Here we go! It’s time to start getting amp’d up for the 2^nd annual Central California Battle of the Badges boxing event. Co headlining the event will be two of the most exciting fighters in the Middleweight Division. The Champion DJ Vargas, Avenal Police Dept. will defend his title against #1 ranked Quincy Mirage, LAPD for the UCA Middleweight Championship.  Vargas is an exceptional talent and continues to get better. It’s up to him how long he wants to stay on top. Right now Vargas seems to be unstoppable as he continues to pick off everyone who is put in front of him. His opponent Saturday night is no easy pickings. Mirage plans to send shock waves to the division by becoming the new UCA Middleweight Champion. Mirage gets better with every step up in competition and his power is his most dangerous weapon. Vargas is known for his footwork and craftiness however if he makes one mistake Mirage will make him pay and it my cost him his belt. This jaw dropping match up is just one of ten great fights scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Door opens at 5pm first fight at 7pm. Tickets start at $30.00 General Admission and $50.00 Reserved Ringside. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

The April 11, 2015 Battle of the Badges features the much anticipated return of the former UCA #1 ranked Heavyweight Bryan Williams, Fresno Police Dept. Williams will be taking on the Louisiana Champion James Moore, Monroe Fire Dept. for the Masters UCA National Heavyweight Championship title. After being separated from the ring nearly four years Williams is thrilled to be back. He is one of the most exciting fighters in the game and is ready to give the fans a spectacular performance. James Moore has other plans for Williams big return to the ring. Moore is not traveling from Louisiana to lose. He is coming to win and make a statement that Louisiana has the best Public Safety heavyweight fighter in the nation. Saturday April 11, 2015 Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors open at 5pm first fight at 7pm. Tickets start at $30.00 General Admission and $50.00 Reserved Ringside. Purchase online or at the door.

The UCA Middleweight Champion Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept. will be taking a temporary break from fighting to pursue advancement in his career as a firefighter with the Santa Monica Fire Department. Rodriguez defeated #2 Eddie Montano, LAPD September 26, 2014 Quiet Cannon, Montebello CA to win the Jr Middleweight Title then turned around and defended his title against #3 Brandon Manning, LASD, March 28, 2015 at Pechanga Resort & Casino to become the reigning and defending Champion. When Rodriguez makes his return to the ring he expressed an interest in dropping down a division and making a run at the UCA Welterweight Title. The UCA looks forward to Rodriguez return to ring to find out if he makes a run at a new title or defends the one he already has.

AJ Forestiere, Madera Police Dept. vs John Henderson, Hanford Police Dept. features two fighters making their Battle of the Badges debut.  The clash of these two fearsome fighters will generate what is sure to be an all-action fight as they look to make a first big impression in Public Safety boxing. Fans have been asking for this fight and now it’s here. Forestiere and Henderson are looking forward to the challenge. See the Battle of the Badges live, Saturday April 11, 2015 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors Open at 5pm first fight at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. $30. 00 General Admission, $50.00 Reserved Ringside.

Two of the very best Jr Welterweight fighters will face off Saturday, April  11, 2015 when break out star Shant Sheklanian, (5-0) Madera Police Dept. gets set for the biggest fight of his career when he faces the UCA Jr. Welterweight Champion Francisco Flores. (6-1) Stanislaus County Sheriffs Dept.  Both fighters are coming into this fight with tremendous confidence. Flores has put together a 5 fight winning streak since losing in 2009 to Police Olympic Gold Medalist Walter Lavarro, Long Beach Police Dept.  Flores defeated Lavarro by razor close decision last April avenging his only loss and also claiming the UCA Jr. Welterweight title. Sheklanian proved he belongs with the elite of the division by defeating the highly talented, previously undefeated (6-1) Taron Scott, CDCR, CYA. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best and that is what Sheklanian has to do to become the Jr. Welterweight Champion. Don’t miss this great fight. It is not available on Pay Per View or Live Stream, you must see it live. Saturday April 11, 2015 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors Open at 5pm first fight at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. $30. 00 General Admission, $50.00 Reserved Ringside.

