Reno is ready to greet the nation’s best amateur boxers to see who will have a chance to represent the United States at next summer’s Olympics in Brazil. Sixty-nine athletes will be competing in nine weight classes for a spot on Team USA beginning December 7 with the finals set December 11 and 12 at Reno Events Center. It’s a double-elimination tournament so an off-night will not end someone’s dream. Reno Events Center, 400 N Center St. Reno, NV.
(RENO, NEV.) The Olympic Trials for Men’s Boxing competitors have been whittled down to two finalists in each weight division following challengers bracket championship action on Friday night in Reno, Nev. The winners advance on to Saturday’s finals where they will face the winners bracket champions at the Reno Events Center.
108 lbs/challengers bracket: Leroy Davila, Princeton, N.J., dec. Pablo Ramirez, Westlaco, Texas, 2-1
114 lbs/challengers bracket: Antonio Vargas, Kissimmee, Fla., won on TKO over Christian Carto, Deptford, N.J., TKO-2
123 lbs/challengers bracket: Ruben Villa, Salinas, Calif., dec. Efren Lopez, Fresno, Calif., 3-0
132 lbs/challengers bracket: Maliek Montgomery, Macon, Ga., dec. Bruce Carrington, Brooklyn, N.Y., 3-0
141 lbs/challengers bracket: Gary Russell, Capitol Heights, Md., dec. Rahim Gonzales, Sylmar, Calif., 3-0
152 lbs/challengers bracket: Paul Kroll, Philadelphia, Penn., dec. Brian Ceballo, Brooklyn, N.Y., 2-1
165 lbs/challengers bracket: Leshawn Rodriquez, Medford, N.Y., dec. Chordale Booker, Brooklyn, N.Y., 2-1
178 lbs/challengers bracket: Elvis Figueroa, New Haven, Conn., dec. Joseph George, Houston, Texas, 3-0
201 lbs/challengers bracket: Derae Crane, Colorado Springs, Colo., dec. Joshua Temple, St. Louis, Mo., 2-1
201+ lbs/challengers bracket: Brandon Lynch, Albany, N.Y., won on medical disqualification over Darmani Rock, Philadelphia, Pa., DQ
(RENO, NEV.) 2016 Olympic Trials Champions
108 lbs: Nico Hernandez, Wichita, Kansas
114 lbs: Antonio Vargas, Kissimmee, Fla.
123 lbs: Shakur Stevenson, Newark, N.J.
141 lbs: Gary Russell, Capitol Heights, Md.
152 lbs: Paul Kroll, Philadelphia, Pa.
165 lbs: Charles Conwell, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
178 lbs: Jonathan Esquivel, Anaheim, Calif.
201 lbs: Cam F. Awesome, Lenexa, Kansas
201+ lbs: Marlo Moore, Hayward, Calif.
The champions still must qualify internationally to earn berths on the 2016 Olympic Team. They will have three international qualifying opportunities beginning with a continental tournament in March in Buenos Aires, Argentina followed by a tournament for APB/WSB athletes and a last chance qualifier.
The reigning and defending UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Chris Lewis Fresno Sheriff Dept. looks to remain perfect tomorrow night at the Fresno Tower Theater MMA Event. Lewis will be squaring off with Jose Lopez, (7-0) Dog House MMA, Norwalk CA. Doors open at 6pm First fight at 7pm. At the tower Theater 815 E. Olive Ave. Fresno CA.
The UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Chris Lewis extended his undefeated record to 8-0 in MMA, Muay Thai and Boxing Saturday night by defeating Jose Lopez by unanimous decision at the Fresno Tower Theater MMA Event. Lewis dominated Lopez on the ground, stand up, speed, strength and athleticism. Lewis continues to stay busy and learn as he prepares to become a professional fighter in 2016.
