With a little over 6 weeks until the NorCal Battle of the Badges, two fighters with championship material held an open workout at Thrive Training Center, Fresno California. Pierce Masse, Fresno Police Dept. and stablemate Jason Gutknecht, Madera Police Dept. were put through a two hour workout session by Coach Bryan Williams, Fresno PD in preparation for October 11, 2014.  Super Heavyweight prospect Masse, Fresno PD will take on Ialia Tuua, CDCR, Mule Creek. Heavyweight prospect Gutknecht, Madera PD will square off with Ben Kappler, CDCR, Mule Creek.  Masse and Gutknecht looked sharp working out as their respected trainer Williams looked on. The Battle of the Badges takes place Saturday October 11, 2014 at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento, CA. Doors open at 5pm, first bell rings at 6pm. Tickets on sale now General $25.00 Ringside $40.00. To see Masse and Gutknecht workout photos visit UCA facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.781017888615381.1073741996.219484084768767&type=1

On Friday September 26, 2014 the LA Battle of the Badges will be headlined by two of  the best fighters in the state when they battle it out for  the UCA Cruiserweight State Championship. Brian Stevens,  LASD, the reigning and defending Champion will put his title on the line and test his skills against #1 ranked, Travon Taylor, (10-1) Orange County  Sheriff’s Office.  The UCA caught up with the  Cruiserweight Champion to ask him a few questions about his  upcoming fight.

UCA – How is training going at Henry Tillman’s Boxing Gym?

BS – Training has been great! Tillman’s gym is filled with talented pro fighters. Training alongside those guys every day is going to take me to another level.

UCA – Have you had the opportunity to spar or train beside any top pros or top  amateurs at the gym?

BS –Yes. There is more access to quality sparring that we’ve ever had.

UCA – You will be defending your title against another #1 ranked fighter. Do you feel this  will be your toughest challenge?

BS –I always prepare as if I am the underdog. From what I have seen, he looks to be a very experienced and talented boxer, so he should be my toughest opponent yet.

UCA – Are you preparing for a tough grinding fight?

BS –We just focus on working hard and getting better every day. I condition myself to grind if need be, but I prepare to make the fight easier than the training.

UCA – Do you feel you have the style to beat Taylor?

BS –Yes.

UCA – Are you sparring with guys similar to Taylor’s style and stature? 

BS -Yes.

UCA – Do you feel Taylor brings something to the ring that you have never dealt with before?

BS –I think it is going to be more of a true boxing match than I have had in the past. He likes to counter punch and box. I think that our styles should make for a good show.

UCA – Is your training camp more intense compared to your other training camps?

BS –Yes. I am always pushing to work harder, learn more, and get better. I know I have my toughest challenge ahead of me so I am going to have to bring it!

UCA – Are you working on anything specific in training camp to prepare for your fight  with Taylor?

BS –Not really. We just work to get better and do what we do best. Hopefully he will be the one who needs to adjust.

UCA – Do you feel you have any advantages over Taylor?

BS -Like I say, I like to think of myself as the underdog, but I always know I have the best trainer.

UCA – Is there anything that worries you about Taylor?

BS –No.

UCA – Do you feel the fight will be a back and forth battle where you are both tested?

BS –Definitely.

UCA – If the fight is close going into the 3rd round will you come hard and push the pace to win the round?

BS -I always try to push harder than I am being pushed. I want to win every round.

UCA – Will you have to put on the best performance of your career to keep your title?

BS –I believe so.

UCA – How do you see the fight ending?

BS – And still…

Josh Tann, Cal Fire will make his  return to the ring October 11, 2014 to face Chris Anaya, Roseville Fire Dept. in a 3 round Cruiserweight bout. Tann  has been putting in a lot of hours at CA Boxing & MMA with stablemates Mike Gomez, Jeremy Parker, and Jessica Glissmeyer, all CDCR and who will all be on the October 11th NorCal Battle of the Badges card. The event takes place at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento, California. Tickets on sale now! General $25.00 Ringside $40.00. Doors open at 5pm First Fight at 6pm.

