Fighting is the only time you can really be true to yourself. It is your challenge, your victory and your loss. Some people fight to prove they are tough. Others fight to prove something to themselves and the people they are close too. Others want to challenge themselves against another person. When preparing for a fight you are the one who wakes up early to run. You are the one who puts in the long hours at the gym. The one who stays disciplined with their eating in order to make weight. At the end of the fight it’s your victory. Even though your friends, family and co-workers are not dieting, working out and sacrificing with you, they want you to win just as bad as you do. Even in defeat they feel your pain and sorrow. Handling victory is easy; how you handle defeat is the true test of your character.

Defeat can be hard; you can learn from it, make improvements or just give up. All the sacrifices made can feel like it was for nothing. It’s how you use defeat. Defeat can be a priceless gift if you let it. A chance to prove to yourself you can bounce back. It can provide an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Handling defeat with humility, professionalism and grace speaks volumes of a fighter’s character. Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. SD. said after a close decision loss to Brian Stevens, LASD. “If I put my focus on the decision I will lose the whole experience leading up to the fight and the fight itself. I will learn from the fight and know what I have to do next time.”

On Friday Sept 7th, 2012 SoCal Battle of the Badges,  Southern California’s Premier Police, Fire, Corrections and Armed Forces boxing event returns to Pechanga Resort & Casino with 13 exciting Public Safety amateur boxing matches.

Bout 1 – 140lbs will feature Adam Acuna, Baldwin Park PD vs. Felipe Juarez, U.S. Forest Service. Juarez is scheduled to fight Francisco Flores, Stanislaus Co. SD on the Sac BOTB card Oct 6^th.  Acuna has more experience and is very tough. Juarez must focus on Acuna and not look past him.

Bout 2- 205lbs Nick Bennallack –  Anaheim PD vs Mark McGill, USFS Fire Dept

Bout 3 – 175lbs Nick Herstine – Pechanga DPS vs Nick Boyd Military Police

Bout 4 – 205lbs Moses Lomeli – CDCR Chino vs Robert Morales Rialto PD

Bout 5 – 170lbs Frank Holguin – CDCR CIW vs Brandon Birchett USFS Corona

Bout 6 – 180lbs Eddie Pena – CDCR Norco vs Joe Finch USFS Corona

Bout 7 – 205lbs Nick Vega – Pechanga DPS vs Michael Mastaler Rialto PD

Bout 8 – 160lbs Javier Pallares- CDCR Chino vs Tommy Peralta U.S. Forest Service

Bout 9 – 275lbs Manuel Ayala – CDCR Chino vs Mathew James Baldwin Park PD

Bout 10 – 168lbs Lee Hanger – CDCR CIW vs Anthony Camou CHP

Bout 11-154lbs will feature the only female fight on the card. 154lbsYesenia Nelson, CDCR Chino vs Alison Jablonsky, Orange Co SD. Nelson was scheduled to compete in July but the fight was canceled. With Jablonsky stepping into the ring for the first time and Nelson anxious to get back in the ring this makes for a suspenseful, on the edge of your seat fight.

Bout 12- 205lbs, Ryan Hotchkiss, Barstow PD vs Manny Rocha, DPS-ICE. With two impressive wins Hotchkiss is making people take notice. An athletic guy who has taken a grasp of the sweet science. Rocha will be Hotchkiss toughest test. Rocha is a solid fighter and will be looking to knock off the undefeated Hotchkiss.

Main Event Rematch – 220lbs Mario “Fatt Daddy” Alonzo, CDCR Ironwood vs Jorge “The Bulldog” Salazar, RSO, Southwest. In their first meeting it was a battle of wills, 6 minutes of nonstop action.  Salazar would pick up the razor close decision win. On Friday night expect these guys to handle the decision themselves and not leave it up to the judges.

Photos and Article written by: James Wyatt, Examier.

