On October 6, 2012 Shay McIntyre would be a civilian fill in at the Battle of the Badges Downtown Showdown Event.  McIntyre would unknowingly pick up the biggest win of his young career by defeating 2nd ranked Cleon Jones, Yolo Co. Corrections in a razor close decision. Due to McIntyre being a civilian when he faced Jones he was ineligible to be ranked.  Since their encounter a year ago McIntyre has become a Correctional Officer at Folsom Prison and Cleon Jones has become the UCA Super Heavyweight State Champion.  McIntyre is training in anticipation of his rematch with the Super Heavyweight Champ, Cleon Jones.

Quincy Mirage, LAPD is set to fight Erik Ramirez, LASD for the second time November 22, 2013 in what is sure to be a continuation of their first barn burner fight. The UCA talks to the 6th ranked Middleweight about his upcoming fight with Ramirez.

UCA – The last time Ramirez fought was against you nearly one year ago. You are coming off “Fight of the Night” honors defeating 8^th ranked Brent Burkhart, CDCR DVI April 20, 2013. Do you feel you have an advantage since you have been more active and Ramirez has had a long layoff?

QM – Absolutely. Boxing is a dangerous sport that requires hours of dedication. The longer you are out of the ring the more susceptible you are to lose a step. The most valuable commodity in boxing is speed and if you’re away long enough your reflexes and reaction speed become compromised.

UCA – What gym are you training at?

QM – Currently we are training at three different facilities. Mondays and Tuesdays the team meets at the Hollenbeck Youth Center in East Los Angeles. Wednesdays and Thursdays we are at City of Angels Boxing Gym, owned by former professional boxer Alexander Brenes, in North Los Angeles, and Fridays we train at The 818 Boxing Gym in Pacoima.

UCA – Who are your stable mates?

QM – For this year’s Fight For Life I have primarily been working with Aurelio Vazquez, Ruben Rosas, Brendy Ponce, Danny Ramirez, Nestor Escobar, and Eriverto Montano. Hopefully in the last couple weeks leading up to the fight Ivan Guillermo will be working with me as well. Edgar Ponce’s boxers at The 818 Boxing Club have also helped me out tremendously.

UCA – How often are you training?

QM – I aim to box 5 days per week. But boxing is so physically demanding that sometimes I will have to take one day off in the middle of the week to recuperate. On the days that I’m not boxing I’m running or lifting weights.

UCA – Did you study your fight with Ramirez?

QM – When we first met I had less than one year of boxing experience. It’s really hard for me to learn anything from our first fight. I took a cautious approach and fought him from the outside so it’s difficult for me to speculate how he will react when we meet again later this month. He has years of experience over me so it would be a mistake to underestimate any of his abilities. I know he has an outstanding defense and I’m going to have to be unpredictable if I want any of my punches to get through

UCA – Are you training on anything specific in preparation for Ramirez?

QM – I’m focusing on getting in as much sparring as possible so that I can be comfortable when we are in close quarters

UCA – Do you feel you made mistakes in the first fight?

QM – I feel as though I didn’t spend enough time fighting in close quarters with him. It’s difficult to watch tape and predict how he will react when we fight close

UCA – What advantage do you think you have over Ramirez?

QM – I definitely feel as though he has more boxing experience than I do.  I started boxing really late in my life and there is no way I can compensate his years of experience over my two years of training. I am confident that my endurance and my cardiovascular strength will make this an evenly matched fight.

UCA – Do you expect a different Ramirez in the rematch?

QM – Definitely. I’m sure he has been training and with the experience he already has the training he is getting now surely is making him a better fighter. Certainly we are going to feel more comfortable with each other since we have already met once before.

UCA – Is there anything that worries you about Ramirez?

QM – Yes. I know that he is training and he has fought me before. He is going to feel more comfortable taking risks and bigger risks offer bigger rewards. I am going to see a better Ramirez on November 22^nd as he will see a better me.

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

QM – Yes. As I mentioned earlier, we are both slightly more comfortable with one another since we have met before. I’m sure we are going to close the gap and exchange with each other more that we did the first time around.

UCA – Do you feel you are a different fighter now?