On September 26, 2014 a Heavyweight Champion will be crowned when #1 ranked, Mike Frazier, LASD takes on #5 Bert Castaneda , LAPD for the UCA Heavyweight State Championship. Frazier (7-0) will put his perfect record on the line against the most threatening opponent in the heavyweight division, (8-1) Castaneda, LAPD. Frazier has never tasted defeat and plans on keeping it that way.  Castaneda  is looking for respect and ready to silence the doubters that don’t believe he can beat the #1 ranked heavyweight in California. The LA Battle of the Badges takes place September 26, 2014 at the Quiet Cannon 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello California. Doors open at 5 p.m. First bell rings at 6pm. Tickets prices are $25.00 general, $50.00 ringside.

Josh Webb, California Highway Patrol CHP showed off his skills in a light training session at Niavaroni’s Kickboxing Gym Friday in Roseville, California. Webb has one MMA fight in the Alemeda Battle of the Badges (May 12, 2012) defeating Gene Gabriel, SFPD and is looking forward to stepping into the ring for the first time as a boxer. Webb is a friendly, respectful fighter who is ready to test his skills as a boxer. Although Webb currently does not have an opponent for the upcoming Battle of the Badges he is training under the watchful eye of world championship trainer Nasser Niavaroni in hopes that an opponent is found.
The Battle of the Badges takes place Saturday October 11, 2014 at the Red Lion Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane. Tickets are on sale now! General $25 Ringside $40. Doors open at 5pm. Fights start at 6pm. To see video and photos of Josh Webb training https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.785229884860848.1073741998.219484084768767&type=3

Professional fighter Adam Fiel looks to extend his undefeated winning streak October 11, 2014 in the Battle of the Badges – Capital City Explosion Pro/Am card. Don’t miss this ground breaking event. For the first time Public Safety boxers will be featured on the same card as professional fighters. Tickets are on sale now. General $25 Ringside $40. Doors open at 5pm first bell rings at 6pm. Battle of the Badges takes place at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, 500 leisure lane, Sacramento California.

The contracts are signed for one of the most anticipated rematches of the year. #1 ranked Matthew Pereida, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, is set to meet #2 Aurelio Vasquez, Los Angeles Police Department September 26, 2014 for the UCA Super Middleweight  Championship Title. Both fighters have cemented their spot among the elite in the Super Middleweight division. Vasquez has built a large fan base due to his seek and destroy style and doing whatever it takes to win. Pereida is a thrilling, all-action fighter who throws tons of punches so the fans are going to get an exciting fight. Vasquez tasted defeat for the first time against Pereida, November 22, 2013 and now seeks revenge. Pereida is determined to defeat Vasquez once again and  prove he is the best Super Middleweight in California. Pereida and Vasquez are one win away from being forever branded a Champion. The LA Battle of the Badges takes place September 26, 2014 at the Quiet Cannon 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello California. Doors open at 5 p.m. First bell rings at 6pm. Tickets prices are $25.00 general, $50.00 ringside.

Roseville Firefighter and Battle of the Badges newcomer Chris Anaya  held an open training session at UFC Gym in Sacramento. Anaya will square off with Josh Tann, Cal Fire, on Saturday October 11, 2014 in the Battle of the Badges. Anaya is in tremendous shape and is determined to pick up his first win. Anaya trains under the watchful eye of UFC Gym head trainer Marcus Reaves. When asked how Chris looks Marcus said, “Chris works hard, he listens and is a pleasure to have at the gym.” Tickets are on sale now. General $25 Ringside $40. Doors open at 5pm first bell rings at 6pm. The Battle of the Badges takes place at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento California. To see workout photos of Chris Anaya visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.787796371270866.1073741999.219484084768767&type=1

The main event of the stacked Battle of the Badges Capital City Explosion Pro/Am card features the undisputed UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Cleon Jones, Yolo County Sheriff’s Dept. making the  second defense of his UCA crown against the #1 ranked, Mike Gomez, CDCR. Main events don’t get much better than this. Tickets are on sale now starting at only $25.00 for General Admission and $40.00 for Ringside. The Battle of the Badges takes place Saturday October 11, 2014 at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento CA.  Doors open at 5pm first bell rings at 6pm.

