Team Bug held an open workout at the Kennel Boxing Gym in San Leandro, for Bugarin’s upcoming  fight on April 19, 2014. The UCA undefeated Welterweight Champion Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara Sheriff Dept. returns to the ring to face arch rival Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.’s #1 ranked Jorge Caamal in a UCA Welterweight State Championship rematch.  Bugarin looks to build his legacy as the best welterweight in California and perhaps the country when he puts his unbeaten record on the line to defend his title for the first time. A familiar face walked into the Kennel Boxing Gym to show support and wish Bugarin luck in his upcoming fight, the UCA Light Heavyweight State Champion Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara Police Dept.  With the fight less than 3 weeks away Bugarin is already at the 147lb welterweight limit. Guiding Bugarin’s efforts in the State Championship rematch is head trainer Arvin Jugarap, who has been with Bugarin from the beginning.  “This has been a better training camp than the first Caamal fight,” Jugarap says.  “Brent doesn’t have any injuries and is already on weight. I keep telling him to eat more.”   Bugarin is in the best shape of his life since his college football days as a standout defensive back for the Sacramento State Hornets. When asked how training was going, Bugarin replied.  “I am learning a lot in this training camp and I am getting good sparring. I know Caamal is going to bring it and I’m pushing my body to the limit.  I don’t own the belt until I defend it.” Bugarin has a tough task in front of him. Standing in his way is Jorge Caamal, the most qualified and threatening opponent for Bugarin’s title. Caamal is one of the most respected veterans in the sport today; he has the most fights of any active fighter, he is a 3X Police Olympic Gold Medalist and has fought some of the best public safety fighters in the game.  Bugarin has faced solid competition in his short boxing career but nowhere near the competition of Caamal. Bugarin is determined to maintain his hold on the belt and will do whatever it takes to keep it.   The highly-anticipated rematch of the two best welterweights in the state will take place April 19, 2014 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium as Kings County plays host to the first Central California Battle of the Badges.

Battle Zone Live! and the UCA are partnering to present the Battle of the Badges live from the Hanford Civic Auditorium to bring fans one of the best Battle of the Badges cards. Battle Zone Live! interest in the Battle of the Badges is another indication of the sheer magnitude of this event and the promising future of Public Safety boxing. For the fans that cannot make it to the fights can still watch from the comfort of their homes through the live-streamed video coverage on Battle Zone LIVE! Website. The video will be broadcasted live in real-time, with multiple camera angles and offered as a Pay Per View service. This new technology will give fans the ability to watch the best fighters in California compete from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. If fans have a high-speed broadband connection, they can also watch this unprecedented broadcast in high definition. The live feed can be viewed on most Internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones. These devices can also be connected to your television with an HDMI cable. Then, fans can sit back and enjoy the fights on their widescreen TV’s — just like watching a regular television broadcast. Be sure to tune in early to catch the delayed broadcast of the Official Weigh Ins from the day before. Calling the action, including live analysis of the fights will be 3rd ranked Super Middleweight, Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD and 3rd ranked Middleweight, Quincy Mirage, LAPD. The Pay Per View passes can be purchased here at http://www.thebattlezonelive.com/watch-live/ and are currently on sale for $20.00 with passes going for $25.00 on the day of the event.

We are just 2 weeks away from the most anticipated Battle of the Badges event featuring 8 of the best fighters in the state out to prove they deserve to be a UCA Champion. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best and in one night and 6 short minutes these fighters will get their chance to prove it. For Jones, McIntyre, Vargas, Seward, Lavarro, Flores, Caamal and Bugarin its hero or heartbreak there is nothing in between. There can only be one Champion. This card is loaded with an unprecedented lineup of Public Safety Boxing Superstars. Cards like this don’t come around that often, this will be one for the record books. It doesn’t get much better than having the best fighters in the state all on one card. Don’t miss this event April 19, 2014 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Pre-sale ticket prices $25 and $30 the day of the event. If you can’t make it to the fight, stream it live in HD on Pay Per View. The Pay Per View passes can be purchased here at http://www.thebattlezonelive.com/watch-live/ and are currently on sale for $20.00 with passes going for $25.00 on the day of the event.

