The Fight for Life boxing Event took place Friday, November 30, 2012 at the Quiet Cannon, Los Angeles, California. It was a great night of boxing featuring some of the best fighters in California and some new fighters you will be hearing about very soon.

Bout 1. LASD, Andy Chen, LASD vs. Miguel Mejia, LAPD 165lbs. Two fighters making their Fight for Life debut made for an exciting match up. Chen and Mejia were well matched and for both fighters stepping into the ring for the first time they displayed good skills. After three exciting rounds, the fight was declared a draw.

Bout 2, Andrew Serrata, LASD vs. Chuck Wampler, LAPD 175lbs. It was clear early Wampler was the stronger fighter.  Serrata would get caught with some solid shots but he would shake them off and return some hard shots of his own. Aside from the Wampler’s power advantage he seemed to be a little more skilled, throwing straighter punches and knowing his range. When the bell sounded to end the fight the crowd was on their feet. Early contender for Fight of the Night.  Wampler, LAPD winner by decision.

Bout 3, Brandon Manning, LASD vs. 4^th ranked, Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD 165lbs. When the bell sounded Vasquez came across the ring throwing punches with bad intentions. Vasquez was loading up on his punches which allowed Manning to see them coming and stay out of harms way. Vasquez would listen to his corner, Diaz and Negrete and find his rhythm and get off some nice combinations. In the 3^rd round Manning came out throwing punches in bunches, but Vasquez would weather the storm and put Manning back on defense. Manning displayed good footwork and head movement in the fight but the volume of punches and power shots thrown by Vasquez would be the difference in the fight. Vasquez, LAPD winner by decision.

Bout 4, David Chung, LASD vs. Eriverto Montano, LAPD, 150lbs. No feeling out period needed for Montano, he jumped right on Chung. Montano was the aggressor and kept Chung backing up the whole fight.  Chung would land some punches with his back against the ropes but the pressure and fast pace set by Montano never gave Chung a chance to establish an offense. Montano, LAPD winner by decision.

Bout 5, Ernie Ferreras, LASD vs. Ruben Rosas, LAPD 190lbs. Ferreras was matched against a more experienced fighter in Rosas, but that didn’t prevent Ferreras from taking the fight to Rosas. He would land some punches and also receive some.  Rosas is a crafty fighter who knows how to avoid being hit. He slides in and out of range very effectively and has good head movement. He is a real smooth fighter with natural ability. The experience proved to be too much for Ferreras. Rosas, LAPD winner by decision. Rosas may have the most natural talent than everyone on the card however it could be wasted talent. As an amateur he fought Vanes Martirosyan and Andre Ward. Rosas is a young fighter who isn’t sure if he will continue to fight. Wasted talent is the worst thing in sports. Lets all hope Rosas continues to fight.

Bout 6, 8^th ranked Roman Mercado, LASD vs. Mike Barragan, LAPD 175lbs. Remember the name Mike Barragan.  A young, tall, talented fighter who does everything well. In the first round Barragan came out throwing laser shots controlling the distance and keeping Mercado at the end of his punches. Mercado knew he had to close the distance and would have his moments landing shots on the inside. Barragan wouldn’t stay on the inside very long or allow Mercado to tie him up. Barragan seems to have it all, a good jab, footwork, speed, throws straight punches, and knows his range.  Barragan only has two fights but he is a gym rat and his experience proved to be too much for Mercado. Barragan, LAPD winner by decision.

Bout 7, Angel Vasquez, LASD vs. Ray Encinas, LAPD 150lbs.  Two well-schooled technical fighters meeting for the third time. When the bell sounded to start the fight Encinas seemed anxious to inflict pain on Vasquez. He jumped right on Vasquez pinning him against the ropes, throwing short hooks and body shots. When Vasquez would find the space he needed to establish his jab Encinas would rush in and make it an inside fight. Vasquez couldn’t seem to time Encinas coming in or tie him up. Team LASD didn’t have an answer to the unexpected game plan put together by Team LAPD. The aggressiveness, pressure and rough tactics by Encinas was the clear difference in the fight.  Encinas winner by decision. This fight will go down as another classic trilogy, next to Jorge Caamal, LASD vs. Ivan Guillermo, LAPD.

