On Saturday August 17, 2013 it’s “The Moment of Truth” in the SoCal Battle of the Badges Main Event. Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. SD, one of the most explosive fighters in the sport will look to dethrone one of the most athletically gifted fighters in the sport and the only man to ever beat him, UCA Cruiserweight Champion Brian Stevens, Los Angeles SD.  Widely regarded as the best Cruiserweight in California, Stevens is primed to extend his undefeated record by defending his title and taking on anyone in the division. He must first get by Brathwaite a second time. Brathwaite will be stepping into the ring with something to prove. Not a day goes by that Brathwaite doesn’t think about the opportunity that got away from him the first fight and he is determined not to let it happen again.  Will Brian Stevens retain his title and establish himself as clearly the best Cruiserweight in California or will there be a new crowned Champion in Jamaal Brathwaite? One thing is for sure the winner is going to have to put on the best performance of his career and fight an almost perfect fight in order to win.

Stevens Keys to Victory:
Use lateral movement and footwork to cut angles and control the distance.
Control the pace and the middle of the ring.
Establish offense early
Be unpredictable, use feints to prevent Brathwaite from timing him.
Use reach advantage and persistent jab to keep Brathwaite on defense and off balance.

Brathwaite’ Key’s to Victory:
Close the distance and look to land the right hand.
Get Stevens timing down early, try to anticipate his movement.
Use athleticism, speed and power to overwhelm Stevens.
Interrupt the rhythm of Stevens.
Use pressure to cut off the ring and trap Stevens on the ropes.

Don’t miss your chance to see two of the most exciting skilled fighters in Public Safety boxing go to battle for the second time in an explosive UCA Title fight.  Stevens’ will look to remain perfect while Brathwaite will be out to avenge his only loss.  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, or by calling 1-877-946-7252.

On August 17, 2013 the once beaten #1 ranked Cruiserweight Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co Sheriff Dept. will take on the undefeated Cruiserweight State Champion Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. for the second time. Brathwaite looks to avenge his only loss and claim the title that slip through his grasp.  The UCA caught up with the #1 ranked Cruiserweight Brathwaite to ask him a few questions about his upcoming title fight. 

Do you expect the same type of fight you and Stevens had the first time? Yes. I see this fight being very similar to the first fight.

Great boxing, great sportsmanship, great audience.

Will your strategy be different for this fight compared to the first one?

Yes, not leaving the outcome in the judge’s hands.

Did you study your fight with Stevens?

Nope

Will you be training on anything specific in preparation for Stevens?

Nope

Before the decision was announced did you feel you had it won? 

Yes, I felt I did enough to win the fight; I left it in the judge’s hands. I won’t make that mistake again, Lesson learned.

Do you feel you made mistakes in the first fight with Stevens?

Yes, leaving the outcome in the judge’s hands.

Is there anything that worries you about Stevens?

Nope

In the first fight do you remember what Gil Nieves (Candyman) was telling you between rounds?

Stick and move, stick and move. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

Do you feel you are a different fighter now?

Nope. Same fighter, same guy. 

Have you envisioned in your mind how the fight will go? How does it end?

Yes, it will be a battle between two warriors. It ends in satisfaction.

Would you agree in order to win you will have to put on the best performance of career?

Nope. I feel Stevens didn’t put on his best performance and he won.

What do you feel your strongest weapon in the ring is?

My heart.

Are you feeling more pressure in this fight compared to your other fights?

Nope. It’s the same. It’s all about charity.

Will this fight go the distance?

I hope not, didn’t work out for me last time.

What will be your fight entrance music?

Whatever the band plays.

Prediction?

Satisfaction. Whatever that may be.

On August 17, 2013 the undefeated UCA Cruiserweight State Champion Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.  will make the first defense of his title. Stevens is determined to make it clear to everyone that he is the best fighter in California when he takes on #1 ranked Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co Sheriff Dept. The UCA caught up with the Champion Stevens to ask him a few questions about the upcoming fight. 

Do you expect the same type of fight with Brathwaite you had the first time?