Media Day was held at the Chino Boxing Club Friday April 4th, to give fans a glimpse at four fighters who will be competing in the Central California Battle of the Badges. April 19, 2014 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. The preparation for the biggest fight of Caamal, Manning, Lavarro, and Seward’s career started 8 weeks ago. The fighters are close to being in peak condition and could fight tomorrow if they had to. The first title fight of the night will feature 2nd ranked Walter Lavarro, Long Beach Police Dept. vs. 3rd ranked Francisco Flores, Stanislaus Co. Sheriff Dept. for the Vacant UCA Jr Welterweight Title.  “Flores is a great fighter and just like the first fight it’s going to be a war” Lavarro said when asked about facing Flores a second time. Next up will be the #1 ranked Jorge Caamal, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. vs. UCA Welterweight Champion Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara Sheriff Dept. for the Welterweight Title. Caamal looked strong in training and his weight is close to the 147lb limit. When asked if he felt he had an advantage going into the fight Caamal said, “I’m taking off the weight the right way this time. I’m getting good sparring and I feel strong. I feel my power and experience advantage will show in this fight.” In the co main event #1 ranked Ricky Seward, Big Bear City Fire Dept. will face 2nd ranked DJ Vargas, Avenal Police Dept. for the vacant UCA Middleweight State Title.  Seward is ready for a war. “I like to get in there and mix it up,” Seward said, “Vargas is a good fighter and I like his style but if he can’t hit me with something hard to keep me off him, I’m going for the knockout. That’s what the fans want to see.” In a highly anticipated trilogy that has huge implications in the middleweight division 6th ranked Brandon Manning, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. will take on 5th ranked Chris Martinez who also representing Avenal Police Dept.  Manning has switched camps and now trains at Chino Boxing Club with stable mate Caamal. Manning comes from a wrestling background and brings an aggressive take no prisoners’ style into the ring. When asked if his style has changed since changing camps Manning said, “I’m working on keeping my composure,  having good technique and staying focused on my breathing.” Aside from these four fights being great matchups, they also feature a North versus South confrontation which brings a little extra excitement. This event promises to be another great night of Public Safety boxing with spectacular matchups. The Battle of the Badges is Saturday night and the card is stacked from bout 1 to bout 14. If you have not made plans to attend the event make plans to order it on pay per view. This is an excellent card that you don’t want to miss. In one night you will see the best Public Safety fighters in California lay it all on the line. Don’t miss this event April 19, 2014 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Pre-sale ticket prices $25 and $30 the day of the event. If you can’t make it to the fight, stream it live in HD on Pay Per View. The Pay Per View passes can be purchased here at http://www.thebattlezonelive.com/watch-live/ and are currently on sale for $20.00 with passes going for $25.00 on the day of the event.

The April 19, 2014 Battle of the Badges is now being advertised on Radio and TV.  Make no mistake about it, having radio, TV and cutting edge PayPerView production Public Safety boxing continues to expand it’s media campaign state wide. Don’t miss this event April 19, 2014 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Pre-sale ticket prices $25 and $30 the day of the event. If you can’t make it to the fight, stream it live in HD on Pay Per View. The Pay Per View passes can be purchased here at www.thebattlezonelive.com and are currently on sale for $20.00 with passes going for $25.00 on the day of the event.