QM – I’ve improved exponential since last year and that comes with all the hours I have been investing in the gym with my coaches and teammates. Coach Robert Morales pushes my endurance past plateaus I never could have imagined myself passing, Coach Frank Diaz records sparring sessions and quickly corrects mistakes before they become habits, and Coach John Negrete is constantly testing my defenses and reflexes. I have three different coaches giving me instructions throughout the week and at times they put me in situations where I feel like I’m sinking in quicksand, but I know it’s to test my mental toughness and at the end of the day it makes me that much sharper.

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

QM – Ramirez has the experience and the defense to go all three rounds. I see this fight going the distance. I rely on my experience and the expertise of my coaching staff to make the appropriate adjustments to give us the decision in the end.

UCA – Is there added pressure being the Main Event?

QM – Definitely. There are several fighters on the LAPD boxing team that deserve the Main Event over me. It’s an honor I feel like I haven’t earned quite yet. I particularly would have liked to see Ruben Rosas in the last fight, but it’s not my decision. The added pressure comes with wanting to put on a good enough performance to make my teammates and coaches proud.

UCA – Are you prepared to go three hard rounds?

QM – Absolutely. If there is one thing I do better than anything it is training past the point of failure. Entering this sport I knew I would be disadvantaged with my age and lack of experience. I had to make up for it somewhere and I feel like my endurance in this sport levels the playing field.

UCA – What will you be thinking about as you walk to the ring?

QM – On my way to the ring I like to do a system check to make sure everything is relaxed and that I’m not preoccupied with anything in my mind that will keep me from succeeding.  I drown out the noise of the crowd, put my blinders on, and remind myself that I have the best coaches and teammates that have prepared me for this moment.

UCA – Will we see the best Mirage Nov 22?

QM – Yes. Every time I step into the ring you can expect to see the best Quincy Mirage. The moment my performance declines I will hang up the gloves and find another sport to compete in.

Erik Ramirez, LASD returns to the ring November 22, 2013, to face Quincy Mirage, LAPD in the Fight for Life Main Event Rematch at the Quiet Cannon. The UCA talks to the 4th ranked, Police Olympic Silver Medalist about his upcoming fight with Mirage.

UCA – The last time you were in the ring was November 30, 2012 when you defeated Mirage by decision. Have you done any training or sparring since then?

ER – Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to continue training since my last fight due to my training work schedule.

UCA – What gym are you training at?

ER – Most of my training is done at home. I have a heavy bag and jump rope at home.  I meet with the LASD Boxing team once a week at different locations throughout the county.

UCA – Who are your stable mates?

ER – My constant stable mate is my brother in law who has been helping me train since I started boxing for the department.

UCA – Do you expect the same type of fight you and Mirage had the first time?

ER – Second time around is always different. I expect a much tougher fight.

UCA – Did you study your fight with Mirage?

ER – Study it, No but I did watch it a few times.

UCA – Are you training on anything specific in preparation for Mirage?

ER – No. I wish I could say yes but working a full time job makes it really difficult to focus solely on boxing.

UCA – Do you feel you made mistakes in the first fight?

ER – You always end up Monday morning quarterbacking your fights and there is always improvements you can do. So…No, I think I did what was needed in that fight that day.    

UCA – Do you feel you have a mental advantage over Mirage since you beat him already?end up Monday morning quarterbacking your fights and there is always improvements you can do. So…No, I think I did what was needed in that fight that day.

ER – No. Mirage is a really confident fighter so I’m sure he will be mentally prepared.

UCA – Do you think Mirage will come into the fight with a different approach than the first time?

ER – I do think Mirage will come into the fight with a different approach. He seems to be getting more experience as time goes by and he is a really smart fighter.

UCA – Is there anything that worries you about Mirage?

ER – Mirage is a really good fighter and has a lot of heart. I always worry about my opponents up until it’s show time.

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

ER – My strategy is always different. That’s to keep them guessing.

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

ER – I don’t like to think of my upcoming fights before that day because I will end up psyching myself out.

UCA – Is there added pressure being the Main Event?

ER – Yes. Always

UCA – Will this fight go the distance?

ER – Can’t really say. We will have to wait and see.