Bout 8, 7^th ranked, Erik Ramirez, LASD vs. Quincy Mirage, LAPD 165lbs. In the first round Ramirez came out like a sharp shooter putting his punches together nicely. Throwing beautiful counter combinations that landed right on target. Mirage didn’t seem to have an answer to the crisp clean punches thrown by Ramirez. First round was clearly Ramirez. Mirage went back to his corner, listened to his coaches and came out like a different fighter in the second round. Ramirez stood in the center of the ring and waved Mirage in. Mirage is a heavy handed power puncher who you don’t want to challenge. Mirage took full advantage of the invite and threw hard punches to the head of Ramirez.  Ramirez kept his hands up however a few punches would get through. The 2^nd round went to Mirage. Mirage came after Ramirez in the 3^rd round but it was Ramirez who would find his rhythm and score punches to the body and head and didn’t stick around for Mirage to return the favor. Ramirez did a good job of neutralizing Mirage’s power by using his speed and reach advantage. Mirage would have his moments when Ramirez stood in front of him but it was Ramirez experience, accuracy and combination punching that would be the difference in the fight. Ramirez winner by decision.

Bout 9, Chris Barrios, LASD vs. Alex Perez, LAPD 205lbs. The Main Event featured the #1 ranked Pound for Pound, Super Cruiserweight Phenom Chris “The Bull” Barrios, LASD taking on upset minded Alex Perez, LAPD.  Would Perez be ready for the big stage? How would he deal with the pressure? He has never fought this caliber of fighter. How would he handle it? All those questions were answered. Perez can fight! He wasn’t affected by the crowd, nerves or being the main event. Team LAPD must have had confidence in Perez to thrust him into the Main Event against the #1 ranked fighter. Perez proved he is a warrior, he brought the fight to Barrios and never back down. Perez would be on the losing end of a very competitive fight however fighting three tough rounds with the best fighter in the state has definitely made Perez a top 10 Super Cruiserweight and a threat to everyone in the division. The fight was a hard fought battle, perhaps Barrios toughest fight since defeating Oscar Rodriguez, LASD for the Police Olympic Gold Medal, 2011.  Barrios returned to the ring Friday night after a long lay off but did not show any signs of ring rust. He looked very sharp showing good balance, combination punching and head movement. Barrios is a blue collar type fighter. He isn’t cute with fancy footwork or showboating. He is a work horse who keeps his hands up and comes forward with relentless pressure and power. He is always looking to get off first and controls the pace of the fight. Barrios recorded another win with a solid performance against a tough opponent in Perez. Barrios has never tasted defeat and brings his record to 9-0.  It remains to be seen if there is anyone in the Super Cruiserweight division that can stop him. He seems to be on another level and his level of dominance keeps rising. This nonstop all action Main Event fight would also receive “Fight of the Night” honors.

The super talented UCA Cruiserweight Champion Brian Stevens, LASD was not on the card. The next time Stevens will step into to the ring will be to defend his title in a rematch against #1 ranked, Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. S.D. in April.

The Fight for Life Boxing event is in the books and it was a huge success. A packed house and a lot of money raised for the City of Hope. Huge credit to the event organizers.

For every boxer there comes a time when they have to decide whether they can continue to dedicate the time and energy it takes to be a top ranked fighter. To compete at a high level it takes a lot of dedication, sacrifice, and time.  After a lot of consideration, David Bermudez the #1 ranked Jr Middleweight from East Bay Regional Parks P.D. has made the tough decision to retire as an amateur boxer. With a growing family and a promotion at work he does not have the time needed to train, travel to different gyms for sparring, etc.  Although, boxing fans will miss out on one of the best Public Safety boxing matches, Bermudez vs. Jorge Caamal, LASD (rematch) we wish him and his family the best.

1.  How did you know it was time to retire?

I knew it was time when I got thumped and dropped in sparring and all I could think about was my baby girls as I was trying to recover.  I knew God was telling me something when that went through my mind.  That has never happened before.

2. If Freddie Roach, Robert Garcia, or Virgil Hunter agreed to train you for one fight would you postpone your retirement?

Wow, that would be SUPER tempting, but I would have to say no.

3. If you could have one more fight who would it be against?  Why do I think I can answer this one?

Of course Jorge. (Caamal)  I still believe I won the fight. But that’s in the past and it was a great time. I wish him the best if he decides to go pro.  Maybe also the boxer from Air Force I “lost” to in the finals in the National Tournament my junior year.

4. What is your most memorable experience in boxing?

Most memorable experience was being part of the UNLV Boxing Team and being a two time All American. I met so many great people and had awesome coaches. I’ll never forget it. Also being a coach brings a lot of fulfillment. I’m happy to represent the sport.