Bout #1 saw welterweight Adam Acuna (3-2) of the Baldwin Park Police Department going up against Felipe “The Disciple” Juarez (0-2) of the U. S. Forrest Service. According to Blanton, the ring announcer, during the weigh-ins, Juarez referred to Acuna as Hakuna Matata. The Lion King phrase which means “no worries for the rest of your days.” Acuna gave Juarez plenty to worry about as he pummeled his opponent from the opening bell.

Bout #2 featured heavyweights, 6’3” Nick “Buckshot” Bennallack of the Anaheim Police Department making his Battle of the Badges debut against 6’ Mark “Hands of Steel” McGill (0-1) of the U. S. Fire Service. In the chaotic first round, it appeared Bennallack was landing the cleaner shots and getting the best of McGill who after losing his balance went down. McGill was having problems with his head gear. Then, in Round #2, after a second knockdown, an amazing turnaround occurred, and McGill, no longer having problems with the head gear, started beating Bennallack to the punch. It got so bad that Bennallack walked into three straight lefts. After having breathing problems, he eventually spit out his mouthpiece. As the third round started, McGill was right back in Bennallack’s grill. At this point, referee Tom Taylor recognized Bennallack’s plight and called for the fight doctor, Dr. Koka, of the San Jacinto Medical Clinic’s Urgent Care to look at his nose. After she recommended a stoppage, Taylor took heed and called a halt to the match.

Bout #3 featured two more debutants, light heavyweights, 6’2” Nick “the Slick One” Herstine of the Pechanga Department of Security who trains at the Boxing Gym in Temecula going up against 5’11” Nick “The Bulldog” Boyd a Military Police officer in the Army National Guard training at The Arena in Point Loma. To give the bout more flair, Blanton, the show’s MC, added another sly remark: “Boyd said, ‘How can Herstine expect to beat me? All he ever does is stand around and protect little old ladies with their plastic cups full of nickels.”Once again, the snide remark had the crowd chuckling. Herstine took Round #1 by being busier. Then early in Round #2 he delivered a big left hook that sent Boyd down for the count.

Bout #4 featured heavyweights, 41 year-old Moses “Moe” Lomeli of the California Department of Corrections facility at Chino making his debut against Robert “Don’t Doubt Me” Morales (1-0) of the Rialto Police Department. On his way to the ring, Morales had so many supporters in his entourage, it was like watching a graduation ceremony at West Point. From the outset, the two men went toe to toe with Lomeli showing true grit by walking through punch after punch. Before long his face became a bloody mess from the accumulation of blows. Once again the fight doctor was called and once again she recommended a stoppage.

Bout #5 featured light heavyweight Frank “The Tank” Holguin Jr. of CIW (1-1) going up against Brandon “The Trembler” Birchett (1-0) of the U. S. Fire Service in Corona.In this one, Holguin did his best impression of Joe Frazier and went after the much taller Birchett, the same way Frazier went after Ali with the looping and lunging left hooks to the midsection and side of the head. At the end of the contest, Holguin, the brawler, was way ahead on the scorecards.

Bout #6 featured cruiserweights, 43 year-old Eddie “the Warrior” Pena (1-1) of the California Department of Corrections at Norco going up against 35 year-old Smokin’ Joe Finch of the U. S. Fire Service in Corona (1-2). In this one, Pena was far and away the better boxer. Still, he got over confident and got caught several times with straight left hands. It appeared he was willing to take a punch in order to deliver three in response. In the end, the win was never in doubt.

Bout #7 featured two more debutants, 33 year-old Nick “The Flying Jalapeno” Vega, 200 pounds, of the Pechanga DPS going up against 27 year-old Michael “the Operator” Mastaler, 215 pounds, of the Rialto Police Department. This one was as close as you get to a barroom brawl. After each heavy blow, the momentum of the puncher, usually Vega, had him falling forward on his opponent. It’s a wonder it didn’t turn into a ‘raslin match. After the smoke cleared, it was Vega, getting his arm raised in victory.