2016 is quickly approaching, and the UCA is looking back at the best of Public Safety boxing in 2015. The UCA will announce the winners in multiple categories covering everything from the biggest fights, biggest events, best fighters, best coaches, fighters to keep an eye on, etc. on January 1, 2016
2015 proved Public Safety boxing is hotter than ever and not just in California but all over the country. Battle of the Badges events are being held in Louisiana, Chicago, New York, Missouri, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom with record setting crowds. The Battle of the Badges is the biggest amateur event in the country and continues to grow at a rapid pace. Top level talent is emerging and fans have a lot to be excited about. Dream matchups like Brian Stevens, LASD vs Guillermo Garcia, LAPD, Dusty Rodriguez, Santa Monica FD vs Chris Martinez, Fresno PD and Brent Bugarin, Santa Clara SD vs Shant Sheklanian, Madera PD along with the California vs New York and California vs Louisiana are perfect examples of how far Public Safety boxing has evolved and the possibilities in years to come…
Jeff Penn, the SoCal Battle of the Badges promoter continues to put on great events at the best venues in California. Fighters and fans can count on 3 to 4 Battle of the Badges events per year held at Aqua Caliente, Pechanga, Morongo, and Pala Resorts and Casinos. Mr. Penn held the first all-female Battle of the Badges card and is working on hosting the first event held on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier in San Diego, CA
The Central California Battle of the Badges held at the Hanford Civic Auditorium was the most electrifying event of 2015. It was a highly anticipated event that lived up to the hype. The place was packed and the walls were jumping. The sold out crowd was treated to 12 action packed fights featuring some of the best fighters in the country, 5 UCA Championship Title fights, Steven Lee, Sedgwick Sheriff Dept. traveled from Kansas to compete in the event and James Moore, Monroe Fire Dept. traveled from Louisiana to take on Bryan Williams, Fresno Police Dept. for the UCA Heavyweight Championship. “Golden Fists” honors were awarded to Zachary Farris, CHP and Steven Lee. Sedgwick Sheriff Dept. and “Fight of the Night” honors were awarded to AJ Forestiere, Madera Police Dept. and John Henderson, Hanford Police Dept. Proceeds from the event benefited the Fallen Officers Resource Fund, Bear Nation Wrestling Team, the Hanford Police Dept. Explorers, and Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern who was severely burned battling a house fire.
A fighter who directly impacts Public Safety boxing by the way he/she performs in the ring. A fighter who stood out from the rest and proved they are the best by challenging and defeating anyone who was put in front of them.
Shant Sheklanian, Madera Police Dept. UCA Undefeated Jr Welterweight Champion
Dusty Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept. Undisputed, Reigning and Defending Jr Middleweight Champion
Chris Martinez, Fresno Police Dept. Interim UCA Jr Middleweight Champion & Louisiana Battle of the Badges Champion
DJ Vargas, Hanford Police Dept. Undisputed, Reigning and Defending UCA Middleweight Champion
Travon Taylor, Orange County Sheriff Dept. Undisputed, Reigning and Defending UCA Light Heavyweight Champion
Alan Rojas, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. Undefeated Super Cruiserweight Champion
Bryan Williams, Fresno Police Dept. Masters UCA Heavyweight Champion
Chris Lewis, Fresno Sheriff Dept. Reigning, Undefeated, Undisputed, Defending UCA Super Heavyweight Champion
A coach who has the knowledge and experience to unlock a fighters true potential and mold them into a champion. There are a lot of critical factors that make a champion, having a great coach is the most important one.
Mando Guzman – Coach of the UCA Cruiserweight Champion Brian Stevens, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. and UCA Super Cruiserweight Champion Alan Rojas, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
David Rodela – Coach of the UCA Jr Middleweight Champion Dusty Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept.
Vance Bejarano – Coach of the UCA Light Heavyweight Champion Travon Taylor, Orange County Sheriff Dept.
Pat Roberts, Appolonio “T” Fernandez, and Jasper Tayaba – Coach of the UCA Super Heavyweight Champion Chris Lewis, Fresno Sheriff Dept.
Ray Encinas. Los Angeles Police Dept. vs David Bermudez, East Bay Regional Parks Police Dept.
Hector Mendoza. Los Angeles Police Dept. vs Jorge Caamal, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Quincy Mirage. Los Angeles Police Dept. vs Brandon Manning, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Deirdre Fonseca, Los Angeles Police Dept. vs Marina Lizarraga, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Daniel Ramirez. vs Jose Corral, Los Angles Sheriff Dept.
Walter Lavarro, Long Beach Police Dept. vs Jose Corral, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Devon Dejoie, U.S. Navy vs Ancel Patricio, Orange County Sheriff Dept.
Shawn Sutherland, Big Bear City FD vs Remin Pineda, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
John Henderson, Hanford Police Dept. vs Brian Petrella, Pasadena Police Dept.