5.   Who was your toughest fight?

National Tournament my junior year, semifinals. I fought the returning National Champion and beat him by decision when I wasn’t even ranked. That guy hit like a truck!

6.   Toughest sparring partners?

Anthony “The Aztec Warrior” Martinez out of Las Vegas, NV.

Jonathan “Jonmac” Macalolooy out of Union City, CA.

Jose “The Punisher” Perez out of Fremont CA

Joaquin “Killer” Gallardo out of Oakland CA

Now those guys were tough and taught me A LOT :0)

7. You are not walking away from boxing completely, you want to coach?

Yes, I am currently looking for a place to coach in the Bay Area, preferably the East Bay.

8. What are your goals as a trainer?

One day training a champion. Whether it’s a regional champ, state champ, national champ, or world champ. But most importantly, guiding a fighter in being a productive citizen through the lessons boxing can instill upon someone.

On a personal note, David needed sparring for a USA Boxing fight he was having and he asked me to come to his gym in Pleasanton and give him a few rounds.  I consider David and I to be good friends. After we warmed up and got into the ring our friendship went out the window. When the bell rings David flips a switch and you are now his enemy. After a minute of taking a pounding I realized he was trying to kill me and I had to survive 4 rounds, I only lasted three. David is a pressure fighter and makes you fight every second of every round. There is no escaping and he doesn’t like it when you tie him up. For three, 3 min rounds ( 30 second rest) David tried to punch holes through me. When the sparring was over David was back to his old self, talking, joking and laughing. We sparred a handful of times after our initial sparring session and I thought I was prepared for him but I wasn’t. Bermudez is a beast! He is also a good man, husband, father and friend.

The LASD Boxing Team has the most talented group of fighters in California and perhaps the Country. Not only are the LASD fighters talented, the LASD coaches are talented as well. Long time trainers Mike Young, Al Farijo, Hank Nagamini, and Armando Guzman, are former accomplished fighters that give the LASD team the benefit of their combined experience.  When you have the best fighters in California to train and spar with everyday, the team’s level of dominance can only continue to rise. The term steel sharpens steel, couldn’t be more true.

Below are some of the best fighters in the state representing the LASD Boxing Team.

Larry Cervantes, undefeated #1 ranked Jr Welterweight has the talent to dominate the division for a long time.

Jorge Caamal the 3 time Police Olympic Gold Medalist. Caamal said, “I want to hold titles in three weight classes, 147, 154, 160lbs,” and has the talent to do it.

Brian Stevens, the undefeated Cruiserweight Champion whose skill level is unmatched. The only fighter at his level is Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co, SD. They stand alone at the top of the Cruiserweight division.

Chris Barrios, Pound for Pound Super Cruiserweight. Since he started boxing he has established himself as a dominate force. Barrios is a fighter that has never tasted defeat and is widely feared.

Also in the same division is undefeated, Alan Rojas, the only thing missing is experience.

Mike Frazier the undefeated smooth as silk Heavyweight is also unrivaled in talent and is ready to challenge the best out there.

Rahsaan Harrison, is not your average Super Heavyweight. He is a very skilled, athletic big man.  Harrison moves and has speed like a middleweight. He wants a rematch with the #1 ranked Heavyweight Casey Johnson, Oakland PD. Harrison and Johnson fought to a draw in the Western States Police & Fire Games. The fight was decided by the flip of a coin. Johnson won the toss, advanced to the finals. “I will fight the top guy at Super Heavyweight or Heavyweight,” said Harrison. 

Another top level fighter on the LASD Team is Eddie Martinez, an undefeated Police Olympic Gold Medalist. Martinez is a very respectful, talented, humble athlete who can fight.

Other fighters on the LASD Team who have the potential to be on top are Erik Ramirez, who gets better with every performance and Angel Vasquez who has had some tough fights but continues to improve.

Two females on the team that have trouble finding opponents but will fight anyone in their division are Isabel Sandoval, and Roxanne Chavez.

Fighters just getting started on the team and have the potential to make a name for themselves are Guerrero Gonzales, Remin Pineda, Roman Mercado, Feliciano Perez, and Manny Amaya.