Both Bouts #8 and #9 were cancelled. Since Leo Rendon of Pechanga DPS was ready to go in Bout #8, he got the win by default. Concerning the scheduled fighters for Bout #9, the 275 pound Manuel “The Big Dawg” Ayala from CDC – Chino was a no-show for his bout against Matthew James De Hoog. Blanton, the show’s MC, purported that “Big Dawg” more than likely was getting neutered.

In Bout #10 they had super middleweights, 5’10” Anthony “Tomahac” Camou from the California Highway Patrol going up against 47 year old Lee Hanger from the Department of Corrections-Ironwood. Both boxers were making their Battle of the Badges debut. Despite Camou having the better boxing skills, Hanger’s overall strength advantage precluded any thoughts of a knockout and thus this Battle Royale lasted up until the final bell.

Barring any backlash from a Women’s Rights Organization, Mr. Blanton introduced Bout #11 as: “The Chick Fight.” In this female bout, 5’ 6”, 35 year-old Yesenia Nelson (1-0) of CDC – Chino faced 5’9”, 28 year-old Allison Jablonsky of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Jablonsky was making her Battle of the Badges’ debut. From the opening bell, Nelson was hoping to stay inside while Jablonsky preferred to remain at a distance to take full advantage of her superior head-snapping jab along with an occasional overhand right. Despite the constant clinching by Nelson, Jablonsky did a good job of sharpshooting her shorter opponent to win an unanimous decision victory.

In the Co-Main event, it was 6’2”, 210 pounds, Ryan “The Hitman” Hotchkiss (2-0) taking on 5’10”, 205 pounds, Manny Jesus “Iceman” Rocha (0-2) of the Department of Homeland Security (ICE). This one didn’t last long as Rocha was more of a “swing and a miss” boxer while Hotchkiss’ punches were on the mark. After having trouble with his headgear, Rocha started taking even more shots to the head. At one point he was clearly dazed and the referee issued him a standing eight count. By Round #2, Hotchkiss had himself a knock down and soon after a stoppage for the quick victory.

In the main event, Jorge “The Bulldog” Salazar (3-0) from the Riverside County Sheriff Department in Murrieta sought to remain undefeated in his bout against California Department of Corrections-Ironwood officer Mario “Fattdaddy” Alonzo. Just like you see in a featherweight match, the two heavyweights went toe to toe unloading their best shots. While Alonzo’s punches were wider and often off the mark, Salazar’s were more accurate and soon enough you could see which side was loosing ground. Then all of a sudden Alonzo got popped and down he went.

Can toughness be taught or is it something you are born with? Can you display toughness one day and not the next?  Is going to work everyday, taking care of your family and living a clean life considered tough?  Being tough especially in the face of adversity is not easy. It’s when things are not going your way or when you are pushed past your comfort zone and want to quit that is when toughness comes in. It’s having the willingness to persist and push through the discomfort. It’s having the ability to consistently perform at a high level in training, with family and work  no matter what the circumstances are. In boxing, one thing is certain; when a fighter steps through those ropes their toughness will be exposed

The Main Event for the Sacramento Battle of the Badges will feature two #1 ranked fighters in a Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator. The #1 ranked Super Middleweight Ricky Seward, Big Bear City Fire will take on the #1 ranked Light Heavyweight Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara PD.

Going into the fight, Seward definitely has the edge in experience. He has more fights and has been training longer. Seward began boxing at the age of 14 and will be 35 this year. “I’m excited and looking forward to this fight,” Seward says. “Training has been going well and will to continue to pick up over the next few weeks.” Seward trains at the Sky-High Training Center in Big Bear City. His trainer’s, Bob Antonacci, Tino Calderon, and Maros, have been around the game a long time and have a lot of knowledge to share with Seward.