Stephanie Sparks, Masters UCA Super Middleweight Champion, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Brent Bugarin UCA Welterweight Champion, Santa Clara Sheriff Dept.
Matthew Pereida, UCA Super Middleweight Champion, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Brian Stevens, UCA Cruiserweight Champion, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Mike Frazier, UCA Heavyweight Champion Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Cleon Jones UCA Masters Super Heavyweight Champion Yolo County Sheriff Dept.
Fights that undoubtedly will be talked about years from now. While most fights come and go these memorable battles will live on through the ages and become a part of UCA Boxing History.
Zachary Farris, CHP vs Steven Lee, Sedgwick Sheriff Dept.
Chris Lewis, Fresno Sheriff Dept. vs Pierce Masse, Fresno Police Dept.
Bryan Williams Fresno Police Dept vs JR Moore, Monroe Louisiana Fire Dept.
Travon Taylor, Orange County Sheriff Dept vs Josh Mejia, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Alan Rojas Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. vs Enrique Frias, San Diego Probation.
Marina Lizarraga, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Joseph Flahaven, Glendale Fire Dept.
Marc Maroquin, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Jesse Zaranaga, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Manny Amaya, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Brandon Manning, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Ancel Patricio, Orange County Sheriff Dept.
Jose Corral, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Abran Rodriguez, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Hue Xiong, Fresno Sheriff Dept.
Ryan Parker, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Ricky Seward, Big Bear City Fire Dept.
Remin Pineda, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Chris Pharo, San Diego Fire Dept
Devon Dejoie, U.S. Navy
Mike Delrey, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Frederic Sabas, Sycuan Fire Dept.
Josh Webb, California Highway Patrol
Jaboy Leomitti, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept
Mike Hernandez, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Brendy Ponce, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Danny Ramirez, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Nestor Escobar, Los Angeles Police Dept vs Marc Maroquin, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept
Gracie Melendrez, Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. vs. Kesha Guilin, Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.
Ashley Powers, CDCR Ironwood vs. Alexis Marquez, EMT
Hector Mendoza, Los Angeles Police Dept. vs Kyle Ferrari, Alhambra Police Dept.
John Henderson, Hanford Police Dept. vs AJ Forestiere, Madera Police Dept.
Josh Webb, CHP vs Jeremy Parker, CDCR, CSP Sac
A fighter who steps into the ring for the first time and wins over the crowd with skill, heart and personality. One you can’t wait to see fight again.
Zachary Farris, California Highway Patrol
Michael Banks, CDCR Susanville
Brian Hoist, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
John Henderson, Hanford Police Dept.
Kendra Hendricks, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Gracie Melendrez, Orange County Sheriff Dept
Ashley Powers, CDCR Ironwood
A fighter who displays exceptional skills in a near flawless performance
Travon Taylor, Orange County Sheriff Dept. vs Omar Romero, U.S.M.C.
Shant Sheklanian, Madera Police Dept. vs Francisco Flores, Stanislaus Sheriff Dept.
“Who dat Tom…Who dat say dey wanna rumble??” Anthony Deshautelle, Alexandria Police Dept.
With the talent these fighters possess it’s just a matter of time before they become a champion
Female Fighters
Savannah Stewart, Richmond Police Dept.
Shannon Herrera, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Asiah Medawar, San Bernardino Sheriff Dept.
Deirdre Fonseca, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Laura Morales, Madera Dept. of Corrections
Alice Lopez, U.S. Probation
Kat Proudfoot, 29 Palms Fire Dept.
Males Fighters
Larry Cervantes, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
David Bermudez, East Bay Regional Parks Police Dept.
Ray Encinas, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Jorge Caamal, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Quincy Mirage, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Hector Mendoza, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Aurelio Vasquez, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Mike Barragan, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Jamaal Braithwaite Orange County Sheriff Dept.
Joshua Mejia, Los Angeles Sheriff Dept.
Enrique Frias, San Diego Probation
Guillermo Garcia, Los Angeles Police Dept.
Pierce Masse, Fresno Police Dept.
Justin Robinson, Combat Center Fire Dept.
2015 will be remembered for many remarkable moments. Fans witnessed blockbuster events, career defining championship fights as well as break out performances and the next generation of stars. Brace yourself for 2016.