On Saturday April 11, 2015 the Super Heavyweights will grab the attention of the Public Safety boxing world. The champion Chris Lewis, Fresno Sheriffs Dept will square off with #1 ranked Pierce Masse, Fresno Police Dept with the UCA Super Heavyweight  Championship title at stake. Masse vs Lewis is a huge fight with epic proportions. They are the biggest most athletic fighters in the prime of their careers. The timing of this fight is perfect and it’s happening because both fighters want to know if they really are the best Super Heavyweight in the country. Fans want a fight, they got one. The build­up for this fight is unparalleled. Two undefeated fighters from the same city, who played on the same football team (Fresno State) and work for rivaling departments. The Champion Lewis works for Fresno Sheriff’s Dept. and the challenger Masse works for Fresno Police Dept. This explosive Main Event will take place Saturday, April 11, 2015. at the Hanford Civic Auditorium.

Brent Farris, Butte County Probation hopes to make a successful debut and move up the ranking of a loaded Welterweight division when he steps into the ring Saturday night. Farris is an all-around fighter who welcomes all comers. He will test his skills against Arturo Cervantes and fans can expect a high intensity, high impact fight when these fighters lock horns Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors Open at 5pm first fight at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. $30. 00 General Admission, $50.00 Reserved Ringside.

All the workouts are done. Each fighter has pushed their body far as it can go.  All the miles ran, the many rounds of sparring all comes down to how well the fighters perform on Saturday night in that ring against that opponent at that moment? The wait is over. It’s go time! You have one chance to fight hard, fight smart, keep your composure and leave nothing to chance. 6 short minutes of work to live the rest of your life a champion. Saturday night April 11, 2015 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Doors open at 5pm first fight at 7pm. Tickets are still available. Tickets are only $30.

All 22 competitors taking part in Saturday night’s UCA promoted Battle of the Badges event have officially made weight for the show. Weigh-ins took place today on the stage of the Hanford Civic Auditorium in front of a packed crowd. All eyes were on the Main Event fighters.  #1 ranked Pierce Masse, Fresno PD and the UCA undefeated Champion Chris Lewis looked in tip top shape.  The co-headliners #1 ranked Quincy Mirage, LAPD and the Champion DJ Vargas, Avenal PD used every bit of the allowed 160lbs to make their UCA Middleweight Title fight official. So too did the UCA Jr Welterweight Champion Francisco Flores, Stanislaus SD and his opponent Shant Sheklanian, Madera PD both coming in under the 140lb limit. Eddie Montano, LAPD and Chris Martinez, Fresno PD had no trouble making the contracted weight for their UCA Jr Middleweight title fight.  Bryan Williams, Fresno PD and his opponent James Moore, Monroe, Louisiana FD perhaps looked in the best shape both coming in under the 220lb limit for their Masters UCA Heavyweight Championship Title fight.  All the action takes place tomorrow starting at 7 p.m., and doors open at 5 p.m. There are a few general admission tickets still left. Tickets will be available at the door.

Central CA BOTB results written by the #1 ranked Super Middleweight Aurelio Vasquez, LAPD

The UCA Central California Battle of the Badges returned to the Hanford Civic Auditorium on Saturday April 11, 2015 with 11 epic fights that produced a great night of Public Safety boxing entertainment. The sold out audience was treated to an explosive night of boxing featuring top flight fighters from California, Louisiana and Kansas. 5 UCA Championship titles were up for grabs along with new fighters looking to get their names in Championship title shot conversations.

The show started off with a bang between two fighters who were anxious to get at each other. Brent Farris – Butte County Probation vs Arturo Cervantes – Palafox Gym. There was no feel-out period needed when the opening bell sounded. These two fighters came out swinging right out of the gate. After a few good exchanges, these two boxers would then settle into their respective game plans. Farris came forward behind a stiff jab and threw hard 1, 2 combinations. Cervantes showed good footwork and danced his way out of danger, jabbing and countering Farris with an overhand right as he came into range. Cervantes would then catch Farris flush with a straight right hand that would send him down to the canvas. Farris got up quickly and took the referee’s count up to 9. He shook off the knockdown and went back to work. The 1st round would then end with both combatants caught in a tangle after a furious flurry from both fighters. In the 2nd round it would be Cervantes who would press the action forward and went after Farris. He applied intelligent pressure, working his way in behind the jab. He worked Farris’ body, then caught him with two big overhand rights that would swell up his left eye and further bloody his nose. A standing 8-count would then be given to Farris. The ringside doctor would also be called in to examine the fighter. After a few words by the Doc, the ref, & team Farris, all parties came to an agreement; let the insistent & courageous Farris continue. With a brave warrior’s heart, the very tough Farris fought on and would finish the fight by landing some big right hand punches of his own. After the last bell, both fighters showed great sportsmanship & embraced one another. What a fight! What a way to open up this night’s event!  Cervantes winner by decision.