Wurdinger started boxing in 2006 at Redwood City PAL under Coach Dan Hance, San Francisco PD. In 2009 Wurdinger was hired by Santa Clara PD and relocated to San Jose. Wurdinger is now trained by Coach “Sarge” at Dreamland Boxing Gym. Wurdinger said, “Sarge, has helped a lot to fine-tune my skill and teach me more technique. His advice along with tough sparring sessions with some skilled young amateurs is helping me get ready for the fight. With a career in law enforcement and family being priority, I never get as much training in as I would like, but I know I’ll be ready.  I love boxing, and as long as I can stay competitive, I’d like to keep fighting.”

Wurdinger has half as many fights as Seward and no where near the experience however Wurdinger does have a win over Seward. Seward and Wurdinger fought for the Gold medal in the Western States Police & Fire Games, Ontario, 2011. Seward took the fight on short notice and did not get in as much training as he would have liked. Seward weighed in for the fight at 168lbs while Wurdinger came in at the 178lb limit. These guys brought out the best in each other. It was a very close fight with Wurdinger doing a little bit more to seal the victory.

It has been over a year since their first meeting. Seward will be right at the 175lb weight limit for this fight and will have the proper amount of training. “I’m going to give a good fight that’s for sure” Seward says. “I feel the only reason he (Wurdinger) won last time is because I ran out of gas. I’m going to test his chin and see how much punishment he is willing to take. He is a good boxer but I can beat him. I’m going for the KO every round.”

Wurdinger has his eyes set on James Davis UCA Title, but first he must get by a hungry and confident fighter in Seward.  With over 20 yrs of boxing experience Seward will have some tricks up his sleeve for the rematch.  “Ricky is a great fighter. He has a lot of experience, a great in-and-out style, with fast hands and good footwork.”  Wurdinger said, “But he is also a brawler at heart and he likes to exchange, which is the kind of fight I like to have.  Just like our first fight, our styles will make for some more great action in the ring.  I have no predictions; just anticipate a lot of punches being thrown from both of us in a tough bout.”

The Oct 6^th, 2012 Sacramento Battle of the Badges is an event you don’t want to miss. Two of California’s top ranked fighters will battle it out in a UCA Light Heavyweight Eliminator.  Ricky Seward, Big Bear City Fire Dept will take on Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara PD. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for the Light Heavyweight Champion James Davis, CDCR Folsom Prison. In a UCA NorCal Welterweight Title fight 2^nd ranked Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD will face 3^rd ranked Neil Tremethick, U.S. Army.

Team LAPD is returning to the Capitol City when Light Heavyweight prospect Aurelio Vasquez steps into the ring with James Smith from the CHP. Another great battle will feature Jack “The Ripper” Rivera, Sac City Fire vs. Jed “Fighting Irish” McNamara, ABC. Plus CDCR’s Shaun Dean will go toe to toe with Adan Castillo, Yolo Co Corrections. In a Middleweight Showdown Brent Burkhart, CDCR will square off with U.S. Marine, Pittsa Pholkham. Last but not least Folsom Prison Fire Captain Duke Juanitas will trade leather with Javier Banuelos, CDCR CSP SAC. Also in action will be locally popular fighters Carlos Cabrera, Sac Co. SD, Julie Williams, CDCR San Quentin, and Cleon Jones, Yolo Co Corrections.

All tickets for this event are $20. Tickets can be purchased online at www.battleofthebadgessac.com or at Vallejo’s Restaurant, 11^th & O street Downtown Sacramento. Tickets will also be available at the weigh-in Friday Oct 5^th at 5pm and at the door the day of the fight.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department square off against officers from the Los Angeles Police Department in the 19th annual Fight for Life benefiting City of Hope.

The City of Hope charity boxing event started in November of 1994, shortly after Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies, while working patrol in the East Los Angeles area, encountered a young boy who had been diagnosed with cancer. So touched were these deputies that they befriended the young boy and attempted to provide help and improve the quality of life for him and his family.

Although this young boy did succumb, the deputies continued their commitment to helping others and turned to the Los Angeles Police Department to join them in organizing the first of what is now an annual boxing event between the LASD and the LAPD.