I expect him to be in great shape, and I expect him to be even more skilled as a boxer. So I am sure it will be a tough fight again.

Will your strategy be different for this fight compared to the first one?

My strategy will be the same; hopefully I can do a better job of sticking to it this time.

Did you study your fight with Brathwaite?

Yes.

Will you be training on anything specific in preparation for Brathwaite?

I feel that I am relatively still a baby in the sport, so I am working and improving on everything every day.

Do you feel you made mistakes in the first fight?

Yes.

Is there anything that worries you about Brathwaite?

No. All I worry about is myself, and what I bring into the ring.

In the first fight do you remember what Armando Guzman (Mando) was telling you between rounds?

He told me not to bob when I’m supposed to weave.

Do you feel you are a different fighter now?

I am the same fighter, just a little more experienced.

Have you envisioned in your mind how the fight will go? How does it end?

Yes, with me getting my hand raised.

Would you agree in order to retain your title you will have to put on the best performance of career?

No doubt!

Do you feel you have a mental advantage over Brathwaite since you beat him already?

No. Although I think I deserved to win the fight, I believe he had the single strongest round, and ended the fight with momentum. I feel like the underdog…just how I like it!

What do you feel your strongest weapon in the ring is?

Jab

Are you feeling more pressure in this fight compared to your other fights?

I don’t feel pressure. I know that I need to be physically and mentally prepared to the best of my ability. I know I will be.

Will this fight go the distance?

Maybe.

What will be your fight entrance music?

The Who- Eminence front

Prediction?

I leave the way I showed up…Champion.

          SoCal Battle of the Badges

Main Event

Pala Resort & Casino

August 17, 2013

UCA Cruiserweight State Championship Title

Champion Stevens                                                                                 #1 Ranked Brathwaite

190 lbs          Weight          190 lbs    

29                  Age                   30

6’4″           Height            5’11”

Stance: Even both Orthodox

Speed: Even

Cardio: Even both guys are in tremendous shape

Level of Competition: Slight advantage Brathwaite.

Chin: Even both guys have tasted the canvas.

Footwork: Advantage Stevens he relies on his footwork to cut angles and utilize his range

Heart: Even both guys have been knocked down and got up to win the fight.

Power: Advantage Brathwaite has 5 TKO’s Stevens has 3 TKO’s

Experience: Advantage Brathwaite 5-1  Stevens 4-0.

Talent: Even both guys are super athletes

This is as good as it gets. Fights like this don’t come around often. Don’t miss it.

Pala Resort & Casino. August 17, 2013. 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.

Bout 1, 10^th rated, Battle-Tested Shawn Sutherland, (0-1) Big Bear City FD will collide with Luis Garcia, (0-1) ARM Redlands-EMT (168lbs)

Bout 2, Lory Reynoso, (1-1) Rialto Unified School District vs. Juanita Aragon, (2-0) Morongo Public Safety (130lbs)

Bout 3, features #1 rated, Ricky Seward, (6-9) Big Bear City FD vs. Francisco Morfin, (6-2) Morongo Public Safety (160lbs) Seward is coming off a big win over 7^th ranked Chuck Wampler, LAPD. Seward seeks to make it two in a row while Morfin looks to make is mark in the middleweight division.

Bout 4, 4^th rated, Felipe Juarez, Wildland Fire vs. Mario Dorado, Riverside PD (140lbs). Juarez has his eyes set on a title shot against the #1 ranked Cervantes, LASD. While Dorado looks to spoil his plans.

Bout 5, Joel Grajeda Jr., Riverside Co. Sheriff Dept vs.  Robert Morales (1-0) Rialto Police Department (215lbs).

