Bout 1 features a Super Middleweight matchup between Jon Knowlton, (0-0) Upland-Animal Services vs.  Joe Maribito, (0-0) Cops4Kids. (6-2).

Bout 2 (160lbs) Katherine Proudfoot , (0-0) Combat City Fire, EMT vs. Carla McCullough (0-1) Rialto PD

Bout 3 features long time Super Middleweight stand out, #1 ranked  Ricky Seward, (6-9) Big Bear City FD vs Eduardo Gomez, (6-1) Bordwell Security. Seward is riding a two fight win streak and looks to carry that momentum all the way to the State Championship. Gomez looks to end Seward’s win streak and add another mark in the win column for himself.

Bout 4 features an explosive Light Heavyweight matchup between two guys that like to mix it up. 5th ranked Daniel Alvarez, (3-2) RSO vs Hector Tamayo, (3-0) Pechanga FD. This fight is the clear front runner for “Fight of the Night” honors.

Bout 5 features Heavyweights 10^th ranked, Mario Alonzo, (1-3) CDCR, Ironwood squaring off with Farris Hisle,(2-1) ICE. Fans can expect a great battle between two evenly matched old school warriors. Look for Alonzo and Hisle to do whatever it takes to get back into the win column and make their climb up the stacked heavyweight division ladder.

Bout 6 (130lbs) features the return of the undefeated #1 ranked Green Eyed Monster, Juanita Aragon, (3-0) Morongo PS vs. Tonya Pasco, (1-1) Riverside SD. Pasco may be be the toughest test of Aragon’s young career.

Bout 7 features two middleweight fighters stepping into the ring for the first time. John Marugg, EMT Hemet vs. Rudy Barrera, US Forest Service.

Bout 8 (165lbs) Darren Stegall, (2-2) DPS Pechanga vs. Travon McMillan, (0-0) EMT Redlands

Bout 9 features Middleweights, Marcos Rodriguez, (0-0) BLM Fire –Palm Springs vs. Leo Rendon, (0-0) CalPAC Surety-Bail Enforcement Agent.

Bout 10 340lbs, Ruben Gamboa (0-0) Lifeline Fire & Safety vs. 300lbs, Benjamin Seagraves, (0-0)RSO

The 11th bout of the night pits volume boxer-puncher 3rd ranked Ray Encinas, (4-2) LAPD against the much talked about Mario Dorado, (5-0) Riverside PD. These two are known to be aggressive, quick starting, hard-hitting, fighters. Look for both fighters to put on an impressive performance and secure a position as a top Jr Welterweight.

Bout 12 features Top Ten Super Heavyweights Justin Robinson, (4-1) Combat FD vs Steve Mann, (2-0) CDCR. Don’t leave your seat, this fight could end early, both men pack one punch power.

Bout 13 154lbs Gloria Campos, (0-0) DPS-Pechanga vs. 158lbs Christina Banuelos, (1-0) RSO.

The Co Main Event features the best vs the best, #1 vs. #1. The Jr Middleweight Division King Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD vs the Middleweight Division King, Carlos Vega, Orange Co SD. Both fighters are coming off big wins over top ranked fighters and look to use that momentum to carry them all the way to the State Title. Look for both fighters to do whatever it takes to continue their winning ways. Rodriguez and Vega are extremely motivated and have the skill set to become a champion. This fight promises to be a dramatic, take-no-prisoners affair. This is a must win for both fighters

The Main Event of this stacked card features 3rd ranked Ryan Hotchkiss, Barstow PD vs Travon Taylor, Orange Co SD. Hotchkiss is the most exciting prospect in years and seeks to extend his undefeated record and continue his quest for a state title when he squares off against unknown 8-1 Travon Taylor, Orange Co SO. Taylor is easily Hotchkiss toughest opponent and an upset is indeed possible. Hotchkiss is entering this fight with a height and reach advantage.  Its obvious Hotchkiss will look to keep the fight on the outside and use his jab to measure and keep Taylor at the end of his punches.  Taylor must use his experience advantage and use a steady calculated attack to get in range and keep Hotchkiss on defense.  Taylor is the most complete and experienced fighter Hotchkiss has faced. This may not be a title fight, but this matchup is very intriguing and drawing a lot of attention.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $30, ringside, $20 general and can be purchased online at www.socalbattleofthebadges.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office 951-770-2507. Doors open at 5pm First fight at 6pm.

