The Battle at the Academy Boxing Event takes place this Saturday and will be headlined by two #1 ranked fighters.  Light Heavyweight Mike Barragan, LAPD vs. Super Middleweight Ricky Seward, Big Bear City FD. Aside from both fighters having superior boxing skills they have something else in common, they both suffered defeats to the same man.  Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara PD defeated both fighters to prove his superiority in the light heavyweight division to become the UCA Light Heavyweight Champion. Both fights were highly anticipated matchups that turned into a memorable slugfest. Taking into account the styles of Barragan and Seward this fight promises to be a knockdown drag out brawl. With Barragan and Seward having defeats to Wurdinger, who better to ask to break down the fight than the Champ himself, Matt Wurdinger.

Wurdinger’s Breakdown:  Barragan, LAPD vs. Seward, Big Bear City FD

Ring Generalship:

I think Ricky will dictate how the fight will flow.  He moves well and appropriately mixes in his combos with good timing.

Mental/Focus:

Both are equally extremely tough competitors.  They both have the will and determination to win.  Both will be focused and mentally prepared because they are both used to the big stage.  One of the hardest things to deal with as a fighter is the nerves going into a fight.  Both guys have had that big fight before, so that shouldn’t play a big role in the outcome.

Speed:

Both bring in a different kind of speed to the ring.  Ricky utilizes his speed by moving well and hitting from different angles, but Mike puts together faster combinations.

Power:

I can’t remember which guy hit harder.  Probably because I got knocked around by both!

Footwork:

Ricky has great footwork.  He utilizes his space well so that you are never in a perfect position to hit him… he’s always either too close or too far.

Defense:

Ricky’s best defense is his movement.  But Mike does a better job of keeping his hands up to avoid punishment.

Toughness:

Both guys are remarkably tough.  I can almost guarantee that neither one with go down.

Cardio:

I think Mike may have the edge here.  Ricky mentioned he got tired early in both our fights.

Prediction

Mike Barragan is a conventional fighter, great classic technique. He keeps his hands up, throws lots of straight punches in bunches. Whereas Ricky Seward throws from different angles and moves a lot, more unconventional. Both are warriors, no question. It’s a toss-up for me.

Venue: Los Angeles Elysian Park Police Academy, 1880 N. Academy Road. Doors open at 4pm, Fights start at 5pm. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at the LAPPRAC Gift Shop. 323-221-5222 ext.231

On July 6, 2013 The LAPD Police Academy will play host to the Battle at the Academy, a Public Safety Boxing Event that will be talked about for a long time. The LAPD academy will be packed to see public safety boxing’s rising stars and top level fighters compete. Come out and support this great event Saturday night at Elysian Park Police Academy.

Venue: Los Angeles Elysian Park Police Academy, 1880 N. Academy Road. Doors open at 4pm, Fights start at 5pm. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at the LAPPRAC Gift Shop. 323-221-5222 ext.231

Bout 1 featured Light Heavyweights Shaun Sutherland, Big Bear City FD vs. Jose Rivera, (Civilian). As soon as the bell rang Rivera went right after Sutherland’s body, landing  left hooks to the body that Julio Caesar Chavez would be proud of. Rivera was very patient in his attack, putting together nice combinations. Sutherland would have his moments in the 1^st and 2^nd rounds but would be down 2 rounds on the score cards going into the 3rd^.  Sutherland would need a knockout to win and he almost pulled it off. Rivera showed signs of slowing down and Sutherland took advantage of it. He pressured Rivera to the ropes and threw some hard right hands that landed right on target but Sutherland would run out of time. The bell would sound and Rivera would pick up the victory.  

Bout 2 featured Welterweights #4 ranked Ray Encinas, LAPD vs. Fernando Saldana, (Civilian) Monster Boxing. Great fight between two action fighters. Encinas and Saldana would land solid shots throughout the fight. But it was Encinas who was dishing out more than he was taking. The difference in this fight was Encinas volume of punches thrown and landed. Encinas winner by decision.

Bout 3 featured Jr. Middleweights 5th ranked Eriverto Montano, LAPD vs. 3^rd ranked Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD. This fight was no walk in the park for either fighter. For 3 rounds Montano and Rodriguez would take turns getting the better of each other in the exchanges. This was a high skill level action packed fight. This is what you get when you have two of the best Jr Middleweights in the state going at it.  After 3 close rounds the decision would be left up to the judges.  Rodriguez would edge out a split decision win and put a blemish on Montano’s perfect record by handing him his first defeat. From their performance Rodriguez and Montano established themselves as top rated fighters. With the win Rodriguez takes over the #2 spot in the Jr Middleweight division and Montano slides into the 3^rd spot. .