On Saturday April 19, 2014 the first Battle of the Badges will take place in the Central Valley at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. In one night of boxing, fight fans will see the best Public Safety Boxing has to offer with four UCA State Championship Superfights featuring two newly crowned champions making the first defense of their titles. Cleon Jones, Yolo Co Sheriff Dept. and Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD captured state titles in April of last year and will be stepping into the ring as Champions for the first time. The UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Cleon Jones will take on 2^nd ranked Shay McIntyre, CDCR, Folsom Prison. The UCA undefeated Welterweight State Champion Brent Bugarin will put his title belt on the line against #1 ranked Jorge Caamal, Los Angeles SD. In other title fight action 2^nd ranked 2X Police Olympic Gold Medalist Walter Lavarro, Long Beach PD faces 3^rd ranked, Police Olympic Gold Medalist Francisco Flores, Stanislaus Co SD for the Vacant UCA Jr Welterweight State Title. The 4^th and final Championship fight of the night will feature #1 ranked Police Olympic Gold Medalist Ricky Seward, Big Bear City FD squaring off with hometown favorite, Avenal Police Department’s own 2^nd ranked DJ Vargas for the vacant Middleweight State title. The Central California Battle of the Badges is going to be an exciting night of fights between incredible fighters and that is what this sport and this event is all about. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. The Hanford Civic Auditorium is located at 400 N Douty St Hanford, CA 93230. Pre-Sale tickets are on sale now for $25.00 and $30.00 day of the event. If you can’t make it to the fights, stream it live in HD on Pay Per View. The Pay Per View passes can be purchased here at http://www.thebattlezonelive.com/watch-live/ and are currently on sale for $20.00 with passes going for $25.00 on the day of the event.

Four straight wins is the momentum Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD carries with him into the ring Saturday April, 19, 2014 when he defends his UCA Welterweight State Title against 3x Police Olympic Gold Medalist,  #1 ranked Jorge Caamal, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept in a blockbuster rematch. For fans that did not see the first fight live surely missed out on the excitement, energy and anticipation in the arena. If you are a fan of Bugarin or Caamal or appreciate top level athletes who lay it all on the line do not miss this fight. Fans may not have another opportunity to see a matchup like this. Bugarin and Caamal are extremely talented, well rounded athletes, with no weaknesses, at the top of their game. Bugarin and Caamal knew they would eventually meet again and are prepared more than ever. With the Welterweight Title on the line these fighters will leave it all in the ring in their quest for victory. And like the first time they will give the fans a fight to remember.

7 DAYS LEFT to the biggest Battle of the Badges of the year. If you can’t watch it live, watch it live in HD on PayPerView. 3rd ranked Middleweight Quincy Mirage, LAPD and 3rd ranked Super Middleweight Aurelio Vazquez, LAPD will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire card next Saturday night April 19, 2014 starting at 6pm. To order the fight visit www.thebattlezonelive.com.

Two of Public Safety’s best big men will take center stage in the Battle of the Badges Main Event, April 19, 2014. The UCA Super Heavyweight State Champion Cleon Jones, Yolo County Sheriff Dept. will defend his title for the first time in a heated rematch against 2nd ranked Shay McIntyre, CDCR, Folsom Prison.  When the offer came to face McIntyre a second time Jones did not hesitate to accept the challenge. Jones had his eyes set on achieving greatness from the moment he stepped into the ring and he knows he has to avenge his loss to McIntyre to prove he is the best.  McIntyre is a proven, top-rated Super Heavyweight who is coming into the rematch with the confidence, he already beat Jones once and he can do it again. However Jones is not the same fighter he was when he faced McIntyre.  Six months after swallowing the bitter taste of defeat from the McIntyre loss Jones was back in the ring with one of the best in the division, Police Olympic Gold Medalist Rahsaan Harrison, LASD.  Jones would put on a masterful performance to defeat Harrison and stake claim to the Super Heavyweight Title. McIntyre hasn’t been in the ring since the Jones fight (Oct 6, 2012) but is eager to prove history will repeat itself. McIntyre is hungry and determined to be crowned the new UCA Super Heavyweight State Champion.  Jones and McIntyre are coming into the fight from great camps. Jones is trained by UCA Coach of the Year Miguel Munoz and is getting great work from top fighters Michael Simms, and Larry Ward. McIntyre is trained by Marcus Reaves and is getting great work from top fighters Eric Smith and Richmond De Los Cientos from UFC Gym is Sacramento.  For fight fans who want to see two big men stand toe to toe and test their will against one another, this is the fight for you. You couldn’t ask for a better main event fight. Tickets are still available.