On Saturday, February 1^st, 2014 the SoCal Battle of the Badges Co Main Event will feature two of the best fighters in the state in a fight that has major Title implications. The #1 ranked, Jr. Middleweight, Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept. will face off with the #1 ranked Middleweight  Carlos Vega, Orange Co. Sheriff Dept. in a must win fight.  The UCA caught up with the Top Rated Jr. Middleweight Dustin Rodriguez to ask him a few questions about his upcoming fight with Vega.

Record: 4-1, Height: 5’7”, Weight: 154lbs, Age: 30

UCA – Who is your coach?

DR – David Rodela

UCA – What gym do you train at?

DR – Oxnard Pal gym and Colonia boxing Gym. I train mostly at Pal due to Coach David Rodela took over the Pal this past year but Colonia has some great sparring and I always go back there before fights to get prepared.

UCA – You are coming off a big win over 2^nd ranked Eriverto Montano, LAPD July 6, 2013. Vega hasn’t fought since July, 2012. Do you feel the long layoff gives you an advantage?

DR – I went a year stagnant and felt very rusty, so I can’t answer for Vega, but fighting in the past 6-7 months I think definitely gives the more consistent fighter an advantage.

UCA – Once you found out you were fighting Vega did you look for video on him?

DR – Definitely, I think watching tape on your opponent not only prepares you for what your opponent will bring, but also to work on the necessaries you need to beat him.

UCA – After watching his fight will you be working on anything specific in preparation for Vega?

DR – Vega is a pressure fighter.  To be honest, most of my opponents have been all forward brawlers like Vega and the gyms I train at, it’s hard to prepare for those types of fighters since my gyms and trainer stress boxing.   That’s been the consistent battle for me as a newer boxer.  There aren’t to many brawlers at my gym so finding sparring partners with an all forward style will be my preparation along with a new condition program to get my body strong since he is in another weight class and naturally bigger than I.

UCA – Will your training and preparation for this fight be any different from previous fights?

DR – Yes, we’re going to implement a plyometric physical condition program to get my body and core ready.  We’re taking this fight real serious since we know he’s a bigger guy and has power.  Along with condition drills my trainer David Rodela will implement that he took from Alex Ariza, our normal boxing regiment we’ll also do.  I’m fortunate to have David as my trainer, not only is he still fighting currently as a pro, he’s also around so many great boxers on a continuous basis.  Victor Ortiz, Manny Pacquiao, are just some names he spars with regularly so he brings back his knowledge to share with our gyms.

UCA – Are you a fighter how lifts weights when preparing for a fight?

DR– No not at all, I do core training like I just mentioned, and will start with a plyometric type training.  During my year hiatus from boxing in late 2012-early 13, I started to lift weights again but I felt it slowing me down in the gym and was recommended not to by trainers.   I feel naturally I have power and my  past fights, I’ve been fortunate to have some KO’s on my record and did it without weight lifting.

UCA – What does a typical day of training consists of?

DR – Since I work as a Fireman, I’m fortunate to get some work out time at work.  The days I work, I continue core workouts like sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and some light running.  My days off, I work on conditioning in the morning with runs, hikes, and now plyometrics, and in the evenings, work on my boxing with basic drills.  In the weeks leading up to the fight, that’s when we spar to get ready for the real thing.

UCA – Do you feel your style will create fits for Vega?

DR – I think our styles are good for each other for a great fight.  We both have power; both have forward styles, and still pretty young in our boxing careers.  I’ve seen Vega slug it out but also box a little in his fights so I’ll be ready for both. I hope that we go in that night ready to disrupt any fit he brings so we come out victorious.

UCA – Would you like the fight to be a back and forth battle where you are both tested?

DR – Honestly, I don’t mind because I know he can trade and exchange and I’ve proven that I can to especially in my last fight with Montano.  I don’t want to give up my game plan over this interview, haha, but we’ll be ready for sure.

UCA – If you get knocked down in the fight will you come back hard for some payback or will you keep your composure and stick to the game plan?

DR – Hopefully I don’t get knocked down period, but composure would be my answer.

UCA – On paper this is a pick em fight. If the fight is close in the 3^rd round will you come out hard and push the pace to win the round?

DR – We’ll just have to see on Feb. 1.

UCA – A wins, a win, but which do you prefer, a knockout, unanimous decision, or a war?

DR – I definitely prefer a KO due to the pure pleasure, but we know he’s a bigger guy.  Vega probably walks around at 170 plus and will be at 160 lbs at weigh ins.  I walk around at 158lbs and fight at 154, I should and would like one day to fight at 147lbs, but just haven’t got a fight at that weight with anybody and also I’m a bit timid with the strength I’ll lose and need for work as a Fireman.

UCA – Do you feel you will have to put on the best performance of career to beat Vega?