Bout 4 featured Light Heavyweights 6^th ranked Brendy Ponce, LAPD vs. Johnnie Medina, U.S. Marshall’s Office. Throughout the fight both guys would throw and land heavy leather but Medina wasn’t able to deliver the same kind of hurt Ponce was delivering. Due to Medina getting caught with some hard shots the referee was forced to step in and give a standing 8 count and eventually stopping the fight in the 3^rd. round, although Medina indicated to the referee he wanted to continue. Ponce is known for his punching power and is earning a reputation as the Mike Tyson of the Light Heavyweight division. Powerhouse performance, Ponce 3^rd TKO

Bout 5 featured Super Middleweights 5^th ranked Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD vs. 3rd ranked Brian Petrella, Pasadena PD. When the bell sounded there was a tiny bit of a feeling period then pretty soon they were mixing it up. Vasquez and Petrella were landing some heavy artillery and both seemed to like that kind of fight.  Being out of the ring nearly two years Petrella was in great shape and showed signs of his Gold Medal Police Olympian pedigree. But Vasquez was determined to keep his perfect record intact. He took the fight to Petrella landing the cleaner more effective punches.  Vasquez winner by decision. Vasquez would stay perfect bringing his record to 3-0.

Bout 6 featured Light Heavyweights #1 ranked Mike Barragan, LAPD vs. Bryant Hobbs, (Civilian) Monster Boxing. Great matchup between two boxers with contrasting styles. This fight would go the distance and left up to the judges to decide the winner. Tough fight to score. Barragan winner by decision.

Bout 7 featured Heavyweights Bert Castaneda, LAPD vs. Louie Vaca CDCR, Lancaster. Castaneda is coming off a 1^st round KO win against a NYPD boxer and it looked like he would do it again when he sent Vaca to the canvas early in the first round. The knockdown seemed to wake Vaca up, he went right after Castaneda. Vaca had the faster hands and was beating Castaneda to the punch. Castaneda seemed to be waiting to land his knockout blow while Vaca was landing two and three punches at a time. Castaneda would get his opportunity in the 3^rd rd, rocking Vaca with a left hook but Vaca remain standing and continued to answer back.  With 30 seconds left both fighters started unloading everything in their arsenal. Back and forth, right hands, left hooks, true gladiators laying it all on the line. Great finish to a great fight.  Castaneda winner by decision.

Bout 8 featured Light Heavyweight Chuck Wampler, LAPD vs. #1 ranked Super Middleweight Ricky Seward, Big Bear City FD.  The multi-dimensional Seward was too much for the less experienced Wampler. Seward has a tremendous skill set and is known for his incredible ring intelligence. Wampler would have his moments in the fight but it wouldn’t be enough. Wampler has a huge heart and earned a lot of respect by stepping into the ring with a seasoned veteran and putting on a competitive fight. Seward winner by decision.

Main Event featured Welterweights 10^th ranked Miguel Mejia, LAPD vs. 8th ranked Henry Sanchez, San Bernardino Co SD. In a UCA Fight of The Year candidate Miguel Mejia, and Henry Sanchez, closed out a spectacular night of fights with a good old fashion shootout. These two evenly matched action warriors left everything they had in the ring. This nonstop battle would go on for three rounds and would be left up to the judges to decide the winner. Sanchez winner by decision. This fight received “Fight of the Night” honors.

The Battle at the Academy is in the books and the fans definitely got their money’s worth. Huge credit to Rudy Barragan, John Negrete, Frank Diaz, Robert Morales, Quran Molina, the LAPD Newton Division Cadets, Officer Brenda Morales, LAPD Boxing Team Photographer, Chuck Krall. MIB Security.  Andres Martinez Jr, the Millienia Law Team. Jose Tavares, Tacos El Gavillan Restaurants, Edgar Ponce, 818 Boxing Club, USA Boxing. Retired LAPD Sgt. Daniel Roman, Rudy Yang, Ruben Crane, Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club and Chief Charlie Beck.

Brace yourself as two of the best Cruiserweights in California are scheduled for a head on collision August 17, 2013, at the Pala Casino.  The SoCal Battle of the Badges Main Event will feature UCA Cruiserweight State Champion Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. as he looks to defend his title against #1 ranked Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange County Sheriff Dept. in a blockbuster rematch.  Don’t miss your opportunity to see the most anticipated rematch in Public Safety Boxing History. See it live at the Pala Resort & Casino. Doors open at 5 PM, Fights start at 6 PM. Ticket prices are $20 for general admission $30 for ringside. Tickets can be purchased at the Pala Casino Box Office, 1-877-946-7252.