AJ Forestiere – Madera PD vs John Henderson – Hanford PD. Boxer vs Brawler making their Battle of the Badges debut. Henderson wasted no time and came out throwing wild and violent left, right hook combinations, catching Forestiere with very heavy leather. Forestiere would try to keep his distance, but had to fight hard to keep Henderson off of him. They would exchange some combinations in the center of the ring. But Forestiere had to box from the outside to stay away from Henderson’s relentless attack and clear advantage in power. Forestiere established his jab and right hand, but kept his left hand low. Henderson then closed the distance and caught Forestiere with a booming right hand that knocked him down to the ground. AJ was down but he was not out. He got up, dusted himself off, and finished the round. As the fight wore on, Henderson kept coming after Forestiere, throwing hard punches in bunches. He would maul Forestiere against the ropes and hit him with really strong shots upstairs and downstairs, imposing his tremendous will on him. Forestiere would find his distance back, and work his jab and right hand, but Henderson would walk right through them. Forestiere would then run out of room and be forced to fight Henderson in very close quarters. They fought toe to toe in the center of the ring, then Henderson caught Forestiere with another vicious head shot that sent him down to the canvas for the second time in the fight. But just as he did before, Forestiere got up again and fought back with everything he had until the fight ended. Wow! What a great fight! What a display of heart and will by both warriors! This turned out to be “The UCA Fight of The Night”, and deservedly so. Henderson winner by Decision.

Bout 4 Dania Lopez – Thrive Training Center vs Marlena Garcia – Tribal Public Safety. Lopez started the fight at a really fast pace. She was the shorter of the two fighters, but was able to get past Garcia’s longer reach by jabbing her way inside and following up with quick combinations. Garcia pawed out a probing jab and seemed to be trying to time Lopez with a power shot on her way in. But Lopez used effective footwork to get in and out of Garcia’s range. Lopez was the busier fighter of the two, landing accurate and well-timed 1, 2’s. She closed the distance well and was able to reach her taller opponent with regularity. She finished the 1st round with a flurry. Marlena abandoned the jab and came out brawling in the 2nd. Dania would then flash some fancy footwork and avoided most of Marlena’s power punches. But Lopez seemed intent on putting on a good show. She met Garcia halfway and mixed it up with her in the middle of the ring for a bit. Still not using her jab, Marlena opted to throw lead rights instead. Dania avoided those lead right hands and landed her counter left hooks. She closed in on Marlena and closed out the round with a 1, 2, 3 combo. At the start of the last round Garcia finally found her range. She was able to land her longer jab and right hands, and kept Lopez at the end of her punches. Lopez’ legs seemed to slow down a bit, but Dania was more than willing to stay in the pocket and trade with Marlena. While on the inside, both fighters would throw and land their fair share of hooks and uppercuts. The crowd would then “oooh” in excitement after some solid right hands found their mark for each lady. A loud applause from the crowd was heard at the time the fight ended. These two women kept the night’s action going and put on a great show! Lopez winner by decision.

Bout 7 featured a matchup between a fighter from California and a fighter from Kansas. Zach Farris -CHP made his Battle of the Badges debut against Steven Lee – Sedgwick SD. Farris flew out of the corner as soon as the bell rang and stormed right after the southpaw from Kansas, Steven Lee. There was no feel-out period for Farris. He threw and landed some stinging right hands that seemed to stun Lee. Fighting in the lefty stance, Lee used lateral movement to avoid some of Farris’ ferocious attack. He had some success timing Farris with a counter straight left and counter right hook as he charged his way in. But Farris would not be discouraged. He continued to make his way forward, throwing punches upstairs and chopping away at Lee’s body. But Lee would fight back and tried to slow Farris down. Farris kept up a fast pace and continued to maul Lee in an all-out brawl. He would land lots of leather. But Lee kept fighting back. He ripped Farris’ head and body with right and lefts. But Farris kept pushing forward. Neither warrior would back down. They fought in a phone booth for the last 10 seconds of the fight. They both showed tremendous courage & heart. Another close and amazing fight! Farris winner by decision.