DR – Without a doubt, and I believe a good performance also to get a 154lb title shot if the UCA feels I’m worthy.

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

DR – I’ll be thinking about the game plan, execution, and representing my family and friends, the Santa Monica Fire Department, and also the Pal and Colonia gyms of Oxnard, CA.

What a fight this is going to be. This what Public Safety boxing is all about. Two fighters at the top of their game testing themselves against the best out there.

Promoters cannot go wrong by putting female fighters on a card. Every fan in attendance is guaranteed to see an all-out all action fight. Female fighters only know one way to fight and that is to give it 100% from start to finish. Female fighters are quickly becoming more technically sound, well rounded and more interesting to watch. It is rare to see a boring women’s fight.  When there is a women fight on the card you can guarantee they will be in the running for “Fight of the Night” honors. Women do not fight to lose, they fight to win.

Vega’s days as a title contender may have ended. The SoCal Battle of the Badges Co Main Event, February 1, 2014 featuring Carlos Vega, Orange County, SD vs. Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD has been cancelled.  Vega the #1 ranked Middleweight injured his back and we don’t know how serious the injury is at this point. Rodriguez, #1 ranked Jr Middleweight is still training and prepared to fight if an opponent is found.

On February 1^st, 2014, Pechanga Resort & Casino will play host to the first Public Safety Boxing event of the year. One very intriguing fight featured on the SoCal Battle of the Badges card is a Heavyweight matchup between Mario Alonzo, CDCR, Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP) and Farris Hisle, ICE in a crossroads Heavyweight Showdown. The UCA spent a few minutes with the 10th ranked fighter to ask him some questions about his upcoming fight.

Height 5’10   Weight 220   Age 40   Record 1-3

UCA – What gym do you train at?

MA – I train out of the Coachella Valley Boxing Club

UCA – Who is your trainer?

MA -Jacob Najar

UCA – How often are you training to prepare for this fight?

MA – I try to get into the boxing gym three (3) times a week! With my family and work responsibilities it is getting harder each fight to get into the gym. I don’t think the fight fans understand how time fighting takes away from your family. We all have other jobs to deal with; fighting doesn’t pay the bills or put food on the table for us.

UCA – Who are some of your stable mates?

MA – 2^nd ranked Welterweight Manual Zavala, CDCR, CVSP and former Top Ranked, Albert Deleon, CDCR.

UCA – Your last fight was a close decision loss to 9th ranked, Zar Roman, Carson Fire Dept. Do you feel you could have done more to pick up the win?

MA – I take nothing away from any Warrior who gets into the ring. Mentally I wasn’t ready for that fight. I stopped training mentally two (2) weeks before that fight when I found out my mother had cancer. Mentally a fighter has to be ready to get into that ring, I wasn’t. People don’t know that I can run ten miles a day and still not be in fighting shape. I felt that I would give it a go because of Jeff Penn. Jeff has been really good to me, so I didn’t want to back out on him last minute. Oh to answer the question, have a better start. I wasn’t too sure of myself, so I played it safe the first two rounds. In the end the judges choose Zar as the winner and I tip my hat to him.

UCA – What is your mentality going into this fight? Is it no pressure, whatever happens, happens or is it, I will win, I have to win, it’s win I live lose I die?

MA – Mentally I feel that I have to get my respect back. I respect the fight game and I want to make sure that whoever I get into the ring with understands how hard I have worked for the fight. With me being one of the older fighters, I feel that this fight might be a win I live for another day. I have played a lot of sports and have done my share of different sport activities, but boxing has been a tough sport to walk away from.

UCA – If you sense the fight is close going into the 3rd round will you have enough in the tank to lay it all on the line to secure the win?

MA – I have gone the distance twice in my short career so I feel that going into the third round I will have enough to get through the round. It is the last round and there is no reason not to let it all out. You can’t take anything home with you.

UCA – Do you know anything about your opponent?  Have you watched any video on him? Have you seen him fight? Do you see any weaknesses in his game you can exploit?

MA – I have actually been on the same card that Mr. Hisle has been on. So I feel that I know enough about him. He has speed and power in both hands and even had a fighter quit in the ring on him. I know that Mr. Hisle doesn’t like the judges to get involved.

UCA – Are you doing anything different in training camp in preparation for this fight compared to past fights?

MA – I am putting in more road work in for this fight. I just want to be ready for the battle and leave everything in the ring.

UCA – Have you envisioned in your mind how the fight will go? Does it end with your hand being raised?