Stable- mates of the undefeated UCA Welterweight State Champion Brent Bugarin will be featured on a professional fight card Saturday July 20, 2013, in Roseville, CA.  The “Showdown at the Fairgrounds” card will have 5 fighters representing The Kennel Boxing Gym.  Amateurs Joel Siapno, and Andrew Tinae. Professional fighters Adam Fiel, Mauricio Zavaleta, and Benjamin Briceno.

Joel Siapno  vs.  Mel Walker

Joel Siapno:  Is an up and coming Jr. Middleweight. He is a very slick fighter with power in both hands.  He has great speed and very explosive.  Definitely a crowd pleaser.  Team Kennel hopes to turn him pro soon.

Andrew Tinae  vs.  Chris Palu

Andrew Tinae:  One of Team Kennels promising Heavyweight fighters.  Andrew is an exciting Heavyweight that is quick on his feet.  Andrew is an all action fighter with a crowd pleasing style who knows how to put on a show.  He has power in both hands, which makes each fight exciting.  He is looking to go pro very soon.

Adam Fiel  vs.  Francisco Solis

Adam Fiel:  Adam is making his pro-debut.  He has been boxing since the age of 10.  Has a lot of amateur experience and was part of the Philippine National Team.  He is a slick boxer with speed.  Team Kennel is hoping to guide Adam and develop him as he makes his journey towards his pro career.

Mauricio Zavaleta  vs.  Ryan Chaney

Mauricio Zavaleta:  Mauricio will be making his pro-debut.  He has been boxing since an early age.  Being a professional fighter was one of his goals.  He had a chance to do so in 2012, but an injury derailed his pro-debut.  Now back and healthy, he is ready to get started and show off his skills in the Jr. Middleweight division.  Mauricio has power in both hands, very tough and likes to pressure his opponents.  He will definitely please the crowd with his style.

Benjamin Briceno  vs.  Sytel Wilbarn

Benjamin Briceno:  Saturday night will be Benjamin’s 2nd pro fight.  It’s been hard finding opponents for Ben at the Bantamweight division so he’s been fighting at Super Bantamweight.  Ben is a very slick boxer who also has speed and power. Team Kennel is excited to get him active and have him fighting more often.  He likes to pressure his opponents and drop hard punches. The fans will definitely be cheering as the fight goes on.

These are just a few of the bouts that will be featured on this talent stacked card.  Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased by calling Arvin Jugarap, The Kennel Boxing Gym, 510-828-4273. Arvin will also have tickets available at the Official Weigh in at 2 pm Friday, July 19th at Hooters off Arden Way, Challenge Way, Sacramento CA, 95815 (Across from Arden mall) and at the door Saturday July 20, at the Roseville Fairgrounds.  Information provided by Arvin Jugarap, CEO, Head Coach / Trainer, The Kennel Boxing Gym, LLC

The showdown at the SoCal Battle of the Badges event between Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. and Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. Sheriff Dept.  marks a highly-anticipated rematch to their explosive, first fight at Aqua Caliente July 21, 2012 in which Stevens emerged victorious by way of decision after suffering a knockdown.  On August 17, 2013 Stevens will look to defend his title when he takes on the #1 ranked mandatory challenger Brathwaite for the second time. Stevens gave Brathwaite his only loss and he will be looking to return the favor to the undefeated Champion.

Five fighters represented the Kennel Boxing Team last night in Roseville, CA on the Showdown at the Fairgrounds Pro-Am fight card and all five were victorious. Congratulations to Joel Siapno 1^st  rd KO, Adam Fiel 1^st rd KO, Mauricio Zavaleta  3^rd rd KO, Benjamin Brisceno, and Andrew Tinae, unanimous dec. winners.  To quote UCA Welterweight State Champion and Kennel Boxing Team fighter Brent Bugarin when asked about the success of the Kennel Boxing Team he said “We started from the bottom now we’re here. We started from the bottom now the whole team is here.” http://www.kennelboxing.com/

Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. and Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. Sheriff Dept. will finally step into the ring Saturday night August 17, 2013 at the Pala Casino & Resort to settle the only score that matters, who is the best Cruiserweight in California. In their first fight July 21, 2012 Brathwaite kept the pressure on Stevens the whole fight, taking shots to land his mighty right hand and thunderous hook.  Stevens was able to elude Brathwaite’s violent punches with his flawless footwork, feints, and razor sharp combinations.  Brathwaite’s relentless pressure paid off in the 3^rd round and Stevens would be in serious trouble. He would suffer the first knockdown of his career but would get up off the canvas. Brathwaite would catch Stevens again later in the round forcing the referee to step in and give Stevens another standing 8 count. Stevens would use his biggest weapon, footwork and range to avoid any further danger. After 4 exciting rounds Stevens would become the UCA Cruiserweight State Champion.   A year has passed since their first meeting and both fighters are going through an intense training camp. The undefeated UCA Cruiserweight Champion is fully prepared to defend his title and establish himself as clearly the best fighter in the state.  The No. 1 rated Cruiserweight Jamaal Brathwaite, vows to take his boxing skills to the next level and show everyone why he is the best fighter in the division. This scheduled 4 -round bout for the UCA Cruiserweight State Championship Title is taking place Saturday, August 17, 2013 from the Pala Resort and Casino. This fight promises to be an exciting battle that fight fans won’t want to miss. Their first bout was nothing short of spectacular and this one holds high promise as well. Tickets priced at $30 ringside, $20 general admission. Tickets are on Sale Now and can be purchased at the Pala Resort and Casino Box Office or by calling 1-877-946-7252. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Doors open at 5pm first fight at 6pm.

