Bryan Williams, Fresno Police Dept. once a major star in Public Safety Boxing, winning gold medals in the Police Olympics and establishing himself as one of the best fighters in California makes his much anticipated return to the ring.  Williams will return to action April 11, 2015 to square off with Louisiana’s best James Moore, Monroe Fire Dept for the UCA Masters Heavyweight State Championship Title. Team Moore is traveling to California in hopes of bringing the UCA belt back to Louisiana to prove they have the best fighters. This history making fight takes place Saturday April 11, 2015 as a part of the Central California Battle of the Badges event being held at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now! General Admission $30.00, reserved front row $50.00.

Richard de Give Sports Editor

AVENAL – There’s been a change of command at the Avenal Police Activities League gym. With the retirement of Armando Mancinas, who founded the Kings Boxing Club in 1999, Senior Officer Dennis Vargas has taken over coaching duties at the gym that has produced 2014 Olympian and NABF junior middleweight champ Jose Ramirez and potential 2016 Olympian Marisol Lopez. Mancinas, a former All-Army boxing champ, is also a retired correctional counselor. “After 14 years of developingg young boxers, I decided to focus on my own family,” Mancinas said. “I took early retirement to get Jose to the Olympics, got him to 8-0 as a pro, and he decided to go train with Freddie Roach. I decided I didn’t want to be in that position again.”

Despite Cleon Jones, Yolo County Sheriff’s Dept. being stripped of his title as the UCA Super Heavyweight Champion due to injury and inability to compete this may not be the end.  “I’m going to sit out for awhile,” Jones said. “I want to get my knees stronger and back in good shape. I will see where I’m at and how I’m feeling.” If Jones decides to hang up the gloves for good, he left on top. He beat the best out there and established himself as the best Super Heavyweight in the country. Jones captured the UCA Super Heavyweight Title at the NorCal Battle of the Badges April 20, 2013 by defeating the former 2nd ranked Rahsaan Harrison, LASD by decision.  Jones went on to defend his title at the Central California Battle of the Badges April 19, 2014 against former top ranked Shay McIntyre, Folsom Prison. Jones climbed his way to the top by picking off John Afanasiev, Stockton Police Dept.  and Adam Zamudio, Fresno Sheriff Dept. Whether or not Cleon Jones returns to the ring he will always be remembered as one of the best.

The UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Chris Lewis, Fresno Sheriff’s Dept. held an open workout in Fresno with his Buhawe Fighting Alliance team. Lewis displayed power and speed as he sparred, hit the bags and focus mitts. Lewis will face #1 ranked Pierce Masse, Fresno Police Dept. in an earth shattering main event for the UCA National Championship Title.  Fans can anticipate a war when Lewis and Masse enter the ring. April 11, 2015, Central California Battle of the Badges, Hanford Civic Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now! To see workout photos visit UCA Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pages/United-Combat-Association/219484084768767

Pechanga Resort and Casino will be the site of the first Battle of the Badges event of the year. The card features a star studded line up. The highlight of the card will feature the UCA Jr Middleweight Champion Dusty Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept. defending his title against the hard charging 3rd ranked Brandon Manning, LASD. Manning picked up the biggest win of his career defeating the former Jr Middleweight title challenger Eddie Montano, LAPD. and plans on making it two upsets in a row and adding another UCA title to the LASD Team.  Rodriguez may be the most complete fighter in the game. He can fight on the inside as well as the outside and puts together beautiful combinations with power and speed. Styles make fights and with Manning’s straight-ahead aggressive style and Rodriguez precision punching and calculating attack this makes for a great fight. Don’t miss this great night of boxing Saturday March 28, Pechanga Resort Casino. For tickets and more information visit www.socalbattleofthebadges.com.

UCA 2nd Ranked Chris Martinez, Fresno Police Dept prepares to go to war with 4th ranked Eddie Montano, LAPD in a Jr Middleweight showdown with major championship title implications riding on the line. Don’t miss this Jr Middleweight shootout between two of the best Public Safety fighters in the state April 11, 2015 Central California Battle of the Badges at the Hanford Civic Auditorium, Hanford CA. To see Chris Martinez workout photos visit UCA facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pages/United-Combat-Association/219484084768767

The UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Chris Lewis, Fresno Sheriff’s Dept. made a big splash in his amateur Muay Thai debut.  On Saturday, February 21, 2015 Modesto, CA. Lewis took on hometown favorite Abel Esparza, Modesto, CA in a 3 round heavyweight fight. Lewis made quick work of Esparza punishing him with thunderous kicks and punches before the referee stepped in and stopped the fight half way through the 2nd round. After the fight Lewis was asked if he was nervous about fighting the hometown favorite, Lewis replied, “I’ve been hit by Cain Velasquez and Lavar Johnson and no one hits harder than those guys. I wasn’t worried at all.” All three fighters from the Buhawe Fighting Alliance team won their fights on Saturday. Lewis next fight will be April, 11, 2015, Hanford Civic Auditorium when he defends his UCA Super Heavyweight State Championship Title against the undefeated #1 ranked Pierce Masse, Fresno Police Dept. To see Chris Lewis fight photos visit UCA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.875162799200889.1073742011.219484084768767&type=1

The Central California Battle of the Badges returns to the Hanford Civic Auditorium April 11, 2015 with another blockbuster night of UCA Championship boxing. The under-card is stacked with local talent and future title contenders. One of the many exciting bouts of the night will feature two fighters making their Battle of the Badges debut. Hanford Police Departments own John Henderson vs Madera Police Departments AJ Forestiere in a three round Super Middleweight showdown. Fans can expect an all action fight when these two warriors step into the ring. Also on the card will be 2nd ranked Chris Martinez, Fresno Police Dept. taking on 4th ranked Eddie Montano, LAPD in a 3-round UCA Jr Middleweight Title eliminator. The winner becomes the mandatory challenger for the UCA crown held by Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD. The high light of the undercard features the return of the former #1 ranked Heavyweight Bryan Williams, Fresno Police Dept. stepping back in the ring one last time to prove he is still the best. Williams will be taking on Louisiana Champion Anthony Deshautelle; Alexandria Police Dept. The best from California vs the best from Louisiana, Champion vs Champion for the UCA Masters Super Heavyweight Championship. It all goes down Saturday April 11, 2015 Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors open at 5:00 first fight at 7:00. Tickets are on sale now! General Admission $30.00 Reserved Ringside $50.00