Bout 6, Amber Reilly, (1-0) Kaiser EMS-EMT vs. Velia Valdez, EMT-EMS-Texas (135lbs)

Bout 7, Jon Knowlton, Upland Animal Services vs. Joe Maribito, Cops 4 Kids & Communities (168lbs)

Bout 8, Max Sievers, CDCR-Norco, (1-1) vs. 10^th rated Edward Espinosa, (1-0) Orange Co SD, (190lbs)

Bout 9, features an explosive matchup between two guys that like to mix it up, Freddy Walton (0-1) Faustos Bail Bonds-Agent vs. 6 rated Daniel Alvarez, (3-1) Riverside Co. SD (185lbs)

Bout 10, Maria Ogborn, Cops 4 Kids & Communities vs. Carla McCullough, Rialto Police Department, (155lbs)

Bout 11, Kevin Barbosa, Morongo Public Safety vs. Nick Bennail, (0-1) Anaheim PD (220lbs)

Bout 12, Jean Davances,  Orange County Fire Authority, vs. Pat Saavedra, (1-0) EMT – EMS Whittier (180lbs)

Bout 13, Clifton Prince (4-1) VIP Auto Security vs. 6 rated, Adam Colebrook, (9-4) Riverside CO. ACO Chief (Retired) (Super Heavyweights).

In the co-main event Crysti Resendez, San Bernardino SD, will square off with Jasmine Singh, Security Officer (145lbs)

The main event of this stacked 15-bout card, features undefeated UCA Cruiserweight State Champion, Brian Stevens, LASD defending his crown against the very talented #1 rated Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. SD. Both fighters are determined not to leave any doubt as to who the winner is. This fight may not be decided by the judges.

SoCal Battle of the Badges August 17, 2013 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, or by calling 1-877-946-7252.

The SoCal Battle of the Badges is on the horizon and one of the sport’s most eagerly anticipated rematches will take center stage, Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the Pala Casino. The Main Event will feature the second Showdown between the UCA Cruiserweight State Champion Brian Stevens, LASD vs.  #1 ranked Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co SD.  Both fighters have unparalleled athleticism and skills that can’t be matched by anyone in the division besides each other. Stevens and Brathwaite are in a class of their own.  

Stevens and Brathwaite have built up their games, mentally and physically since their first encounter and both fighters have every intention of walking out of the ring August 17 with the belt wrapped around their waste. Stevens’ trainer Armando Guzman (Mando) and Brathwaite’s trainer Gil Nieves (Candyman) are extremely confident their fighter will not be leaving the ring Saturday night empty handed.

A little over a year ago public safety boxing fans witnessed one of the most exciting competitive fights in Cruiserweight history. The date was July 21, 2012 and the fighters were #1 ranked, undefeated Police Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Stevens, LASD and 2^nd ranked, undefeated Police Olympic Gold Medalist Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. SD.

The stage is set once again to bring public safety boxing fans another epic battle. It’s rare when rematches outdo the original but when you have two top level fighters with the mentality “Win I live, lose I die” the sequel is sure to outdo the original.  Fight fans will not be able to sit back and relax when these two Gladiators step into the ring.  It’s finally here, what we have all been waiting for, The Best vs. The Best, Champion Stevens vs. #1 rated Brathwaite 2. Saturday night at the Pala Casino and Resort.

The fighters competing in Saturday night’s SoCal Battle of the Badges hit the scales this evening with everyone making weight, including the two best Cruiserweight fighters in the state. The undefeated UCA Cruiserweight Champion Brian Stevens, LASD and the #1 ranked Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. SD. When the fighters stepped off the scale to face off Stevens locked eyes with Brathwaite and neither man moved. When the intense face off was over it was clearly evident the fighters are focused for Saturday nights Mega Fight Main Event.

They say you are not a true Champion until you defend your title. Brian Stevens is as true as a Champion can be. On Saturday night Stevens brought credibility to Public Safety Boxing with a great display of athleticism, defensive skills, precision punching and focus. After four rounds Stevens would earn a unanimous decision and become the reigning and defending UCA Cruiserweight State Champion.  Congratulations Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.

Bout 1, Shawn Sutherland, Big Bear City FD vs. Pat Saavedra, EMT – EMS Whittier. (175lbs) The fight started off with good movement from both fighters then Saavedra stopped moving and the heavy handed Sutherland landed a text book one-two combination that sent Saavedra to the canvas. Saavedra beat the count and was on his feet ready to fight but the referee called it off.   Sutherland winner 1^st rd TKO.