Every generation produces its exceptional athletes.  For the past ten years names like Lopez, Barragon, Diaz, Negrete, Guillermo, Bustamante and Gras pushed limits, instilled greatness and set the standard for the new LAPD boxer coming in. As legacies get passed on the cycle renews and a new crop of fighters evolve. The LAPD Boxing team is in a transition stage. New fighters, Alex Perez, Ray Encinas, Mike Barragan, Aurelio Vasquez, Ruben Rosas, Quincy Mirage, Jose Luis Rivera, Chuck Wampler, Miguel Mejia, Brendy Ponce, Josh Skeber, Eriverto Montano and Shannon Lopez will look to make a name for themselves and keep the LAPD Boxing tradition going.  The new convergence of talent can look back at the past accomplishments left by the pioneers of the LAPD Boxing Team and strive for their own greatness.

The UCA is honored to be a finalist aside some great people in boxing for Amateur Promoter of the Year and Amateur Event of the Year,  CSNBayArea NorCal Boxing Awards.

2012 NorCal Boxing Awards: Punch your ballot!

 Can Andre Ward repeat as CSNBayArea.com Fighter of the Year? (AP)

Another year of Northern California Boxing has come to an end, and local historians will look back on 2012 with particular fondness.

Over the past 12 months, seven local pros have held world titles of some sort, with all but one still in possession of their respective belts. (Our definition of a NorCal fighter is one who resides and represents any city from Bakersfield to the northern border.)

2012 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Boxing AWARDS
FINALISTS

AMATEUR EVENT OF THE YEAR
For the most entertaining, well-promoted Northern California-based amateur show in 2012

FINALISTS: Aleman Boxing Independence Day Show (July 7), Beautiful Brawlers 2 (Aug. 25), King’s Gym Holiday Showdown (Dec. 8), Northern California Junior Olympics (Apr. 22), Pacific Ring’s Showdown in Oakland 8 (Nov. 10), United Combat Association’s Battle of the Badges (Mar. 31), Velarde’s T.C. Show (Aug. 11)

AMATEUR PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
For the amateur promoter/gym who has done the most for Northern California fans in 2012

FINALISTS: Aleman Boxing (Fresno), Blanca Gutierrez/BabyFace (Pacifica), Caballero’s B.C. (Sacramento), Pacific Ring Sports (Oakland), United Combat Association (California), Velarde’s T.C. (Fresno)

CSN Bay Area Boxing Insider Ryan Maquiñana is a voting member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and panelist for Ring Magazine’s Ratings Board.  E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at NorcalBoxing.net, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.

UCA Promoter of the Year

Jeff Penn, SoCal Battle of the Badges. The SoCal Battle of the Badges is held at some of the best venues in California, Pala, Agua Caliente, Morongo, and Pechanga Indian Resort & Casino. Four sold out Battle of the Badges Events, UCA Championship fight Brian Stevens, LASD vs. Jamaal Brathwaite, OCSD, first ever all Female Battle of the Badges Event and Jeff is working on a North vs. South Battle of the Badges for 2013. Money raised from the events benefit the Cops 4 Kids & Communities.

UCA Event of the Year

The March 31^st, Battle of the Badges, Sacramento. Major hype, groundbreaking promotion, sold out venue, major TV and newspaper coverage. The first UCA State Champion was crowned when James Davis CDCR Folsom Prison defeated Juan Bustamante, LAPD for the Light Heavyweight Title. The card was stacked with top rated fighters and action packed fights. Fighters from LAPD, Santa Clara SD, Fresno PD, Sacramento PD, SD, Sac Metro Fire, CDCR, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, represented the event.

UCA Fighter of the Year

James Davis, CDCR Folsom Prison, UCA Light Heavyweight State Champion

Brian Stevens, LASD, Undefeated UCA Cruiserweight State Champion

Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD, Undefeated UCA NorCal Welterweight Champion, fought 3 times 2012, traveled to fight in LA Battle of the Badges.

UCA Female Fighter of the Year

Julie Williams, CDCR, San Quentin, Undefeated UCA NorCal Champion.

Lindsay Dozier, Fresno PD, Undefeated UCA NorCal Champion.

Janie Cozine, SBPD. Undefeated, 5-0

UCA Coach of the Year

A coach who has the knowledge and experience to unlock a fighters true potential and mold them into a champion. There are a lot of critical factors that make a champion, having a great coach is the most important one.

Armando “Mando” Guzman, LASD

UCA True Grit Award

To have fortitude, determination, honor, braveness and the strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage.

Stacey Woeniski, CDCR DVI Prison

Dusty Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept.