The 6th bout of the night featured the most anticipated fight of the night. The return of Bryan Williams, Fresno PD taking on the best fighter from Louisiana James Moore, Monroe Fire Dept for the UCA Masters Heavyweight Championship Title.  When the bell sounded Moore would get off to a blazing start throwing really big bombs at Williams’ body and head, mauling him up against the ropes. His strength and power were evident. But Williams fought well off the ropes. He had great success popping a piston-like jab and speedy right hands that slowed Moore’s momentum. The crowd cheered him on. Moore continued to stalk the boxing Bryan Williams. He led off with a stiff, long jab that jarred Williams back. He landed a big uppercut that kept Williams on the defensive. An elusive Williams would employ the famous Philly Shell defense and displayed flashy footwork to avoid Moore’s attack. But Moore’s long double-jab and bruising right hand would reach a retreating Williams to close out the second stanza. Very competitive fight going into the 3^rd and final round. The 3rd round would start out a chess match with both men circling the ring. Even the heavy handed Moore would flash some footwork of his own. But the chess game quickly turned into Checkers. Both men would fire sizzling combinations at each other. They fought tit for tat. Moore would maul Williams and Williams would pepper Moore from off of the ropes. Moore would have more success when he would lead with his spear of a jab, but was more intent on brawling it out on the inside. And to the crowd’s delight, that’s how the fight ended. This was a war between two modern day gladiators. And what a war it was! What a tough one to score! When the scores were tallied up Williams would be announced the winner and the new Masters UCA Heavyweight Champion.

The 8th bout of the night featured two of the best Jr Middleweights competing for the Interim UCA Junior Middleweight Championship title, Eddie Montano- LAPD vs Chris Martinez – Fresno PD. When the bell sounded Martinez came out of his corner moving well around the ring. His footwork was quick and effective. He opened up with a jumping left hook reminiscent of Roy Jones Jr., catching Montano as he made his way in. Montano continued to stalk Martinez behind a jab and straight right. But Martinez would use the whole ring; and used it well to keep himself out of danger’s reach. He countered Montano as he came into range, peppering him with quick, clean combinations up top and down low. Montano would use a high-glove turtle shell guard and would defend himself well, but many of Martinez’ punches still found their mark. Montano would land a big right hand of his own, and did well when he was able to keep Martinez on the ropes. But it was easier said than done. Besides using his legs very well, Martinez would also employ effective upper body and head movement to remain elusive from Montano. He kept his distance well in the center of the ring. He flurried and stopped his opponent in his tracks, and would not let him reset to throw his punches. What a masterful display of boxing by Martinez. Well behind on the scorecards in the last episode, Montano would keep stalking Martinez, hoping to land his killer overhand right that would more than even things up. He kept trying to get Martinez up against the ropes so he can work in his other big punches. But Martinez had other plans. He fought himself off of the ropes and recaptured his distance. He stayed out of reach of the mauling Montano, and skated his way to a well-earned victory. And the New Interim UCA Jr Middleweight Champion is Chris Martinez -Fresno PD. This sets up a fantasy blockbuster match-up between two champions. Dusty Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD vs Chris Martinez, Fresno PD.

The 9th bout of the night featured the undefeated 2^nd ranked Shant Sheklanian – Madera PD vs the UCA Champion Francisco Flores – Stanislaus SD for the UCA Jr Welterweight Title. Both fighters would come out slow to begin this one. The mutual respect shown by each boxer was obvious. Both men very aware of the power the other possessed. They were judicious with their punches in the beginning. But it didn’t take long for the action to start. Shant Sheklanian, the boxer-puncher, landed hard, crisp 1, 2, 3 combos to the head & body of the forward-fighting Francisco Flores. His strikes would let off a loud thud that could be heard throughout the auditorium. Flores would take these punches in stride and avoid some of the others with side to side head movement. Flores would land a big right hand of his own. He tried to keep Sheklanian on the ropes to keep on landing his bombs, but Shant would simply spin out of them. The challenger caught the champ with well-timed 1, 2’s and hard counter hooks that would put the average fighter to sleep. But Flores just kept on stalking him. The champ’s chin was resilient. Feeling the fight and the title slipping away from him, the champ came back in the 3rd and fought back with ferocity. His champion’s mettle and will was apparent. He traded punches with Sheklanian in the center ring and landed some big combos and hooks of his own.  But so did Sheklanian. Francisco would still keep the pressure on. But Shant, well ahead on the scorecards, would finish by sticking and moving his way to a win. When the decision was announced, both fighters embraced one another with great, mutual respect. Sheklanian was as gracious in victory as Flores was in defeat. And the New UCA Junior Welterweight Champion is Shant Sheklanian.

