Saturday night at Valley Strong Ballpark delivered something bigger than boxing. It delivered a moment in time that everyone fortunate enough to witness will never forget.
Under the lights, in front of a passionate Central Valley crowd that refused to leave even as rain poured down, public safety boxing delivered a historic display of courage, grit, and championship heart. From the opening bell, to fireworks lighting up the night sky, to the weather forced stoppage after 13 unforgettable bouts, fans witnessed a card packed with elite talent, razor close championship fights and unforgettable performances. The 2026 Central California Battle of the Badges was more than an event it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Bout 1
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Chris Curameng vs Federal Bureau of Prisons – Atwater Rance Garces
The night opened at a championship level. Two dangerous, highly skilled fighters met center ring with bad intentions. Chris Curameng’s composure, sharp boxing, and ability to edge the close exchanges earned him a hard fought decision over the always dangerous Rance Garces in one of the most technical fights of the night.
Bout 2
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Manuel Galvan vs Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Darnell Strigglers
Darnell Strigglers came to win and pushed the reigning UCA Super Cruiserweight Champion Manuel Galvan to his limits. Galvan was tested every second of the fight, but when the dust settled, the champion found a way. And Still…. The UCA Super Cruiserweight Champion, Manuel Galvan.
Bout 3
Los Angeles Police Department Anthony Rodriguez vs. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Everardo Palomares, CDCR Substance Abuse Training Facility.
A masterclass. High skill. High IQ. High stakes.
Two undefeated fighters, both sharp, disciplined, and ready. Entering round three, it was dead even and somebody had to take a risk. When the final bell rang, everyone knew it was close. The judges scorecards had a winner. And New….UCA Light Heavyweight Champion, Everardo Palomares.
Bout 4
Department of State Hospital Police in Coalinga Chris Romero vs. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Chowchilla State Prison Jaime Elenes
With rain pouring hardest, these two still stood in the fire. No hesitation. No excuses. Jaime Elenes weathered the storm literally and edged out a gritty victory in one of the toughest fought bouts on the card.
Bout 5
Leslie Martinez, Los Angeles Sheriffs Department vs Krystal Jordan, San Diego Police Department
The only female championship fight on the card delivered exactly what everyone expected, skill, heart, and nonstop action. Three razor close rounds, momentum swinging both ways, neither fighter giving an inch. In the end, Leslie Martinez captured UCA gold, becoming The New UCA Jr Lightweight Champion.
Bout 6
Mario Martinez, CDCR Pleasant Valley State Prison vs Saul Pelayo, Army
Mario Martinez, put together a complete performance, sharp, composed, and determined earning a well deserved decision over Army veteran Saul Pelayo in a hard fought three round battle.
Bout 7
Lance Martinez, Los Angeles Sheriffs Department vs. Victor Ibal, Fresno Police Department
Absolute war.
Heavy exchanges. Momentum swings. Athleticism. Heart. Violence in controlled form.
For three rounds, Lance Martinez and Victor Ibal gave the crowd everything. When the scorecards were read, Victor Ibal got the nod, and this unforgettable battle earned UCA Fight of the Night honors.
Bout 8
Max Navo, Visalia Police Department vs Efrain Moreno, Los Angeles Police Department
A hometown moment Visalia will never forget.
Two-time UCA Champion Efrain Moreno, brought championship pedigree. Max Navo brought relentless determination and hometown pride. After three brutal rounds of back and forth action, Max Navo shocked the division and became The New UCA Jr Heavyweight Champion.
Bout 9
Rocky Ovando, CDCR Tehachapi State Prison vs Hector Munoz, CDCR – Avenal State Prison
This was nearly Fight of the Night.
Two debuting fighters fought like seasoned veterans skillful, fearless, and nonstop action. Rocky Ovando, and Hector Munoz, left pieces of themselves in the ring, and Rocky edged the close decision after three thrilling rounds.
Bout 10
Jose Vega, Coalinga Police Department vs Chris Sanchez, Tulare County Fire Department —
A knockdown, drag out battle between two hungry and determined warriors. Champion Chris Sanchez was tested at every turn by Jose Vega’s pressure and determination. After three rugged rounds, the title changed hands. And The New….. Masters UCA Cruiserweight Champion Jose Vega.
Bout 11
Jose Zambrano, CDCR – Avenal State Prison vs Juan Guzman, CDCR Substance Abuse Training Facility.
No feeling out process. No backing down
Bombs from the opening bell. Zambrano landed first, landed hard, and never letting the momentum slip. Juan Guzman showed heart, but after sustained punishment, the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. Jose Zambrano winner by first round TKO. With the win Zambrano remains undefeated and is asking for a shot at the title.
Bout 12
Department State Hospitals Police Harley Garcia vs Federal Correctional Institution – Mendota Juan Zuniga
Two UCA super heavyweights stepped into the ring ready to trade leather and neither wasted a second getting started. From the opening bell, Harley Garcia and Juan Zuniga came out firing with heavy hands and bad intentions. Zuniga showed toughness and heart, but Harley’s slight edge in experience proved to be the difference. The two fight veteran looked sharper, more composed, and capitalized when the opening came, scoring an impressive first round TKO
Bout 13
Alberto Suarez, Federal Bureau of Prisons – Atwater vs Joshua Robles, Los Angeles Police Department
Alberto Suarez FBOP–Atwater successfully made the first defense of his UCA Super Middleweight Championship, but not without being pushed to the limit by the former UCA Super Cruiserweight Champion and #1 ranked Joshua Robles representing the LAPD.
What unfolded was a high volume, high IQ three round chess match between two elite fighters at the highest level in Public Safety boxing. Both men had their moments, sharp combinations, well timed counters that kept the momentum swinging. There were no knockdowns, no clear domination, and no easy rounds to score just two exceptional fighters refusing to give an inch. When the final bell rang, the judges had a difficult decision to make on a fight that could have gone either way. In the end by the slimmest of margins, Alberto Suarez remained the UCA Super Middleweight Champion.
What occured in Visalia on Saturday night was more than a fight card it was proof of what this public safety boxing community is all about: courage, sacrifice, heart, and unity. Fighters gave everything. Fans sat in the rain. Doctors, officials, paramedics, volunteers, photographers, videographers, and stadium staff stood strong to keep the night alive.
That kind of spirit cannot be manufactured it can only be built through community and that’s what made the Central California Battle of the Badges so special. A once in a lifetime experience, and an honor to be part of something this meaningful.