If you are a Public Safety boxing fan you have to be counting down the days to the Biggest Battle of the Badges card of 2014. There really shouldn’t be another Public Safety Boxing card you want to see all year. This should be in your top spot.  On this card you will see Champion’s vs Warrior’s vs Legend’s vs Gladiator’s vs Prospect’s. This event has everything, 4 State Championship Title fights, full bar, DJ, and concessions. For $25.00 you can’t buy entertainment like this anywhere. Don’t miss your opportunity to see the best Public Safety boxers in California lay it all on the line. This event will sell out. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online. Presale Tickets are $25.00. Day of the event Tickets are $30.00.

All 28 fighters participating in Saturday night’s highly-anticipated Battle of the Badges Boxing Event will hit the scales this Friday night April 18, 2014 at Tequila’s Sports Bar 106 W 7^th Street, Hanford, CA 93230. The first fighter will step on the scale at 6pm. Weigh Ins are open to the public. Don’t miss your chance to meet and take photos with some of the best Public Safety Boxers in California. The bar will be open and The Smoke Joint will be serving their famous BBQ, If you are planning to stay in town after the weigh ins, or after the fights, Tachi Palace Casino is offering a special rate of $99.00 to the fighters and the fans.  When you make reservations mention  UCA Battle of the Badges Fights. The Hanford Auditorium is the place to be on Saturday April 19, 2014. Online tickets will close Thursday morning at 9am. Tickets will be available for purchase at the weigh in and at the door the day of the event.

Jorge Caamal, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. failed to make the mandatory 147lb weight limit during Friday’s official weigh in.  Caamal was set to face the undefeated title holder Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara Sheriff’s Dept. in a UCA Welterweight State Title fight rematch.  Caamal came in 2 pounds over the contracted weight of 147lbs and per the contract he has two hours to make the weight. Caamal used the full two hours however when he stepped onto the scale a second time he weighed in at 148lbs. Although Caamal didn’t make the weight he can still fight but will not be awarded the belt if he wins. After talking to his coaches Caamal decided to pull out of the fight completely. Bugarin easily made the weight at 145.5lbs. and agreed to take the fight anyway and give Caamal the belt if he won. Caamal declined the offer.  When Bugarin was informed the fight was canceled he said, “I feel like I worked so hard and sacrificed a lot for something to be just taken away from me.”  Although Bugarin was not given the opportunity to defend his title he made the weight and becomes the reigning undefeated UCA Welterweight State Champion.

All the other fighters hit their mark on the scale for Saturday night’s event including Walter Lavarro, Long Beach Police Dept. and Francisco Flores, Stanislaus Sheriff Dept. who are fighting for the vacant UCA Jr Welterweight State Championship. Ricky Seward, Big Bear City FD and DJ Vargas, Avenal Police Dept. both came in under the 160lb limit for their UCA Middleweight State Championship Title fight. The Big Guys who are fighting for the UCA Super Heavyweight State Championship had the luxury of not having to cut weight.  The UCA State Champion, Cleon Jones, Yolo County Sheriff Dept. tip the scales at 257lbs while Shay McIntyre, CDCR, Folsom Prison came in at a ready 243lbs.

And still the best big man in California. Cleon Jones, Yolo County Sheriff’s Dept. made the first defense of his title since defeating Rahsaan Harrison, LASD on April 20, 2013. The UCA Super Heavyweight State Champ, Cleon Jones defeated 2nd ranked Shay McIntyre, CDCR Folsom Prison by decision in Saturday night’s Battle of the Badges Main Event.  Jones avenged his loss to McIntyre with his jab and footwork.  McIntyre gave a valiant effort and would have his moments throughout the fight landing some clean blows but it was the Champion’s night. With the win Jones becomes the reigning and defending UCA Super Heavyweight State Champion.