Bout 2, Lory Reynoso, Rialto Unified School District vs. Juanita Aragon, Morongo Public Safety (130lbs) No feeling out period needed in this one. As soon as the bell rang both fighters met in the middle of the ring and started throwing punches in bunches. Aragon caught Reynoso with some clean shots forcing the referee to step in and issue a standing 8 count. During the count the referee noticed a cut on Reynoso’s mouth and stopped the fight. Aragon winner 1^st rd TKO.

Bout 3, Ricky Seward, Big Bear City FD vs. Francisco Morfin, Morongo Public Safety (160lbs) The #1 rated Super Middleweight Seward is a fighter who prepares his body and mind to leave everything he has in the ring.  Morfin must have prepared his mind and body the same way because these two warriors went at it landing hard shots with good technique and skill. Each fighter took their turn carrying the action. After 3 action filled rounds Seward would pick up the victory. Early contender for “Fight of the Night”

Bout 4, James Brown, Anaheim PD vs. Leo Gonzales, Ventura Corrections, 220lbs. When the bell sounded Brown came forward looking to get in range and throw bombs. Gonzales, more of the boxer avoided danger with good footwork, for a while. The hard charging Brown would eventually run Gonzales down and land some damaging shots that forced the referee to step in and give Gonzales a standing 8 count.  Before the start of the 2^nd round the referee would stop the fight. Brown winner 2^nd round TKO.

Bout 5, Amber Sarkesia, Kaiser EMS-EMT vs. Velia Valdez, EMT-EMS-Texas (135lbs). A lot of feeling out in this fight. When the fighters did engage they would both have their moments.  It was Sarkesia  overall skills that would earn her the victory. She kept her hands up, threw straight punches, displayed good footwork and didn’t waste any punches. Sarkesia winner by decision.

Bout 6, Freddy Walton, Faustos Bail Bonds-Agent vs. Daniel Alvarez, Riverside Co. SD (185lbs) Walton and Alvarez must have put themselves through a grueling training camp. These two men fought like their life was on the line.  Each fighter landed devastating shots that would have dropped any normal human being.  As the brutal nonstop battle went on Walton and Alvarez showed everyone what it means to be a fighter. These two men gave it their all and put on a beautiful display of heart, determination, and toughness throughout the duration of the match. This fight was a lock for “Fight of the Night” honors after the second round. In what was an incredibly close fight that could have gone either way. Walton would pick up the narrow decision win.  What a fight!

Bout 7, Maria Ogborn, Cops 4 Kids & Communities vs. Carla McCullough, Rialto Police Department, (155lbs) A very competitive fight with both ladies landing a lot of punches.  In the end Ogborn got the nod by landing the cleaner blows.

Bout 8, Jimmy Blakey, Faustos Bail Bonds vs Nick Bennalack, Anaheim PD (205lbs) Both fighters prepared to confront each other in the center the ring and test each other’s will. In a fight that could not possibly go the distance, it was destroy or be destroyed as both fighters threw grenades at each other. Bennalack was on a mission for destruction and would record a first round Knockout.  Bennalack became an instant prospect and a fighter to keep an eye on.

Bout 9, Jean Davancens, Orange Co Fire Auth. vs. Max Sievers, CDCR Norco (180lbs) Sievers was clearly the stronger fighter and threw the heavier blows however Davancens would find a home for his right hand in the 3^rd round but it was too late. Sievers winner by decision.

Bout 10, Clifton Prince (4-1) VIP Auto Security vs. Adam Colebrook, (9-4) Riverside CO. ACO Chief (Retired) (Super Heavyweights). Prince started the fight strong landing a 1, 2 combination that hit the target and  Colebrook went down. Colebrook would get up and land a few hard shots of his own before the round ended. The second round started wild, Colebrook managed to land a blow  that would send Prince to the canvas. Prince would get up and come after Colebrook.  Heading into the third round it was anybody’s fight. To start the 3^rd both fighters went after each other nearly falling out of the ring 3 or 4 times. The fight would end with both guys in the ring and Colebrook would be announced the winner.