Kannon Lariba, CDCR CMC Prison

Adan Castillo, Yolo Co Corrections

Shaun Dean, CDCR Mule Creek Prison

Samantha Callagy, Bakersfield PD

Craig Hamblin, CDCR Solano Prison

Louie Lomboy, Cathedral City PD

Selina Velasquez, Soboba Public Safety

UCA Fights of the year

Jodi Brown, Sac PD vs. Nelly Mendoza, Fresno PD. 3-31-12 Sac BOTB

Isaac Aleman, BPD vs. Joshua Garcia, KCSO. 4-13-12 Bakersfield BOTB

James Smith, CHP vs. Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD. 10-6-12 Sac BOTB

UCA Dream Fights

Brian Stevens, LASD vs. Jamaal Brathwaite, OCSD, Rematch

Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara PD vs. James Davis, CDCR

Larry Cervantes, LA Co Coroner’s Office vs. Larry Fernandez, CDCR Solano

Casey Johnson, Oakland PD vs. Cleon Jones, Yolo Co. Corrections

Casey Johnson, Oakland PD vs. Mike Frazier, LASD

Mike Gomez, CDCR CSP SAC vs. Rahsaan Harrison, LASD

Jorge Caamal, LASD vs. Shay Burke, Petaluma Fire Dept

Carlos Vega, OCSD vs. Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD

Ryan Hotchkiss, Barstow PD vs. Jorge Salazar, Riverside SD

Francisco Flores, Stanislaus Co SD vs. Walter Lavarro, Long Beach PD, Rematch

Ray Encinas, LAPD vs. Carlos Cabrera, Sac Co SD

Julie Williams, CDCR San Quentin vs. Janie Cozine, San Bernardino PD

Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD vs. Adam Acuna, Baldwin Park PD

Erik Ramirez, LASD vs. Anthony Gutierrez, City of Orange FD

Most fun to watch

Neil Tremethick, U.S. Army

James Smith, CHP

Christy Kim, U.S. Air Force

Larry Cervantes, LA Co Corners Office

Mike Frazier, LASD

Anthony Gutierrez, City of Orange Fire Dept

Deserves a Title Shot

Chris Barrios, LASD

Jorge Caamal, LASD,

Rahsaan Harrison, LASD,

Mike Frazier, LASD,

Isabel Sandoval, LASD,

Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD,

Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara PD,

Lindsay Dozier, Fresno PD.

Fighters to keep an eye on

Carlos Cabrera, Sac Co SD, Richmond De Los Cientos, Sac Co. SD, Ryan Hotchkiss, Barstow PD, Adam Acuna, Baldwin Park PD, Carlos Vega, OCSD, Erik Ramirez, LASD, Alex Garcia, EMT Whittier, Mike Gomez, CDCR CSP SAC, Alan Rojas, LASD, Omar Salem, Napa PD, Adam Ward, Oakland PD, Jerry Ribeira, Oakland PD, Logan Burns, U.S. Dept of Forestry, Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept, PD, Ray Encinas, LAPD, Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD, Mario Alonzo, CDCR Ironwood, Larry Cervantes, LA Co Corners Office, Allison Jablonsky, OCSD,  Manny Amaya, LASD, Joshua Garcia, KCSO, Alex Perez, LAPD, Ruben Rosas, LAPD

Most Exciting Division

Welterweight

Division with most Potential

Super Heavyweight

Can’t Get a Break on the Scorecards

Craig Hamblin, CDCR Solano

Anthony Gutierrez, City of Orange FD

Retired too Early

David Bermudez, East Bay Regional Parks PD

Best Fighter You Have Never Seen

Gary McCoy, CDCR High Desert Prison.

Best Nickname

Mike “I Will Amaze Ya” Frazier, LASD

Never In a Bad Fight

Brent Burkhart, CDCR DVI,

Jesse Ruelas, Stanislaus Co SD,

Ricky Seward, Big Bear City Fire Dept

Jorge Caamal, LASD

UCA Prospects

Joe Gatie, CDCR High Desert,

Anthony Carrasco, Palo Alto,

Isaac Aleman, Bakersfield PD

Feliciano Perez, LASD

Anthony Camou, CHP

Pittsa Pholkman, USMC

Guerrero Gonzales, LASD

Marco Montano, U.S. Coast Guard

Mike Barragan, LAPD

Eriverto Montano, LAPD

2013 UCA Predictions

North vs. South Battle of the Badges will happen.

First female UCA State Champion will be crowned.

Super Heavyweight UCA State Champion will be crowned.

Team LASD, LAPD will defeat The NYPD Boxing Team, Fight for Life Event.