UCA – What will you be thinking about as you walk to the ring?

ER – What I always think…”What did I get myself into?”

UCA – Will we see the best Ramirez Nov 22?

ER -I always do my best.

The Jr. Middleweight and Middleweight divisions are perhaps the most talent rich divisions right now. With fighters like Manning, LASD, Martinez, Avenal PD, Coca, CDCR, Montano, LAPD, Mirage, LAPD, McNamara, ABC, Vargas, Avenal PD, Vega, Orange Co. SD, Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD, Ramirez, LASD, Gutierrez, Orange City FD and Vasquez, LASD it’s safe to say the next state champion will be one of these fighters.  However, with both divisions so deep in talent once a champion emerges the belt may be switching hands quite a bit. The Fight for Life event November 22, 2013 features some of the top Jr. Middleweights and Middleweights. On February 1^st, the SoCal Battle of the Badges Main Event will feature #1 ranked Jr. Middleweight Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept. taking on #1 ranked Middleweight Carlos Vega, Orange Co. Sheriff Dept. in a Title Eliminator. The Central California Battle of the Badges April 19^th, 2014 will feature Avenal Police Dept.’s 2nd ranked DJ Vargas and 5^th ranked Chris Martinez vs. TBA. One more quality win for any of these fighters and they will be fighting for the State Title.

The #1 ranked, 3X Police Olympic Gold Medalist Jorge Caamal, LASD has been busy lately not training for a fight but promoting one.  Caamal will enter the boxing world as a promoter for the first time November 22, 2013. In an exclusive interview the UCA spent a few moments with the top rated boxer turned Promoter Jorge Caamal.

UCA: Being a successful fighter and being involved in so many events do you think it gives you an advantage over promoters who have never stepped into the ring?

JC: Maybe. Being around over the years, I’ve seen a lot of our fighters as well as our possible opponents so it’s definitely helped in matching-up the fights. Also being involved in the fights has helped me see over the years what I can do to improve things.

UCA: Which is more work training for a fight, or putting a fight together as a promoter?

JC: Training for a fight is definitely more work physically, but putting together a fight is  more mentally exhausting and frustrating. Sometimes I feel like a need to go to the gym to get rid of the stress from putting together the fight. I’ve now come to realize what happens on the other side of the ropes, so it’s a change for me.

UCA: Do you feel with your experience as a fighter it enables you to relate to the fighters and understand the complexities of boxing better than most?

JC: Yes. I really feel that I can relate to the fighters a lot more, being that I am a fighter myself. In fact, I have already made some changes to benefit the fighters based solely on feelings I had as a fighter. One example is I changed the way our Weigh-ins are handled so that it can be more beneficial to the fighters. I do notice that our fighters have been very receptive toward me because they know I can relate to them.

UCA: Are your days of boxing over?

JC: Absolutely not. I still have the goal in mind to capture the UCA title in 3 weight classes. Since Brent Bugarin wouldn’t give me a rematch, (May 24, 2013, Los Angeles Battle of the Badges) I guess I’ll start with another weight class until Bugarin’s 18 month mandatory title defense clause forces him to defend the title. I was thinking of maybe fighting anyone the UCA finds suitable for a title shot at 160 lbs. If the UCA finds me worthy of a title shot at 160 lbs.

UCA: What was the reasoning behind you wanting to help organize the Fight for Life event and not fight in it?

JC: Mike Young was retiring and he had been hinting for some time that he was ready to pass the torch. After being part of the LASD boxing team for over 10 years, I felt I should step up for the position. Plus in the past Mike and I put on an event known as the “St. Valentine’s day Massacre” in which we raised money for a fellow deputy and member of our boxing team who was involved in a bad motorcycle accident which left him in a wheelchair. Leading up to the event, I personally trained over 10 fighters and helped form the event. The event was a huge success and Mike Young told me he was impressed by my ability to both train and motivate fellow Deputies to fight. He told me that I should consider taking his position when he was ready to retire.

UCA: You are merging with long time Fight for Life event organizer Rudy Barragan, Frank Diaz and Robert Morales who are Team LAPD. You, Hank Nagamine, and Mike Young are Team LASD, have there been any arguments or disagreements about any of the matchups?