What do you get when you have two equally exceptional athletes simultaneously at their peak performance levels? You get a classic dream fight that will be talked about for years to come.  On August 17, 2013 Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept and Jamaal  Brathwaite, Orange Co. Sheriff Dept. will put on a show by showcasing their boxing skills and relentless resolve to win. They will push each other to their limits, throughout the duration of the fight until someone breaks. Stevens and Brathwaite are the two best Cruiserweights in California and match ups like this don’t come around that often.  Their first fight was four rounds of back and forth punishment on both boxers part.  In the end, it was Stevens superior boxing skills, sheer will and heart, that would earn him the UCA State Championship Title. The rematch is sure to exceed the excitement and drama of the original. With Stevens and Brathwaite being stronger, more polished and more experienced this fight is a sure fire “Fight of the Year” candidate. See it live at the Pala Resort & Casino. Doors open at 5 PM, Fights start at 6 PM. Ticket prices are $20 for general admission $30 for ringside. Tickets can be purchased at the Pala Casino Box Office, 1-877-946-7252.

 The future of LAPD Boxing, 9 year old Irving Garcia.

The Sacramento Battle of the Badges returns Saturday night August 24, 2013 with a night of boxing headlined by the #1 ranked Super Heavyweight Mike Gomez, CDCR CSP SAC Prison taking on civilian fighter Zeke Johnston at the Sacramento McClellan Convention Center 5411 Luce. Doors open at 4:30 first fight at 6:30. Tickets; General $20.00, Ringside $30.00. Purchase tickets online www.battleofthebadgessac.com or at the door.

Bout 1 Features 7th ranked Pittsa Pholkham, U.S Marines putting his undefeated record on the line when he faces hard hitting Dustin Neuenschwander, CDCR High Desert Prison. (160lbs).

Bout 2.  Features Josh Tann, Cal Fire squaring off with Ryan Darrohn, U.S. Air Force (180lbs).

Bout 3. Features a battle of unbeatens (2-0) Gerardo Tinajero, U.S. Force vs. Michael MaCaluso, (Civilian) Dogg Pound Boxing (180lbs)

Bout 4. Features the grizzled veteran Ray Cancel, CDCR CSP SAC returning to the ring after nearly 3 years off to take on 47 year old new comer Aaron Broyles, CDCR, CSP Solano Prison. (212lbs).

The undercard will feature matches with Marc Baes, CDCR, Solano Prison (165lbs) and Stacy Cruz, (Civilian) USA Boxing (120lbs)

Co Main Event Features undefeated, Antonio “Rockin” Rodriguez, CDCR CSP Sac. vs. fellow Correctional Officer  Craig “Ramblin” Hamblin, CDCR Solano Prison (215lbs). Hamblin is 0-5 but could easily be 4-1. Four of his fights were very close and could have gone either way. Hamblin showed huge improvement in his last two fights against the very talented 6^th ranked Mike Hernandez, LASD.  On August 24 Hamblin will enter the ring against an undefeated, very talented opponent in Antonio Rodriguez. Rodriguez is 3-0; however he hasn’t fought in 4 years and hasn’t faced the level of competition Hamblin has faced.  The last time Rodriguez fought was (10-10-2009) and he weighed 175lbs. Hamblin weighed 270lbs for his first fight (8-28-2010). On August 24 Hamblin and Rodriguez will be fighting at 215lbs. In the past 3 years Hamblin has had 5 fights compared to Rodriguez zero fights. Everyone is picking Rodriguez to win but is Hamblin really a huge underdog?  Hamblin has been more active, he is in the best shape of his life and he is full of courage, resiliency and determination.  On Saturday night someone’s “O” might go.

Main Event Features #1 ranked Mike Gomez, CDCR CSP SAC vs. Zeke Johnston (Civilian) Super Heavyweights.  Gomez is a stand up specialist with explosive power in both hands and has earned the reputation as one of the toughest fighters in the state. His opponent Johnston is a fan favorite and never disappoints the crowd. This fight could end early.