On Friday September 26, 2014 the reigning and defending UCA Cruiserweight Champion Brian Stevens will put his title on the line against the #1 ranked fighter in the state Travon Taylor, Orange County Sheriffs Office. Taylor holds a record of 10-1 and is perhaps the biggest threat to Stevens title. Stevens is used to having the odds against him and being the underdog. He uses it as motivation to work hard and evolve as a fighter. On Friday night when both fighters enter the ring, the odds, the opinions and records won’t matter. It’s going to come down to how well each fighter performs on that night, in that ring, against that opponent, at that moment? The LA Battle of the Badges takes place Friday September 26, 2014 at the Quiet Cannon, 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA. Doors open at 5pm fights start at 7pm. Tickets $25.00 General Admission $50.00 Ringside.

The UCA #1 ranked Travon Taylor, Orange County Sheriff’s Office prepares at UFC Gym, Torrance California for his UCA Cruiserweight Championship Title fight against the reigning and defending UCA Cruiserweight Champion Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. September 26, 2014 at the Quiet Cannon, Montebello California.

Add another UCA Championship Title Fight to the already stacked LA Battle of the Badges card.  #1 ranked Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept. will square off with #2 Eddie Montano, Los Angeles Police Dept. for the UCA Jr Middleweight  Championship Title. The rematch of 2013’s “Fight of the Year” between Rodriguez and Montano is sure to bring fireworks in the ring once again Friday night.  Rodriguez was awarded a split decision in their first meeting and recognized as the #1 Jr. Middleweight in the country. Montano is ready to erase the loss and prove to everyone he is #1. One thing is for sure both fighters are hungry and ready to pick up with rounds four, five and six in a nonstop, all out, all action fight. It all goes down Friday, September 26, 2014 at the Quiet Cannon, Montebello California. Don’t miss the biggest Public Safety boxing event of the year.  Tickets start at $25.00 General Admission and $50.00 Ringside. Tickets will be available at the door.  Doors open at 5pm first fight at 7pm.

On Friday, September 26, 2014 the LA Battle of the Badges returns to The Quiet Cannon for a night of UCA Championship boxing. “Battle for the Belt” with 4 UCA Championship titles on the line.
The main event of the night will feature the undisputed reigning and defending UCA Cruiserweight Champion Brian Stevens, LASD vs #1 ranked Travon Taylor, Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The co- featured bout of the night will be the #1 ranked undefeated Mike Frazier, LASD vs #5 Bert Castaneda, LAPD for the UCA Heavyweight Championship Title.  The 3rd UCA Championship Title Fight will feature one of the most anticipated rematches of the year. #1 ranked Matthew Pereida, LASD vs #2 Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD for the UCA Super Middleweight Title. Rounding out this UCA Championship card will be another rematch featuring two of the best Jr Middleweights in the country. #1 Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept vs #2 Eddie Montano, LAPD. For the UCA Jr Middleweight Championship Title.

Other exciting fights will feature a Welterweight Showdown between 5th ranked Jose Corral, LASD vs Police Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Flahavan, Glendale Fire Dept. #1 ranked Jr Welterweight Larry Cervantes, LASD vs #1 ranked Super Featherweight Daniel Ramirez, LAPD,  5th ranked Brandon Manning, LASD vs. Battle of the Badges newcomer Connor Bauman, LA County Fire Dept. Other fighters who will be fighting in the card will be the always exciting Manny Amaya, LASD, Bill Evangelista, Big Bear City Fire Dept. 4th ranked Brian Petrella, Pasadena PD and more.