MA – I feel that I have to whether the storm in the beginning because Mr. Hisle is going to come forward. I feel that if I can stick to the game plan that my coach has prepared for me, I have a chance. I feel every fighter goes into a fight believing they are going to win. Especially in the battle of the badges, we get a T-shirt, a hand shake and a thank you for fighting. We do it for the kids that Jeff Penn reaches out to and helps and that thing call “PRIDE!”

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

MA – I usually think about the work I did to prepare for the fight and my family. My wife’s smile puts me into that place where I have nothing to worry about because at the end of the day I am going home with the best woman in the place. I think this fight I will be thinking about my first love, my mom. God willing she will be there if she is feeling good enough.

UCA – Prediction?

MA – I want to keep fighting and Mr. Hisle needs a win. This should be a good battle; we both have been tested in the past. Leather will be flying!

UCA – Anything you would like to add?

MA – I work at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP) as a correctional Lieutenant. I started training to lose weight because I was tipping the scales at 305 and in bad shape. 2013 wasn’t all bad for me with my sister-in-law having cancer two weeks after my last fight, the year ended well. I was awarded the Bronze Star and a Unit Citation award for my actions I took while on duty. I was nominated nationally for the Medal of Valor

UCA – Thank you for your time and good luck.

MA – Thank you again for doing what you do for us badge holders! You are doing a great job, keep up the good work!

The #1 ranked Jr. Middleweight Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD will be fighting February 1, 2014 in the Co-Main event of the SoCal Battle of the Badges. Rodriguez original opponent Carlos Vega, Orange Co. SD was forced to withdraw from their Title Eliminator fight due to injury. Rodriguez will now be facing Jose Rodriguez, (2-1) ISO Security.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $30, ringside, $20 general and can be purchased online at www.socalbattleofthebadges.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office 951-770-2507. Doors open at 5pm First fight at 6pm.

The #1 ranked Super Middleweight from Big Bear City DF Ricky Seward had the amazing opportunity to meet his favorite fighter. Roy Jones Jr was in Big Bear, CA as a part of Jean Pascal’s training camp.  Team Pascal stopped by Skyhigh Training Center to use the gym’s crossfit equipment. Seward was able to watch the former Pound for Pound World Champion hit the mitts and get some pointers for his upcoming fight on Saturday, February 1^st, 2014 against (6-1) Eduardo Gomez, Bordwell Security in the SoCal Battle of the Badges.

What a night fight fans have in store for them Saturday February 1, 2014 as Pechanga Casino & Resort hosts the first Public Safety Boxing Event of 2014.

Bout 1 (185lbs) Efrain Muniz, Pechanga DPS Patrol vs. Eddie Guzman, US Forest Service

Bout 2 (165lbs) #1 ranked Ricky Seward, Big Bear City FD vs. (6-1) Eduardo Gomez, Bordwell Security

Bout 3 (175lbs) Hector Tamayo, Pechanga Fire Department vs. 4^th ranked Daniel Alvarez, RSO

Bout 4 (220lbs) Nick Vega, DPS Pechanga vs. Farris Hisle, ICE

Bout 5 (215lbs) Chris Dubiansky, US Forest Service vs. Nick Herstine, Pechanga DPS

Bout 6 (130lbs) #1 ranked Juanita Aragon, Morongo Public Safety Officer vs. Tanya Pasco, RSO

Bout 7 (165lbs) Johnathan Flores-Ponce, RSO vs. Rudy Barrera, US Forest Service

Bout 8 (160lbs) Jonathan Merrick, Soledad Enrichment Action Officer vs. Travon McMillan, AMR-Redlands

Bout 9 (165lbs) Marcos Rodriguez, BLM Fire –Palm Springs vs. Leo Rendon, CalPAC Surety-Bail Enforcement Agent

Bout 10 (160lbs) Corey Flores, Allied Bail Bonds vs. John Marugg, AMR-Hemet

Bout 11 (145lbs) Mario Dorado, Riverside Police Department vs. 4^th ranked, Ray Encinas, LAPD

Bout 12 (230lbs) 6^th ranked Rene Sicre, Pechanga Rangers vs. 4^th ranked Justin Robinson, Combat Center Fire Dept.

Bout 13 (154lbs) Gloria Campos , DPS-Pechanga vs. 3^rd ranked Christina Banuelos, RSO

Co-Main Event (154lbs) #1 ranked Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD vs. (2-1)  Jose Rodriguez, ISO Security

Main Event – (195lbs) 3^rd ranked Ryan Hotchkiss, Barstow PD vs (8-1) Travon Taylor, Orange Co. SD

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $30, ringside, $20 general and can be purchased online at www.socalbattleofthebadges.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office 951-770-2507. Doors open at 5pm First fight at 6pm