Alameda Battle of the Badges

Over 700 fight fans showed up to watch Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and Military fighters battle it out for charity at the Alameda Battle of the Badges Saturday night. A mix of Boxing, MMA and Kickboxing made up the 11 bout fight card.  The proceeds from the event supported the California Narcotics Officers Memorial Fund, SMF, NEFA and the California Narcotic Officers Association Reg. 1.

The night started off with two gunslingers who were anxious to get it on. As soon as the bell rang Omar Salem, Napa P.D. and David Lloyd, Alameda P.D. (195lbs) went at it. Salem came out like a sharp shooter with his one-two punch combo. Lloyd fought tough but did not have an answer to avoid Salem’s punches. Lloyd suffered two knockdowns before the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Salem, winner 1^st rd TKO.

Bout 2, (150lbs) Anthony Carrasco, Palo Alto P.D. vs. Lou Strickland, Dept of Homeland Security. This fight would go the distance but it would not be easy for either fighter. Carrasco made Strickland fight every second of every round. Carrasco kept Strickland in his range and threw punches in bunches. Strickland didn’t give any ground and kept a good defense and landed solid counters. Carrasco, winner by decision.

Bout 3, (Kickboxing) John Kaanehe, Alameda P.D. vs Chris Mercado, Oakland Fire Dept. Kaanehe came out strong the first round and seemed to be on his way to an easy victory. Between rounds Mercado listened to his corner and turned the tide by being more aggressive with his punches and kicks. Mercardo, winner by decision.

Bout 4, Kickboxing Johnny Pena, San Benito S.D. vs Wale Forrester, Oakland F.D. First 2 rounds were very close. Forrester had a little more left in the tank in the 3^rd round to pull out a close decision win.

Bout 5, MMA (200lbs) Gene Gabriel, San Francisco P.D. vs Josh Webb, CHP, San Jose. Both guys showed good skills on the ground and standing. Webb was able to secure an arm bar right before the bell sounded to end the 1^st round. Webb winner 1^st round Arm Bar.

Bout 6, (180lbs) James Allen USCG San Francisco vs Jesse Peters, USCG Alameda. There was no feeling out period in this one, it was kill or be killed.  Allen landed the harder shot first and that was all it took. Allen winner 1^st rd TKO.

Bout 7, (165lbs) Adam Ward, Oakland Housing Auth P.D. vs. Gino Sanchez, Hayward P.D. After an action packed 1^st round and over hand right thrown by Ward that put Sanchez down, everyone knew they were in for a treat. The 2^nd round was very close with both fighters having their moments. Ward found a home for his right hand in the 3^rd round to seal the victory.

Bout 8, Kickboxing Brian Everett, Napa Co. Correction vs Greg Smith, Monterey Co. Corrections.  Everett outworked Smith to get the decision win.

Bout 9, (155lbs) Daniele McCollum, San Jose P.D. vs Janean Reynolds, CHP San Jose. This was the fight everyone was waiting for and for good reason. These ladies battled in the trenches for 3 solid rounds. The only break they took was when the bell sounded to end the round. McCollum showed a little more experience with her slips, counters and bodywork to claim the win.

Bout 10, (175lbs) UCA 4^th ranked Jerry Ribeira, Oakland Housing Auth P.D. vs Mike Hagen, CHP, San Jose. It was the sweet science at it’s best. Crisp combinations, footwork, balance, head movement, angles and bodywork. Rebeira edged this one out to claim the decision victory.

Bout 11, 210lbs Main Event. Michael Froseca, Alameda Co. S.D. vs Ramon Jackson, Dept of Vetrans Affairs Police. 1^st round was even due to a lot of feeling out.  In the 2^nd round Jackson landed a solid right hand that stumbled Froseca. In the 3^rd Jackson found his rhythm and timing to secure the win.