The first title fight of Saturday night’s Battle of the Badges at the Hanford Civic Auditorium featured two fighters who have the skills and credentials to become a Champion.  Francisco Flores, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Dept. vs Walter Lavarro, Long Beach Police Dept. Flores and Lavarro shared the ring once before in 2009 when Lavarro defeated Flores via 2nd rd. TKO. to win the Police Olympic Gold Medal.  Flores has reeled off three straight wins since his only career blemish.  These ring warriors were anxious to get at each other and when the bell rang to start this long awaited fight Lavarro met Flores in the middle of the ring. Half way through the first round Lavarro rocked Flores with an uppercut that wobbled him and it looked like it would be the end.  Flores bounced around to get his legs underneath him while the referee administered the standing ten count. When the fight resumed Lavarro smelled blood and came in for the kill throwing hooks and rights hands with bad intentions. Flores was fighting on instincts and somehow survived the round.  Both fighters turned up the heat in the 2nd and 3rd pushing the pace and throwing punches in bunches. Flores and Lavarro’s tolerance for pain, desire and willingness to win is second to none. There is no better way to earn respect as a fighter than by fighting. This was a tough, brutal, punishing, slugfest. This is what you get when you have the best Jr. Welterweights in the state going at it. In the end it was Francisco Flores who would be announced the new UCA Jr Welterweight State Champion

UCA Scoring is on a ten point must system and Championship Title fights cannot end in a draw. When the scorecards indicate a fight ending a draw the judges will vote on who they thought won the fight. Flores and Lavarro ended in a draw and Flores was awarded the win 2-1.

DJ Vargas, Avenal Police Dept. and Ricky Seward, Big Bear City Fire Dept. brought speed, power, athleticism, and heart into the ring as they looked to make history and become the first Middleweight State Champion. The question on everyone’s mind was, can Vargas still fight at his best after being out of the ring nearly three years and come back and take on the intelligent boxer-puncher Seward. The answer is yes. Vargas put on a brilliant performance of footwork, speed and ring knowledge against the crafty veteran Seward. Vargas game plan was simple, hit and not get hit. Seward pressed the action and was ready to engage but Vargas kept circling, moving in and out not giving Seward a chance to set. Vargas used his footwork, speed and ring generalship to carve out a decision victory over Seward who gave a good account of himself.  The UCA Middleweight State Championship belt has a new owner and his name is DJ Vargas from Avenal Police Dept.

The Hanford Civic Auditorium was the host of perhaps the best Public Safety boxing cards in recent years.  Every fight on the card was a promoter’s dream to have as a main event. The energy was at an all-time high from the beginning bout to the main event.  In front of a capacity crowd the fighters did their part to put on an awesome display of heart, determination, skill and professionalism.

The night started with a spectacular fight featuring two fighters making their Battle of the Badges debut. Devon Dejoie, NAVY vs. Bodin Vimolchalao, Alameda Sheriff’s Dept. Dejoie is a slick fighter with good footwork, head movement and craftiness. Vimolchalao is a straight forward pressure fighter, nothing fancy, good fundamentals, throws straight punches, and has good balance. The fans were in for a treat with this boxer vs puncher matchup. In the 1st round Vimolchalao came out aggressive throwing punches while Dejoie used good footwork to feel Vimolchalao out and study him.  Both fighters came out in the2nd round throwing punches in bunches. Vimolchalao was the stronger puncher while Dejoie was the faster puncher. Close 2nd round. Vimolchalao continued to apply pressure in the 3rd round and throw the harder shots. Dejoie worked angles to find his openings.  Close competitive fight but in the end it was the harder punches landed and work rate that sealed the win for Vimolchalao.