In the past, both the LAPD and LASD have joined together and competed against the likes of Los Angeles County and City Firefighters, Scotland Yard, NYPD and FDNY.

Whatever the outcome from this event, whether the competitors win or lose, they are all in agreement that the true winner here is City of Hope and the individuals they treat yearly.

EVENT DETAILS: Friday, Nov. 30, 2012. Quiet Cannon 901 Via San Clemente Montebello, CA 90640
Ticket prices: $100 VIP Ringside Seating, $50 Reserved Seating,
$25 General Admission. 5:30 p.m. Gates Open, 7:00 p.m. Fights Begin. Tickets available at: City of Hope, 213-241+7134
213-241-7134, Sheriff’s Relief Foundation 562-946-7081 LAPD Protective League.

On Saturday October 6^th, 2012 the Sacramento Battle of the Badges Presents “Downtown Showdown.” The State Capitol Building will serve as a back-drop to a star studded fight card where some of the best Public Safety fighters in California will be competing.

Bout 1, 70lbs, Joseph Yang, 9yrs old, LA Boxing vs. Skai Santos, 9yrs old LA Boxing.

Bout 2, 165lbs Jack  Rivera, Sac City Fire vs. Jed McNamara, ABC

Bout 3, 165lbs Pittsa Pholkham, U.S. Marines vs. Brent Burkhart, CDCR DVI

Bout 4, 195lbs Duke Juanitas, Folsom Prison FD vs. Javier Banuelos, CDCR, CSP-SAC

Bout 5, 195lbs Noel Montes, Civilian vs. Eric Smith, LA Boxing

Bout 6, 205lbs Shaun Dean, CDCR Mule Creek vs. Adan Castillo, Yolo Co. Corrections.

Bout 7, 154lbs Sumer Regalia, Rocklin PD vs. Terri Lowe, LA Boxing

Bout 8, 230lbs Cleon Jones, Yolo Co Corrections vs. Shay McIntyre, LA Boxing

Bout 9, 175lbs,  James Smith, CHP vs. Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD

Bout 10, 147lbs UCA NorCal Title, Neil Tremethick, U.S. Army vs. Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD

Main Event, 175lbs UCA Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator, Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara PD vs. Ricky Seward, Big Bear City Fire.

LAPD Team-Alex Perez, John Negrete, Aurelio “El Gallo” Vasquez, Quincy Mirage, Michael Barragan, & Frank Diaz

Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD will be stepping into the ring for the first time when he faces James Smith, CHP on the Oct 6^th, 2012 Sacramento Battle of the Badges card. Vasquez was scheduled to fight in the Nevada Police & Fire Games in August, 2012 but his opponent did not pass the pre-fight physical so the fight was canceled. Smith does have a one fight experience advantage; Vasquez has the height advantage and maybe the training camp advantage. Vasquez trains with some of the best fighters in Public Safety boxing. LAPD head coach Rudy Barragan, Assistant Coaches, Frank Diaz, John Negrete and Ivan Guillermo it doesn’t get any better than having guys like that in your training camp.  This match-up makes for a great fight.

When did you start boxing? I started training for boxing in the last week of March of this year in order to try to lose weight and get in shape.  I started at around 206 lbs and I got down to 175lbs back in the 1st week of August.  I didn’t decide to actually compete until about mid-June of this year.  My friend and co-worker, Quincy Mirage had already fought once last year and said that I was pretty good and that I should try it!  I’ve always had a heavybag at home, so I knew how to throw an okay punch, but I didn’t actually start training or even hit the mitts until Quincy wore them.  And again, that wasn’t until the end of March 2012.

What gym do you train at? I was training at the Hollenbeck Youth Center all of July and 1st week of August, but I currently train at the Northeast Police Station, and I’m going to start training at Fortune Gym in Hollywood all of September in order to get ready for the fight on October 6.