The co main event featured the decorated UCA Middleweight Champion DJ Vargas, Avenal PD against #1 ranked Quincy Mirage, LAPD, the unheralded challenger who is hungry and in pursuit of a performance that will recognize him as the best. Mirage has methodically moved up in competition to claim the #1 spot and earn his shot at title. Vargas has had a target on his back since winning the title last year and ready to protect his title against all challengers.  Mirage had a game plan and when the bell sounded he went to work on it. He brought the fight to the Champion in a big way; he pursued and pressured Vargas around the ring and would not let him breathe. Vargas would fight back with counter-punching, elusiveness and fancy footwork.  Mirage pushed the pace and kept up his attack for 6 minutes. When the final bell sounded it was clear Mirage was the aggressor and brought the fight to the champion. Was it enough?  When the scorecards were collected Vargas would be announced the winner. With the win Vargas validates himself as the reigning, and defending UCA Middleweight Champion.

The Main Event of Saturday night’s Battle of the Badges at the Hanford Civic Auditorium featured the best Super Heavyweights in California. #1 ranked Pierce Masse – Fresno PD vs the Champion Chris Lewis – Fresno SD for the UCA Super Heavyweight  Championship. The small ring used for this night’s event would be made to look even smaller when these two large men stepped into it. The challenger, Pierce Masse calmly made his way to the ring with a focused look on his face. Johnny Cash’s, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” played slow and steady in the background. The champion, Chris Lewis, would come in pumped up and energetic; bouncing and bobbing his head to a track rapped by Drake. At the bell, these two big men sized up one another as they circled the ring. Both of them planning on just how they would open up their attacks. Then all of a sudden, the battle broke out. A jabbing Lewis landed a thunderous right hand that let off a loud boom heard all through the venue.  Masse took it well, but would be sent back to the ropes as the champ charged at him. Caught in a tangle, both fighters tussled as they leaned on the ropes. The ring seemed about to give in and collapse where their combined weight would press. But just then, the champ would get back his distance; he jabbed his way outside and fought off his back foot. The ex-star football player was athletic and quite nimble for such a big man. He would let Masse make his way into range and catch him on the head and body with powerful right hands and left hooks. Masse would shake off the punches and keep coming forward. Masse would then utilize his advantage in reach and land his long left jab and right cross from the outside. To negate Pierce’s superior reach, Chris changed up his positioning and ripped uppercuts and left hooks to Masse’s body and head on the inside. But Pierce would press on. Then the champ would change it up again, and get back to the outside. He worked some flashy, quick feet as he circled away from the challenger’s reach. Lewis was elusive and avoided a scary, huge right hand from Masse to close out the 2nd. Well behind on the scorecards, the challenger Masse, had no choice but to keep coming forward and forcing the action. He caught up to the champion with his longer arms and landed some big 1, 2’s from outside. Those punches were not only heard, but could somehow also be felt by the spectating crowd who was cringing. He then closed the distance, forcing Lewis into the corner. The ring and ropes rattled. Both fighters would push and exchange punches in close proximity. Neither man going backward. In the closing seconds, both fighters hurled bombs at one another, and went at it full tilt. Masse showed off his own power and finished strong, but it was too late. The final bell sounded. And still UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Chris Lewis – Fresno SD.

With the success over the past two years, the UCA is proud to announce they will be returning to the Hanford Auditorium for another four years, with the next event April 9, 2016.

Zachary Farris, California Highway Patrol and Steven Lee, Sedgwick Sheriff’s Dept. were recipients of the UCA Golden Fists Award for their performance at the Battle of the Badges April 11, 2015 event in Hanford CA. The Golden Fists Award recognizes a fighter who has the skills and characteristics to become a champion. Farris and Lee put on a superior athletic performance and proved to have a firm foundation of the sweet science with championship qualities.