The second bout of the night featured heavy handed Julian Badillo, Madera County Probation taking on DeLaSalle Tailback Joshua Beuster, Coalinga State Hospital Police Dept.  When the bell sounded Badillo jumped on Beuster looking to capitalize on his strength advantage.  Beuster was on the receiving end of some thunderous shots in the 1st round resulting in two standing ten counts.  Beuster weathered the storm, kept his composure and battled back in the 2nd and 3rd rounds landing some bombs of his own. Both fighters would have their moments throughout the fight but in the end it was Badillo who would walk away with the decision victory.

Bout 3 featured two undefeated young guns looking to put their name on the map and make an argument for the next shot at the Jr. Welterweight title. (6-0) Taron Scott, CDCR CYA Stockton vs. (4-0) Shant Sheklanian, Madera Police Dept. This fight was a back and forth chess match with both fighters trying to establish a rhythm and find an opportunity to take control of the fight. Sheklanian put consistent pressure on Scott but he refused to let Sheklanian impose his will on him. Scott was clearly the boxer in this match with good footwork and fast hands. Sheklanian is a text book fighter, never out of position, perfect technique, ring smarts, and does everything well. In the 1st round Scott took advantage of his speed, out-landing Sheklanian, advantage Scott. Close 2nd round with both fighters having their moments, slight advantage Sheklanian. Whoever wins the 3rd round wins the fight.  Sheklanian was very calculated with his punches in the 3^rd round, every punch thrown was for a reason. Scott used his superior footwork to find his range and his openings. This was a very technical fight between two solid fighters. The bell would end this fight and the decision would be left in the judges hands. Sheklanian would be announced the winner and pick up the fifth win of his career keeping his record unblemished as he awaits his next challenger. Sheklanian was tested and found a way to win.  This marks the first career loss for Scott but he is a warrior and will bounce back from the loss. With the win Sheklanian can expect to be propelled into bigger fights and perhaps the Jr. Welterweight Title at the end of the year. By the way Sheklanian performed Saturday night 2014 could be his year.

Bout 4 featured Robert Tamayo, Monterey County Probation vs. Larry Swanson, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. This was an intriguing matchup between two fighters with contrasting styles. Tamayo does his best work on the outside keeping his opponents at the end of his punches. Swanson does his best work in close range digging shots to the body and head. Both fighters imposed their style on one another and both were effective. Tamayo was most effective with his style landing more punches and keeping Swanson where he wanted him. This fight would go the distance and in the end Swanson would pick up the win. With the win Swanson remains perfect at 2-0 while Tamayo suffers his first defeat and falls to 2-1. A rematch is in the works for August 1, 2014 LA Battle of the Badges.

The 5th bout of the night featured two fighters who know each other well but not in the ring. Mike Hernandez and Howard Roberts work at Pleasant Valley State Prison and have a friendly rivalry. When they found out the Battle of the Badges was being held in their backyard they jumped at the opportunity to fight each other. They were the first fight to be made on the card.  When the bell sounded to start the fight these guys went after each other. During the exchange of punches Hernandez twisted his knee and the fight was stopped in the 1st round by the referee due to Hernandez not being able to continue. Roberts would pick up the win via 1st rd. TKO.

Bout 6 featured hometown favorite Tony Veloz, Fresno County Sheriff’s Dept. vs. Craig Hamblin, CDCR, Solano State Prison. There was a lot of circling and feeling out in this fight. Neither fighter was willing to engage or take control of the fight. When Veloz and Hamblin did engage they were effective. This fight would go the distance and left up to the judges to decide who the winner is.  When you are fighting in your opponent’s home town you have to expect he will get the nod in a close bout, it’s the nature of the beast. As an out of town fighter you need to make it obvious to the judges that you are the winner by knocking your opponent down or knocking him out. This was a tough fight to score and could go either way.  After the scorecards were added up Veloz would pick up a narrow decision victory and Hamblin would suffer his 7th defeat.