Bout 11, William Evangelisti, Big Bear City FD vs. Luis Garcia, AMR Redlands-EMT (165lbs) It was clear Garcia was the more polished fighter but Evangelisti showed tremendous toughness and stamina. Garcia winner by decision.

Bout 12, Crysti Resendez, San Bernardino SD, vs.  Jasmine Singh, Security Officer (145lbs) A fight between perhaps two of the best Female Public Safety fighters in California. Watching these ladies warm up you knew you were in for a treat and they did not disappoint.  Resendez and Singh are the total package. Singh was looking to stand and go toe to toe while Resendez was looking to use her superior boxing skills. After three rounds of high level boxing, Singh would pick up the decision victory.  With their performance they will shoot to the top of the division. Resendez and Singh are the future of Female Public Safety Boxing. They are top level athletes and fighters to keep an eye on.

The UCA Cruiserweight State Championship Main Event  Title fight between the undefeated UCA Champion Brian Stevens, LASD and the #1 rated Jamaal Brathwaite, OCSO sure did have high expectations and they did not disappoint. Stevens and Brathwaite know each other well, no feeling out period needed. When the bell sounded Stevens and Brathwaite went at each other. With less than one minute into the fight Stevens landed a terrific combination that sent Brathwaite to the canvas. Brathwaite would beat the count and finish the round. After suffering the knockdown Brathwaite became a different fighter. He came out throwing bombs looking to end the fight early with one punch. Stevens impressive defensive skills allowed him to avoid Brathwaites violent punches and vicious attack. Brathwaite’s biggest weapon is his right hand. 5 of his KO victories are from his right hand. Stevens has the 2012 Trainer of the Year Mando Guzman in his corner and he put together a perfect game plan for Brathwaite’s right hand. When Brathwaite loaded up the right hand Stevens would step inside and the right hand would over shoot the target landing on the shoulders and back of Stevens. Stevens and Brathwaite would push themselves to the limit in an epic 4 round fight. Stevens fought perhaps a perfect fight to earn a unanimous decision and become the reigning and defending UCA Cruiserweight State Champion. When the bell sounded to the end the fight the near capacity crowd was on their feet giving the fighters a standing ovation. This fight elevated Stevens to superstar status. With the win Stevens retains his belt and extends his perfect record to 5-0.  Congratulations to Brian Stevens who is not only a great athlete but a great person.

The SoCal Battle of the Badges is in the books and what a night of fights it was.  Huge credit to Jeff Penn and his team, the fighters, trainers and the Cops 4 Kids Program for making this event possible.

Police Olympic Gold Medalist and former 2nd rated Heavyweight Bryan Williams, Fresno PD, no longer fighting but still heavily involved in boxing. He runs a boxing gym and trains fighters. His gym is 12 Rounds of Training and one of his prized pupils is Joey Lopez. Lopez will be making his professional debut Friday August 23, 2013 at the Central Valley Showdown Event held at the Regency Room 4277 N. West Ave. Fresno CA. The UCA sat down with Bryan to ask him a few questions about the upcoming fight.

UCA. How long have you been training Joey?

BW. I have been training Joey 3 years; he has never fought prior to coming to me.

UCA. How do you think Joey will do making the big jump to become a professional fighter?

BW. I think Joey will do well.

UCA. What did you and Joey work on in camp to prepare for the fight?

BW.  In camp we worked on footwork, speed, reaction and decision making in the ring.

UCA. How often is Joey training?

BW. 7 days a week, 3 times a day.

UCA.  Get out of town with that.

BW. No, I’m serious Joey is a beast. Check out my youtube channel. You will see some of our training. Throwing tires up hill, Joey pulling me on a harness, running up hill with a 12 pound ball.

UCA.  You don’t think Joey is over training?

BW. No, a lot of it was for mental toughness. I made sure his body was rested. We have a Chiropractor on board and a Dietician. We are doing it right and not rushing.

UCA.  Are you traveling to different gyms for sparring or having fighters come to your gym?

BW. We get a lot of guys coming to our gym. Joey got some work with the Olympian Jose Ramirez camp.  We traveled to San Francisco, and he spars with a featherweight champ from Australia who is fast as hell. Good for Joey to see.