Who is your coach or who taught you how to box? My dad taught me how to throw the 1, 2 combo way back when I was a kid, but he never boxed or anything.  He was just trying to teach me how to defend myself.  I never had a coach-coach work with me until my stablemate, Quincy introduced me to John Negrete, ex-LAPD Boxing Team fighter.  I met John at the end of March.  He taught me how to stand in a proper fighting stance and taught me how to throw combinations and how to defend against head and body punches, and he also showed me how to move in the ring.  He also taught me about the psychology of boxing and headgames boxers play on others, and themselves.  I later met Quran Molina on a 3-mile jog I went on with Quincy and John.  He had just gotten back from working Juan Bustamante’s corner up in Sacramento when I met him.  I overheard him and John talking about the fight on our run.  I didn’t meet Frank Diaz or Rudy Barragan until the beginning of July of this year.  They were the ones we trained with for the fights up at the Nevada Games.  I learned a lot from those guys!!  Frank taught me about footwork, counter-punching, and just how to punch more ‘wisely’.  Rudy is a real stickler for form and technique, and he doesn’t let you get away with any sloppiness.  And he doesn’t want to hear any B.S. or excuses.  He’s tough!   Quran is real good about technique and conditioning.  Since all the other guys are busy with work and stuff, I’ll be working with Q mostly for my fight in October.

How do you see your fight going with James Smith?  I think my fight with Smith will be a real crowd-pleaser!  He’s a real busy and action-packed fighter.  His style mixed with mine will definitely make for a real fun fight for all those watching!!  I like to get in there and mix it up too!  I’ve studied him ever since I found out I was fighting him. I think I can exploit and capitalize on a few of the things that he does.  Even though that fight of his that I saw on youtube was over 2 years ago, I know that old habits die hard.  But I’m sure he’s tightened up his game since then so I’m not going to take him lightly at all.  I don’t take any fight lightly.  The only advantage that I can see that I have is my height.  (I’m 5′ 9 1/2″ so I think I’m about 3-4 inches taller than him)  But that’s it!  He’s younger than me, his legs are fresher than mine, and he has tons of energy!!  And he’s tough!  And it looks like he can really punch too!  I’m really going to have my hands full with him that night!  But I’m going to do my best to put on a great fight for the fans.  I can’t wait!!!

On Oct 6^th two of the top welterweights will share the ring and only one will move forward and secure a UCA title shot. Currently unbeaten with wins over Marc Baes, CDCR and Angel Vasquez, LASD,  Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD has made boxing fans sit up and take notice.  Neil Tremethick, U.S. ARMY in his first fight faced one of the best lightweight fighters in the state in Francisco Flores, Stanislaus Co SD. Tremethick would be on the losing end of a very close, competitive, split decision.  Tremethick bounced back with a signature win over Chris Martinez, Avenal PD in March. With Bugarin and Tremethick coming off impressive wins they have certainly placed themselves at the top of the welterweight division.  These two elite fighters are about to face the most defining moment of their careers. The winner will advance to a UCA State Title Fight and the other will have to work his way back to the top.

Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD and Neil Tremethick, U.S. ARMY are fairly new comers to the sweet science. With  both fighters only having two fights and no prior MMA, kickboxing, or boxing experience these fighters are on the brink of stardom. With their activity and success in the ring Tremethick and Bugarin have catapulted themselves into the October 6, UCA NorCal Welterweight Title Fight. It can only be explained by both fighters being exceptional, focused, driven athletes who want to test themselves against the best out there. Bugarin and Tremethick fight with a lot of confidence and have a lot of weapons in their arsenal.  The southpaw stance of Tremethick could give Bugarin some trouble.  Tremethick throws punches at a blistering pace and has a fine balance of aggression, speed and power.  Tremethick is a fighter and win, lose, or draw he is always exciting and fun to watch. He has what it takes to be a UCA champion but Bugarin is in his way.  Bugarin has looked nearly unstoppable in his two fights. He has tremendous poise, skill, and talent.  A killer instinct is tough to teach if it isn’t already in you. Bugarin has proved he has it with two fights and two stoppages. Tremethick can not stand in front of Bugarin or it could be a short night.