JC: There have been a few issues on our end, but I think some things are better left unsaid so I’ll leave it at that. For the most part though, I think most people have seen my ability to put this event together as it pertains to our fighters so I have felt more support than resistance.

As far as working with Team LAPD, it has been great. I know Rudy, Frank, and Robert very well and consider them good friends. They have welcomed me as a Coach and have made the transition easy. The best part is, I trust them (To a certain extent. LOL) and feel that we can work efficiently together to put on a good, exciting fight card rather than trying to pull a “fast one” over each other and ending up with a mismatched fight card.

UCA: Do you feel Team LASD has the edge going into the fight?

JC: Yes. We have some very good fighters and I am confident we will have a successful night. Plus being an LASD fighter makes it pretty easy for me to have a biased opinion.

UCA: I know you are busy, thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing a great show.

JC: It’s my pleasure. Thanks for the interview and also for your efforts in helping promote this event. This event truly benefits a great cause.

Caamal has the background and experience in boxing to be a successful promoter in his first event. At the end of the day boxing fans want to see good boxing and the card Caamal and Barragan have put together promises to deliver just that. The Fight for Life Event will take place Friday November 22, 2013. Tickets range from $25 to $100 and are available at the Quiet Cannon, 901 Via San Clemente Montebello, CA 90640. Doors open at 5:30pm first fight at 7pm.

Team LASD and Team LAPD are set to square off this Friday night in the 20^th annual Fight for Life Boxing Event.  The Fight for Life is held once a year to raise money for the City of Hope Children’s Hospital. Aside from raising money for cancer research both teams are completely aware of what’s at stake. The winning team will claim bragging rights until next year’s event. The Fight for Life takes place Friday, November 22, 2013 at the Quiet Cannon 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Buy your tickets here http://www.cityofhope.org/fight4life NOW. It’s cash only if you buy at the door! Tickets range from $25.00 – $100.00. Doors open at 5:30, first fight at 7:00.

20 primed and ready fighters hit the scales this afternoon for tonight’s Fight for Life event.  After the fighters hit their mark they squared off for photos and showed off their carved out physique which is a testament to all the hard work they put in. The fighters featured on this card are tremendous athletes and worked very hard to put on a great show for the fans. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 5:30, fights start at 7:00. Quiet Cannon, 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640.

The Fight for Life Event is in the books and it closed out the year with a great night of fights highlighted by two of the top ranked middleweights in the state Erik Ramirez, LASD and Quincy Mirage, LAPD. Each fighter on the card was looking to finish out 2013 with a great performance and they did just that. Huge credit to event organizers, Jorge Caamal, Mike Young, Hank Nagamine, Al Fraijo, of Team LASD and Rudy Barragan, John Negrete, Frank Diaz, Robert  Morales, of Team LAPD.

The first fight of the night featured Sergio Trejo, LASD taking on hard hitting 2^nd ranked Brendi Ponce, LAPD. Ponce has power in both hands and uses his ultra-aggressive style to close the distance and end the fight with one shot.  Trejo showed good technical skills, good movement and good defense throughout the fight.  This was a close fight but what earned Ponce the decision was he threw the harder shots and was the more aggressive fighter. Ponce would pick up the victory and stay perfect bringing his record to 3-0.  Ponce may be the most dangerous challenger at light heavyweight because of his power. At any given time he can end the fight with one punch.

Bout 2 featured a battle between two fighters stepping into the ring for the first time. Robert Lim, LASD vs. Daniel Ramirez, LAPD. Ramirez demonstrated good technical skills, keeping his hands up, throwing straight punches and good footwork.  Lim was aggressive, coming forward trying to land punches, true signs of a beginner. Ramirez must have put in a lot of time at the gym before the fight. The clear difference in the fight was the skill level of Ramirez. Ramirez showed a lot of maturity in the ring and is definitely a fighter to keep an eye on. Ramirez winner by decision.

Bout 3 featured a back and forth war between Lamar Wilson, LASD and William Neal, LAPD. Wilson was clearly the flashier, faster fighter while Neal was the stronger more aggressive fighter. In a very close action packed fight the decision would be left up to the judges. Neal would edge out a split decision win.