UCA. Do you know anything about Joey’s opponent?

BW.  His name is John Dunham, he has 9 pro fights (1-8) he is from Stockton.

UCA. What will Joey need to do to win?

BW. His opponent has the ring experience, Joey will need to be tactically aggressive and work his angles. His opponent fights the crab style like Floyd Mayweather so we have to make him one dimensional.

UCA. Prediction?

BW.  It will be an exciting fight.

UCA. Thanks for your time Bryan, good luck Friday night.

BW. Thank you

The Sacramento Battle of the Badges is back with another great event, Saturday night August 24, 2013 at the McClellan Conference Center. (Sacramento)

The first bout of the evening will feature Marc Baes, CDCR Solano vs. Joe Ayodele, Civilian (160lbs).

Bout 2.  Gerardo Tinajero, Air Force vs. Angelo Trevino, Civilian (185lbs)

Bout 3.  Features perhaps one of the best female amateurs in NorCal, Aloette Vera, Civilian vs.  Stacy Cruz, Civilian (125lbs). When Aloette isn’t polishing her owns skills she is training fighters at Niavaroni’s Kickboxing Gym. This may be the “Fight of the Night.”

Also slated for battle and perhaps the most anticipated fight on the card features Antonio Rodriguez, CDCR CSP SAC vs. Craig Hamblin, CDCR Solano (220lbs). Correctional Officer Antonio Rodriguez returns to the ring to take on fellow Correctional Officer Craig Hamblin. Rodriguez will look to remain perfect while Hamblin looks to pick up his first win.  When the bell rings the records will be thrown out and it will come down to pure toughness, heart, cardio and who wants it more. It’s hard to believe Rodriguez wants this fight more than Hamblin. This is going to be a good one.

Bout 5.  Fabian Ramos, Civilian vs. Pittsa Pholkham, Marines (160lbs)

Bout 6. Raymond Cancel, CDCR CSP SAC will collide with Aaron Broyles, CDCR Solano (215lbs)

Bout 7. Josh Tann, Cal Fire vs. Ryan Darrohn, Air Force (185lbs)

Bout 8. Eric Smith, Civilian vs. Noel Montes, Civilian (195lbs)

Main Event features two guys who believe they are going to win. Mike Gomez, CDCR CSP SAC vs. Zeke Johnston Civilian (Super Heavyweights)

Tickets priced at $30 ringside, $20 general admission. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 5:00, Fights start at 6:30 McClellan Conference Center  5411 Luce Ave. (Sacramento)

Congratulations to Joey Lopez for winning his Super Middleweight pro debut last night. In the 2^nd round Lopez caught his opponent on the chin with a left hook and followed it up with a flurry of punches against the ropes forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight. Lopez winner 2nd round TKO.

Craig Hamblin, CDCR Solano Prison put on a courageous effort at Saturday night’s Battle of the Badges to pick up his first win but it wasn’t enough. Antonio Rodriguez, CDCR CSP SAC Prison was too good and seemed to have picked up where he left off 4 years ago. No signs of ring rust, he was in great shape, displayed good footwork, punch selection and defense.  Hamblin would have his moments when he initiated the action but it was Rodriguez who controlled the fight and would land the cleaner and harder shots.  The fight would go the distance and Rodriguez would keep his undefeated record intact and pick up the win by unanimous decision.

A great night of boxing at the Sacramento Battle of the Badges, Saturday August 24, 2013 at the McClellan Conference Center. (Sacramento)

Bout 1.  Gerardo Tinajero, Air Force vs. Angelo Trevino, Civilian (185lbs). Both guys showed good skills throughout the fight but Trevino was a little more polished. He showed good footwork, head movement, defense and looked comfortable in the ring. Trevino winner by decision.

