bell Cross continued to pressure and walk Cuadra down not giving him a chance to breathe. When the final bell sounded and the announcement was made it was Cross who would pick up the victory and extend his perfect record to 3-0. We may be looking at the next UCA Cruiserweight Champion?

FullSizeRender(38)Rashaan Jones – Solano County DA’s Office vs. Jay Devlin – U.S. Army. When the bell rang to start this Light heavyweight battle Jones came out of the blue corner looking to take control of the fight.  He wasn’t throwing with power but in volume. Jones overwhelmed Devlin never giving him a chance to rest. Ultimately, forcing Devlin to stay on the stool and not come out for the third round. Jones winner 2nd rd. TKO.

DSC_6167 (800x589)Super Middleweights Daniel Pacheco – American Ambulance vs. Andy Pholkham – U.S. Marines. Pacheco and Pholkham met in the center of the ring with the intention of making a statement that neither one is backing down. This brutal 3 round war showcased both fighters grit and toughness. Pholkham seemed to get the best of Pacheco in the exchanges and landed the cleaner punches. Pholkham winner by decision.

IMG_7533 (640x427)Welterweights Frank Quitugua – CDCR-CSP-CMF vs. Aaron Padilla – CDCR-San Quentin State Prison. This fight had a lot of drama surrounding it before the fighters entered the ring. Quitugua and Padilla use to train at the same gym before their trainers parted ways. Quitugua went with his trainer to Audacious Muay Thai in Vacaville and Padilla stayed at 8 Drums Martial Arts in Stockton. When the bell sounded Frank had a game plan and never deviated from it. He never sat in front of Padilla, he used good footwork, moved in and out and picked his spots to throw.  Padilla didn’t have an answer.  In the 3rd round Padilla changed the rhythm of the fight he came forward throwing punches and backing Quitugua to the ropes but it was too late. Quitugua winner by decision.

IMG_7534 (640x427)Jr Cruiserweights Troy Bennett – Consumnes Fire Dept. vs. Dragon Tran – CDCR-CSP-Sacramento. As soon as the fight started Bennett came out with a fast pace throwing punches in bunches. Dragon showed a big heart and landed a few punches of his own but Bennett was too much. He was overwhelming Dragon with punches and pressure forcing his corner to throw in the towel halfway through the second round. Bennett winner 2nd rd. TKO

IMG_7535 (628x407)Light Heavyweights Marcus Barrow – CDCR-Salinas Valley State Prison vs. Devin Desjarlais – Linda Fire Dept. Barrow is coming off a first round TKO win and was looking to add another mark in the win column. This was Desjarlais first fight and when the bell sounded Desjarlias looked like a veteran. Devin is a high school and college athlete, his athletic ability may be the reason he looked so good in his first fight.  Desjarlais is fundamentally sound with a good defense, good footwork and ring smarts. He doesn’t seem to have any weaknesses but it will take better opposition to really get a read on Devin’s ability. Barrow put up a hell of an effort and had his moments but couldn’t quite match Devin’s offense. Desjarlais winner by decision.

DSC_6366 (800x532)Heavyweights Donavon Lewis – Fresno Police Dept. vs. Shay McIntyre – CDCR-Folsom Prison This was a test for both fighters. For Shay it was a huge opportunity, beat Lewis and gain a significant win over a marque opponent and get back on track for another shot at the title. Lewis was facing a bigger opponent with more experience. When the bell sounded Lewis came out looking to take control of the fight early. Lewis fights with a lot of confidence.  He gets his confidence and mental toughness from his stablemates where he has to hold his own out of necessity more than by choice. Lewis spars and trains with guys like Evan Solorio, Joe Lopez, Chris Honeycutt, Ed Ruth and big brother Chris Lewis. His training transitions into the ring. He’s patient, moves around well, has good speed, and can punch. McIntyre was effective when he came forward and threw punches but he just didn’t do it enough. Lewis’s power shots, hand speed, and higher connect percentage were the difference in the fight. Lewis winner by decision.  Lewis extends his winning streak to 3-0 and gets one step closer to challenging the UCA Heavyweight Champ Marqus Blevins.

DSC_6475 (800x527)The night’s main attraction was for the UCA Super Welterweight Championship Title.  Charde Stevens – Fresno Sheriff’s Dept. vs. April Martinez – CDCR–CHCF. When two women step into the ring and put on a great performance it gives other women a sense of empowerment and the confidence to one day step in the ring and fight. Stevens and Martinez put on a great performance. This was a great style matchup. Stevens has the height and reach advantage and must keep her distance and keep Martinez at the end of her punches. Martinez the shorter power puncher must cut the ring off, get inside and work the body and head. When the bell sounded Stevens stayed on her bicycle moving around the ring sticking the jab and occasional right hand in Martinez face. Martinez came out in the 2nd round determined to close the distance and attack Stevens body. Martinez did a good job of cutting the ring off and trapping Stevens against the ropes and going to the body. One round a piece going into the 3rd. Who wants it? The 3rd round was a back and forth battle that delivered excitement and swings of momentum until the final bell. Both fighters had their moments. This one is going to the score cards. Regardless of the outcome it was a star making performance that put the super welterweight division on notice. What these lady warriors delivered was special. This fight was filled with unrelenting action from bell to bell that, other than the mandatory one-minute rest period between rounds, it felt like one extended round as they exchanged punches nonstop for virtually the entire fight. When the score cards were added up we had a winner. And the new….UCA Super Welterweight Champion April Martinez, CDCR, California Health Care Facility.