Bugarin vs Tremethick is your classic Boxer vs. Puncher. Julio Caesar Chavez vs. Meldrick Taylor -1 type of fight. Tremethick will have to control the distance and use the whole ring or he will have the same fate as Taylor.  When Bugarin tries to close the distance Tremethick must pick him off with jabs, keep him off balance with movement and feints.  It will come down to Tremethick implementing what he worked on in camp. He must use his footwork to slide in and out of range. Dictate the pace early and switch up the rhythm of the fight.  Bugarin is a hunter; it’s kill or be killed.  He is a pressure fighter who cuts the ring off well and is very effective in his body attack. He controls the distance and has a reason for every punch thrown.  He is very methodical in his attack. With only two fights Bugarin is patient and mature in the ring.  He listens to his coach, sticks to the game plan and lets the game plan develop.

One thing is clear, Bugarin and Tremethick are eager to prove they are the best welterweight in California and worthy of a title shot. Bugarin is well schooled, fundamentally sound, an all around athlete. On the outside Bugarin seems to have everything. What remains to be seen is how he reacts and deals with being tested by a faster more elusive fighter or someone with equal skills. Bugarin sent a message to everyone in the welterweight division that the UCA championship goes through him. On Oct 6, Bugarin will battle a proven warrior in Tremethick.  This fight is going to come down to who can adapt and make the necessary adjustments in the fight. Tremethick will have to put on a flawless performance to get past Bugarin.  Tremethick’s footwork, hand speed, athleticism and ability to switch between orthodox and southpaw made him an instant prospect to watch and may be the difference in the fight.

Bugarin and Tremethick are winners and expect to win every time they step into the ring. On Oct 6, there can only be one winner. Both guys have studied each other and know what they have to do to win. Tremethick, might be unrivaled in terms of natural ability and athleticism.  Bugarin is a hungry unbeaten up & comer with the skills to perhaps become the best Public Safety fighter in California. This fight may be as simple as which camp put together the best game plan for their fighter. When you have two exceptional fighters you have to look outside their natural ability to find out who may have an advantage. Both fighters have displayed personal drive, a competitive nature, heart, desire and determination. This is when you take into account their experience, what gym they train at, stable-mates, who their trainer is and what experience he has.  On Saturday night all the questions will be answered. Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD will look to secure a title shot with a win over the 3^rd ranked Neil Tremethick, U.S. ARMY.  While Tremethick looks to knock Bugarin’s meteoric rise off course.

The 6^th ranked Super Cruiserweight Adan Castillo, Yolo Co Corrections will be facing Shaun Dean, CDCR Mule Creek Prison Oct 6. 2012.  After 2 years of inactivity Dean will be stepping back into the ring. Dean will not be facing an easy opponent in his first fight back. Castillo has been active and is on a 2 fight win streak.  Dean will have to use his height and speed to keep the hungry and determined Castillo off him. Adan Castillo wants the Super Cruiserweight belt but is not looking past Dean, however he has talked to his coaches about taking on the #1 ranked, undefeated, pound for pound fighter in California, Chris “The Bull” Barrios, LASD.

When did you start boxing?  Feb. 2011. I lost 22lbs to fight my first fight in May 2011.

What gym do you train at? I train out of Woodland Boxing Club and Knockoutz Fitness Center in Woodland.

When did you start your boxing program and why?  I started a Box Fit Class at Knockoutz in July, 2012. I didn’t realize how much motivation that would give me in my own training. We train Sunday 0900, Tuesday 0900 and Friday at 6:30pm. I started it to teach self defense for the records girls at work. It’s great to see the changes in them. At the gym they’re not ladies, They’re Grrrls!! Our motto is, “Sweat is the body crying for more.”

Who is your boxing coach? My coaches are Richard and Miguel Munoz out of Woodland. I train with Cleon Jones and I couldn’t ask for a better crew to take on the challenges I face in the UCA.