Bout 7 featured super heavyweights, Chris Lewis, Fresno County Sheriff’s Dept. vs. Rishard Hayes, Santa Rosa Rancheria Tribal Public Safety. Lewis had the clear size and power advantage while Hayes was the faster slicker fighter. Hayes did a good job of getting in, landing his punches and getting out before Lewis could get off his shots. Lewis continued to walk Hayes down and would eventually catch Hayes with some clean blows and force the referee to step in and give Hayes a standing ten count. Throughout the fight Lewis would land some thunderous shots that would back Hayes up and off balance.  Hayes kept his composure and proved he has a huge heart.  Lewis and Hayes were landing their shots throughout the fight but it was Lewis who was dishing out more than he was taking. The power shots landed by Lewis was the difference in the fight. Lewis winner by decision.

Bout 8 featured the only female fight on the card and they did not disappoint. Laura Morales, Fresno County Probation vs. Deirdre Fonseca, Los Angeles Police Dept. lived up to 100% of the hype. Styles make fights and Morales and Fonseca’s style made for a great fight. There are no words that can explain the kind of courage Morales and Fonseca showed. There was no loser in this fight both ladies are winners and wanted to win and did everything they could do to possibly win. For their tremendous heart and courage this fight received “Fight of the Night” honors with Morales ultimately emerging victorious due to a razor close decision. To receive those honors on a card that featured Gutierrez vs. Cano, Scott vs. Sheklanian, Flores vs. Lavarro is a huge accomplishment. The fans in attendance may be the real winners in this fight. To witness two people fight with so much heart, will and determination it makes the fans look inside themselves and realize they just witnessed something special.  This fight will go down in UCA History among the handful of greatest boxing matches in Public Safety.  When the fight was over Morales and Fonseca embraced and must have realized they had done something historic that people will be talking about for a long time. Not only do Morales and Fonseca have the skills and heart to become a Champion they are also great people.

Bout 9 featured Rudy Gutierrez, Army National Guard vs. Roman Cano, Fresno Police Dept. You won’t see glitz or glamour with these two blue collar fighters. They enter the ring to do one thing, win. 30 seconds into the fight you knew a classic fight was ready to unfold. This bout had punishment and lots of it. Gutierrez and Cano were taking some hard shots but continued to battle. Neither fighter showed signs of being hurt, however they will show signs over the next week. Both fighters were exchanging fire the whole fight.  The intensity, ferociousness, and precision punching of both boxers provided a memorable war that will be talked about for a long time. Their resiliency, their strength of body and spirit was incredible. This was a high level fight between two evenly matched opponents. Regardless of the outcome these two fighters have the DNA of Champions. In a fight that could have easily gone the other way Cano would be announced the winner by a narrow razor close split decision. What a fight!

Bout 10 featured the Trilogy between Chris Martinez, Avenal Police Dept. and Brandon Manning, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. The Battle of the Badges is a boxing event but Martinez and Manning are more interested in brawling. Anytime these fighters get into the ring with each other the waters are going to get real choppy. On Saturday night Martinez and Manning picked up where they left off with rounds 7, 8 and 9. No feeling out period necessary these fighters went at each other throwing every punch with bad intentions. The fight featured little defense as both fighters were more interested in throwing bombs at each other. After three tough, brutal, grinding rounds the decision would be left to the judges to figure out. In the end Martinez would pick up the hard earned win and lead the series 2-1.  Is this the end of the Martinez vs Manning rivalry?

The Central California Battle of the Badges is in the books. The card was stacked from top to bottom with phenomenal athletes with the desire to win.  There was not a boring fight on the card.

As you improve as a fighter and achieve success your perspectives must change. You must start challenging yourself to train harder, and compete against more experienced fighters.  Compare yourself to top fighters and learn new things from them. Get out of your comfort zone, visit different gyms for sparring and enter competitions, it’s the best way to measure yourself. Having stable-mates that compete and share their knowledge and time can make you improve tremendously.   If you want to get better you have to train with people better than yourself. When it’s time to enter a fight have no doubts, no pressure, fight your fight. Use your training as confidence knowing that you train with great fighters every day and the fight won’t be harder than the training you go through at the gym.