Battle of the Badges Results

Law enforcement and correctional officers, military personnel and a firefighter went toe to toe in the boxing ring Saturday night, raising money for charity in the Battle of the Badges Fight Series: Road to the UCA Championship. All matches were officiated and scored by the California State Athletic Commission

Held in the intimate courtyard setting of Liquid Nightclub in Citrus Heights, the well-attended event benefited charities including the Armed Forces Foundation, Firefighters Burn Institute and Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project.

First match saw Brent Burkhart of CDCR take on Gary Mungia of the United States Army. A wild brawl to start the night off, with both fighters throwing wild. But Burkhart landed more punches and came out ahead on the judge’s scorecards.

The 2nd fight featured Jose Hermosillo of the Williams PD against Jed McNamara of Alcohol Beverage Control. McNamara, who goes by the nickname “Fighting Irish” attacked with big power punches. Hermosillo fended him off with jabs in the first round, but in the second rd. McNamara pinned Hermosillo in a corner and landed a series of punches which prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight. McNamara winner by TKO 1:40 of the second round.

Heavyweight match between Dru McDonald of Sacramento Metro Fire and Craig Hamblin of CDCR Solano Big man brawl! Three rounds of haymakers from both fighters. But McDonald was more methodical with his power punches and put more of them on target. McDonald winner by judge’s decision.

Next up was a match between Francisco Flores, Stanislaus County Sheriff Deputy vs. Neil Tremethick, U.S. Army, 140lbs. This was a back and forth battle. The taller Flores used his reach to score from the outside. Tremethick in his first fight fought tough against Flores the Police Olympic Gold Medalist. Tremethick did get in his own shots once he closed the distance. Flores found the openings in Tremethick’s defense and punched his way to a split decision victory. Winner Flores.

Brenden Reavis of Child Protective Services found the openings in CDCR’s Javier Banuelos defense and punched his way to decision win.

Great fight between Eduardo Barajas of Williams PD and CHP’s Ruben Jones. Jones battered Barajas into a standing eight count in the second round and Barajas returned the favor with a bodyshot knockdown. Jones pressed the action more and came out ahead on the scorecards by a narrow split decision win.

After intermission, the fights resumed with Craig Colosimo, Mule Creek Prison Correctional Officer vs. James Davis, Folsom Prison Correctional Officer, 175lbs. Colosimo trains at Niavaroni’s Kickboxing Gym with top amateurs and pro’s. Craig is 45 yrs old but you’d never know it. The guy is in tremendous shape. Davis boxing less than two years is already an open fighter. Davis is always at the gym. He is in good hands with trainer’s Greg and Tahzay Huerta at Smash Time Gym. Good, sharp exchanges marked this fight as the fighters traded punch after punch. Davis edged this one out on the scorecards to claim the victory.

David Richardson, CDCR Solano vs. Chris McElroy, CDCR CSP SAC 212lbs. Two big guys with a lot of power. First fight for Richardson, 4th fight for McElroy. At the sound of the bell McElroy came out landing punches in bunches. McElroy’s relentless pressure scores a first round knockdown and Richardson never recovered from it. The fight was stopped at: 35 seconds of the second round. McElroy winner 2nd TKO. Richardson is in good spirits; he chalks up the fight as a learning experience and is ready to get back in the ring. Once Richardson gets a few fights under his belt he wants a rematch.

Chris Martinez, Avenal PD, traveled from the Fresno area to compete in this event and Orlando Rivera, Arizona Border Patrol flew into Sacramento Friday night from Arizona. Neither fighter traveled all that way for nothing. As soon as the bell rang the waiting was over and these fighters went after each other. Close fight, Martinez, out worked Orlando Rivera of the Arizona Border Patrol to claim the judge’s decision.

Second to last match of the night featured Mike Hernandez of El Cerrito PD taking on CDCR’s Noel Montes. A pair of sharpshooters in this fight.  Montes was first to hit his target opening a cut on Hernandez in the first round. The blood continued to pour and Hernandez continued to apply pressure to his opponent but the blood continued to pour. Due to the blood getting into Hernandez eye. The ringside Dr. was forced to stop the fight in the 3^rd round for the safety of the fighter. Winner, Montes 3^rd round TKO.

The Main Event featured 3^rd ranked Bryan “The Punisher” Williams, Fresno PD 220lbs vs. Mike “Godzilla” Gomez, CDCR 260lbs. It was Williams’s last fight before retiring. He looked very sharp, throwing short left hooks, lead right hands & crisp counter punching. In only his 2nd fight Gomez showed everyone he is an athlete and would be no easy opponent for the more experienced Williams. Gomez was able to smother the speed and power in the clench to score hits of his own. Gomez put the pressure on Williams the whole fight, forcing Williams to use his footwork, work angles and slip the big bombs thrown by Gomez. Speed kills and Williams was clearly the faster fighter and landed punches with scary power behind them. The experience proved to be too much for Gomez. Williams, winner by decision.

WOW! What a night of fights. It takes a special person to step thru those ropes and expose yourself to family, friends and co-workers.  The hard work, dedication and sacrifices the fighters made to compete benefited three great charities, CHP Orphan’s & Widows Fund, Sac Fallen Officers, Armed Forces Foundation.