How do you see your fight with Shaun Dean, CDCR Mule Creek going?  I don’t know Shaun Dean, I look to him as a challenge. I refuse to talk bad about anybody because it takes a special person to get in that ring and represent a Law Enforcement Agency. It is the most vulnerable and humble experience and deserves a lot of respect. I do hope to be tested. Isn’t that why we do it? That’s why I do it.

Cleon Jones, Yolo Co Corrections will not be fighting the #1 ranked Heavyweight Casey Johnson; Oakland PD. Johnson was unable able to get the necessary time off to train for the fight due to mandatory overtime and budget cuts. Johnson however is excited about fighting Jones in June, 2013 Battle of the Badges. When Jones was told he didn’t have a opponent, he said, “I want to fight. I will fight anyone; I will fight Mike Tyson if I have to.” Jones will be fighting Oct 6^th but he will not be fighting Tyson. However he will be fighting a Super Heavyweight who kind of looks like Tyson in Shay McIntyre. McIntyre is a civilian amateur boxer who trains at LA Boxing in Sacramento. Jones is hungry and wants to stay active. With only three fights Jones is ready to challenge the best in his division, names like Casey Johnson, Oakland PD, and Rahsaan Harrison, LASD and even the man with the best name in boxing, Mike “I will Amaze Ya” Frazier, LASD. Jones is a heavy handed, athletic, southpaw who could present problems for the top ranked fighters.

Vasquez shadow boxing after a two mile run with trainers Frank Diaz and Robert Morales.

8th ranked, James Smith, CHP and Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD are training hard and are in great shape. Both fighters expect an action packed, back and fourth battle when they step into the ring Oct 6.  Smith knows he has to get inside the reach of Vasquez and get most of his work done on the inside. Vasquez knows he has to use his height and reach advantage to keep Smith off. This is going to be your classic Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier type of fight.

James Smith, CHP being interviewed by News 10, Brandon Atchison for upcoming fight with LAPD’s Aurelio Vasquez. October 6, 2012 Sacramento Battle of the Badges.

When did you start boxing? I started training and learning how to box in April/May of 2010 when I talked to a friend of mine (now trainer) Josh Kretschamann. I started training with him so I could better prepare myself for the roads of California. I wanted to get the idea and the mindset of what it’s like to be in a fight, were you know someone is trying to do some damage to you. Sometimes the biggest worry when it comes to fighting is the unknown. There are so many variables when it comes to fighting. You can’t train for each one, but you can train to be prepared for the worst ones. I figured this directly reflected what we do day to day and its better to learn in a controlled environment then out on the road.

What gym do you train at?  All my training has been in the garage. Either in my garage or my trainer’s garage.  I have a bag hanging in my garage that I practice on.  In my trainer’s garage we work on technique,  focus mitts and belly pads. All my running for this fight has been outside around my neighborhood. I have been doing more running this time then I did back in 2010.  I noticed I started to get winded in the last 30 seconds of the rounds and I want to avoid that this time. I set a goal to run 60 total miles with 5 weeks left until the weigh in. Thus far I have 48 miles and 7 days left.

Who is your coach or who taught you how to box? My coach is Josh Kretschmann. He is a boxer/mauy thai fighter/personal trainer/nutritionist. He is an all in one package kind of trainer.  Also being a family friend he has helped me to develop my abilities in the ring and the knowledge to better myself physically as well as the best way to fuel the body. When we train he really works on speed and technique. He is consistently reminding me to make small corrections until my boxing is perfect.

How do you see your fight with Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD  going? I think the fight with Vasquez is going to be a real crowd pleaser.  He has a height and reach advantage, but I have had to train against people (Jed McNamara, ABC) taller than me every week so that’s all I know. I think Vasquez is a real tough fighter and it’s going to take all three rounds to decide the outcome. But no matter what, the Charities are the winners and that’s what this event is really about.