The LA Battle of the Badges takes place September 26, 2014 at the Quiet Cannon 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello California. Doors open at 5 p.m. First bell rings at 7pm. Tickets prices are $25.00 general, $50.00 ringside.

The official weigh-ins for the LA Battle of the Badges took place earlier today. All the fighters made weight and looked in tremendous shape. In the main event, Mike Frazier, LASD will take on Bert Castanada, LAPD for the Heavyweight State Title.  The Champion, Brian Stevens, LASD and Travon Taylor, OCSO will meet in the co-main event for the Cruiserweight State Title. Matthew Pereida, LASD will square off with Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD for the Super Middleweight title. Rounding out this UCA State Championship night will be Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD vs Eddie Montano, LAPD for the Jr Middleweight State Title. All the action takes place tonight at the Quiet Cannon, 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello CA. Doors open at 5pm first fight at 7pm. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door. General $25.00 Ringside $50.00.

What a night of action at the LA Battle of the Badges Friday night September 26, 2014. The Quiet Cannon provided a perfect stage that featured 4 epic UCA State Championship Title fights.  A record crowd was in attendance as the SoCal fans were treated to the best public safety boxing event in recent years.

The night started off with two, # 1 ranked fighters from different weight classes. #1 ranked lightweight Daniel Ramirez, LAPD vs. #1 ranked Jr Welterweight Larry Cervantes, LASD.  These warriors believe in their skills and fighting out of their weight class is no problem. Ramirez had the skills advantage while Cervantes had the power advantage. The action went back and forth until Cervantes landed a left hook that sent Ramirez to the canvas. Ramirez would beat the count but referee Pat Connolly would step in and stop the fight at 1:59 of the first round. Cervantes, winner 1st rd. TKO.

Bout 2 featured 5th ranked Brandon Manning, LASD vs. newcomer Connor Bauman, Los Angeles Co. Fire Dept.  Ten seconds into the fight it did not look like this fight would go the distance. Manning brought his warrior mentality and tenacious style into the ring and Bauman did a good job of keeping his composure and holding his ground.  Both fighters were landing and taking hard shots until the bell sounded to end the fight. This bout would be decided by the judges. Bauman would get the nod and pick up his first win and begin his climb to the top of the division.

Bout 3 featured the return of 2011 Police Olympic Gold Medalist Joseph Flahavan, Glendale Fire Dept. vs. 5th ranked Jose Corral, LASD. This bout was marked by high level technical boxing between two evenly matched fighters with identical skills. Spectacular infighting and beautiful combinations were delivered throughout the fight by both fighters. Flahavan was a little more polished working on the inside and was getting the better of the exchanges in close. Both fighters had their moments, landing big shots upstairs and down stairs but in the end Flahavan was the fresher of the two and was able stay busy. Flahavan winner by decision victory. There is no doubt Flahavan and Corral have the qualities of becoming a champion.   

Bout 4 featured 8^th ranked Bill Evangelista, Big Bear City FD vs David Chung, LASD. Evangelista had the clear height and reach advantage and looked to take advantage of it staying on the outside and keeping Chung at the end of his punches. Chung would close the distance and have his moments. In the end the judges would see the fight in Evangelista’s favor. Evangelista winner by decision.

Bout 5 Jesse Zaranaga, LASD vs 4th ranked Brian Petrella, Pasadena Police Dept. When the bell rang Zaranaga came out and found his range early landing some nice shots right on target. Petrella was coming forward with defense as a second thought. What Petrella hits, he destroys and he was more willing to take two to land one. Zaranaga would land the cleanest shot of the fight, a right hand that caught Petrella on the button. Petrella would momentarily lose his balance and the referee would step in and give Petrella a standing 8 count. After 3 exciting rounds were completed Zaranaga’s hand was raised in victory.