Bout 4 featured 6th ranked Remin Pineda, LASD taking on 5th ranked Ruben Rosas, LAPD. Rosas comes from a fighting family and has been around boxing his whole life and is full of talent.  Rosas fights with a relaxed style and knows how to control the pace of a fight. Pineda is a pressure fighter who does his best work on the inside and did have his moments going to the body.  When Pineda pressed forward Rosas would anticipate his movement to stay out of danger. Pineda showed a determined effort and gave a good account of himself but it wasn’t enough. Pineda would be on the wrong end of a judges’ decision due in large part to Rosas dominate footwork and movement. Rosas winner by unanimous decision.

Bout 5 featured the only female fight on the card, 3^rd ranked Roxanne Chavez, LASD vs. Vanessa Siordia, LAPD. Neither fighter held back and fought with heart and courage all three rounds.  It was a close back and forth battle between two evenly matched fighters. Siordia came forward and initiated the action throughout most of the fight and could have been the difference in the judge’s eyes.  Siordia winner by decision.

Bout 6 featured two fighters representing their Department in the ring for the first time, Jose Corral, LASD vs. Nestor Escobar, LAPD.  Corral is very polished technical fighter who does everything well. He displayed good movement, balance, timing and combination punching. Escobar would have his moments in the fight but the difference was Corral had too many weapons in his arsenal.  Corral winner by decision. Corral is an ultra-talented up and comer with limitless potential. Expect Corral to make waves in the Welterweight division.

Bout 7 featured  9^th ranked Matthew Pereida vs. 2^nd ranked  Aurelio Vasquez, L APD. When the bell rang, Vasquez stormed forward, overwhelming Pereida with punches. Then a war broke out and Pereida and Vasquez were trading shots going toe to toe. Anyone that thinks Pereida’s babyface looks take away from his toughness is sadly mistaken. Pereida is a fighter through and through. Vasquez and Pereida went at it full speed from the sound of the bell exchanging thunderous shots throughout the entire bout. Fights like this are what make great fighters. Pereida and Vasquez went through fire to prove to themselves and everyone else they are warriors. The fight ended in dramatic fashion with both fighters looking to land a combination or heavy shot to give them the edge in a very close fight. This was a high octane tough physical fight that pushed both fighters to the brink. In the end Pereida would pick up the split decision victory and Vasquez would suffer his first defeat. For their efforts they received “Fight of the Night” honors. Pereida and Vasquez are made of something special.

The co-main event, featured red hot 3rd ranked Alan Rojas, LASD who was looking to remain perfect but standing in his way was battle tested 4^th ranked Alex Perez, LAPD.  Perez looked impressive in his last fight against the best uncrowned fighter in California, Chris Barrios, LASD.  Rojas is under the tutelage of renowned trainer Mando Guzman and is a stablemate of the undefeated Cruiserweight State Champion Brian Stevens. On paper this fight had the makings of a high level competitive fight and it lived up to expectations.  Rojas and Perez would have high light moments throughout the fight, landing big shots upstairs and down stairs. Both fighters have a solid defense and were never in trouble in the fight. The difference in the fight was the work rate by Rojas. With the win Rojas would extend his undefeated record to 5-0. After the fight Rojas was quick to show his interest in fighting the pound for pound king Chris Barrios, LASD for the UCA Super Cruiserweight Title.

The Main Event featured 4th ranked Erik Ramirez, LASD taking on 6th ranked Quincy Mirage, LAPD in a much anticipated rematch. Ramirez started the fight putting together nice combinations and using good footwork to avoid any retaliation from Mirage. When Mirage did close the distance Ramirez did a good job of letting his hands go. But Mirage was hungry for revenge and continually pressed the action not giving Ramirez a rest and forcing him to fight every second of every round. Ramirez hasn’t been in the ring since November 30, 2012 and the long layoff seemed to take its toll in the 3^rd as Mirage outworked and outlanded him. This fight was fought at a fast pace and was not easy for either fighter.  It was a great main event fight between two top ranked middleweights. In the end it was Mirage who would pick up the hard earned victory and cement himself as a top Middleweight.