Bout 2.  Featured two well-schooled athletes, Aloette Vera, Civilian vs. Stacy Cruz, Civilian (125lbs). The fans were in for a treat when these lady warriors entered the ring.  A very competitive fight with both fighters displaying good boxing skills. Vera has been around the game a long time and her experience showed. She is a very crafty fighter who can do it all. Beautiful work on the inside, good use of feints, good defense, puts her punches together nicely. Cruz is a good fighter and someone to keep an eye on but Vera was just too good too sharp and too smooth for Cruz. Vera winner by decision. Early contender for “Fight of the Night” honors.

On a side note, Vera fought with a heavy heart. She lost a family member the day before the fight and wasn’t in the right frame of mind and had to pull out of the fight. After her family encouraged her to fight Vera was back in. A very emotional win for Vera.

Bout 3 Antonio Rodriguez, CDCR CSP SAC vs. Craig Hamblin, CDCR Solano. Rodriguez winner by decision.

Bout 4.  Featured a matchup between two action warriors, Fabian Ramos, Civilian vs. Pittsa Pholkham, Marines (160lbs). Throughout the fight Pholkham would crank out left hooks that would knock down a building but Ramos would not go down. Ramos trains out of San Jose PAL with perhaps one of the best boxing coaches in the game, Candy Lopez, Retired San Jose PD, undefeated Police Olympic Gold Medalist, US Olympic Coach.  Ramos controlled the action from the 2nd round on.  What Ramos lacked in power he made up for in hand speed, stamina, and skill. Ramos was digging shots to the body and overwhelming Pholkham with ten punch combinations.  Pholkham was landing some heavy artillery but Ramos was more active, working the body and head and that’s what the judges like to see. Ramos Winner by decision. Front runner, “Fight of the Night.”

Bout 5. Raymond Cancel, CDCR CSP SAC vs. Aaron Broyles, CDCR Solano (215lbs). The way this fight started there was no way it would go the distance. These guys were hitting each other with everything but the kitchen sink. For Broyles it was his first time in the ring. How would he respond to getting hit, dealing with fatigue, nerves, fighting in front of so many people?  Until you are put into battle you never know. We all know now, Broyles is a beast and responded like a true Gladiator. Cancel and Broyles threw caution out the window and ignored the exhaustion and pain and threw bombs at one another for 3 rounds. If the thought of giving up ever entered their minds it quickly left. Just when you thought Cancel and Broyles may have punched themselves out they went back at each other. These fighters were running on fumes but refused to quit. This fight ended pretty much the way it started with both fighters landing heavy artillery. What a fight between two warriors desperate to win. With 3 more fights to go there is no way this fight will be out done for “Fight of the Night” honors.  Broyles winner by decision.

Bout 6, featured two evenly matched fighters, Josh Tann, Cal Fire vs. Ryan Darrohn, Air Force (185lbs). Very competitive first round.  Darrohn started to take control in the 2^nd landing some clean shots and backing Tann up. Close fight going into the 3^rd round.  Darrohn would land a beautiful right hand that would send Tann to the canvas and that would be the end. The referee would step in and put a stop to the action. Darrohn winner 3^rd TKO.

Bout 7. Eric Smith, Civilian vs. Noel Montes, Civilian (195lbs). This fight was marked by high level boxing by two ultra-talented fighters. Close first round with both fighters having their moments.  The 2^nd round Smith used a diversified attack to get inside Montes range. Smith was switching back and forth between southpaw and orthodox throwing lead lefts and rights that would catch Montes. Montes would do his best work on the outside but couldn’t seem to keep the fight there.  When Smith did close the distance he was effective on the inside. This fight would go the distance and be left up to the judges to figure out. Smith winner by a razor close decision.

Main Event featured the #1 rated Super Heavyweight Mike Gomez, CDCR CSP SAC taking on civilian Zeke Johnston. Gomez power was the clear difference in the fight. Every punch thrown by Gomez seemed to drive Johnston back to the ropes or off balance. Johnston would have his moments catching Gomez with some clean right hands. This fight would go the distance and Gomez would pick up the win by decision. The UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Cleon Jones, Yolo Co. Corrections was in attendance watching his mandatory challenger for his first title defense. Jones was seen dancing in his chair as the fight was going on……Jones vs. Gomez, what a fight that is going to be.