The first two title fights of the night featured two long overdue rematches between four of the best fighters in California.

UCA Jr Middleweight State Championship Title Fight. #1 Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept vs. #2 Eddie Montano, LAPD. Rodriguez and Montano can both take a bow in what was a tremendous fight between two hungry warriors looking for validation as the best Jr Middleweight in California. Both fighters put on an excellence performance. Rodriguez proved that even in one of the toughest fights of his career he remains at the top of the division. After three hard fought rounds Rodriguez would emerge as the new UCA Jr. Middleweight State Champion.

UCA Super Middleweight State Championship Title Fight. #1 ranked, Matthew Pereida, LASD vs. 2nd ranked, Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD. When the bell rang Vasquez got off to a blazing start pressuring and throwing punches in bunches. Pereida would turn the tide in the 2nd and 3rd round with constant pressure and matching Vasquez output. This fight was about who can break the other man’s unbreakable will. Pereida and Vasquez pushed past their breaking point, back and forth, give and take for three nonstop rounds.  Both fighters faced the biggest adversity of their career and showed tremendous courage. Pereida and Vasquez have something special inside them that can’t be explained. In the end Pereida would scratch and crawl his way to victory. Pereida  would earn the UCA Super Middleweight Title with sheer determination. This was a legendary fight that will not be forgotten.

The reigning and defending State Champion Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. retained his United Combat Association Cruiserweight State Championship Title, by defeating Orange County Sheriff’s Dept.  #1 ranked Travon Taylor by split decision Friday night in the LA Battle of the Badges Co Main Event. The anticipation was at an all-time high for this fight. This first round was a chess match with both fighters looking for openings and opportunities.  Stevens seemed to find his rhythm in the second round with range, movement and landing punches with razor sharp accuracy. Stevens would land the cleaner more effective punches throughout the fight.  Taylor would push the pace and keep the pressure on but couldn’t land anything significant enough to stop Stevens’s momentum. This was high level stuff between two highly skilled intelligent fighters in the physical prime of their careers.  The fighters lived up to the hype surrounding this fight. Brian Stevens proved that he may be one of the best public safety boxing has ever known.  Stevens continues to work on his craft and work harder than everyone else.  As Stevens awaits his next opponent it poses the question, can anyone stop him?

The LA Battle of the Badges Main Event featured another LASD vs LAPD rivalry.  #1, Mike Frazier, LASD vs 5^th ranked Bert Castaneda, LAPD for the UCA Heavyweight Championship Title. It was clear to everyone Castaneda needed to make it a pressure filled grinding fight if he wanted to defeat the undefeated #1 ranked Frazier. Frazier is as slick as they come and may be equipped with the fastest hands and best footwork in the game. Castaneda had his moments and was most effective when he drove Frazier back to the ropes with pressure and a barrage of punches.  Frazier would use his jab and elusiveness to stay out of danger. The first two rounds were tough to score and the title was up for grabs going into the third and final round. Castaneda would land some thundering overhand rights but Frazier’s experience, ring generalship and ability to control the fight sealed the win for him. With the win Frazier keeps is record unblemished, solidifies his spot as the best Heavyweight in the country and becomes the new UCA Heavyweight Champion. Moving forward the fight that makes the most sense for Frazier’s first title defense is 3^rd ranked, Ryan Hotchkiss, Barstow Police Dept.  Just the thought of a potential bout between Frazier and Hotchkiss has public safety boxing fans excited.

The Quiet Cannon is a hot bed for boxing and has been showcasing Public Safety boxing talent since it opened its doors. Friday night was nothing short of another exciting night of boxing featuring the best Public Safety fighters in the game. This card was amazing to watch. The LA Battle of the Badges will go down in history as the most talent stacked cards. Aside from 4 UCA Championship Title fights there were six, #1 ranked fighters, one, 4^th ranked fighter, three 5^th ranked fighters and one 8^th ranked fighter.  What a night of boxing.