Cops 4 Kids & Communities Benefit at PALA
The women took over the boxing ring Saturday night at Cops 4 Kids & Communities’ (C4KC) “Battle of the Badges” held at PALA Casino, Spa & Resort.
The night was a special all-female fight night benefiting the charity based in Hemet, California. Setting down their badges, the ladies gave the crowd their money’s worth in ten exciting bouts of amateur action. Check out some of the weekend warriors in my special report about this December “Season’s Beatings” event.
Firefights broke out in the ring as the combatants squared off against each other all in the name of the Cops 4 Kids charity. C4KC offers various youth programs, mentorship, field trips, athletic activities and more–all free of charge to the kids and teens who need it the most. This nonprofit holds two to three “Battle of the Badges” a year to raise funds to keep their doors open. Before the big event began, there was also a Spartan League MMA Team amateur competition held earlier in the day and a martial arts demonstration with children
that kicked off the night’s proceedings. And in a switch from the usual routine, “Ring Card Boys” strutted their stuff between rounds.
It was a spirited evening of boxing witnessed by approximately 1,100 fight fans. I watched memorable walkouts, standing 8-counts, and leather fly as “The Women of Public Safety” faced off center ring. The women proved they can fight and give it their all, just like their male counterparts. As the live band played “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” the fisticuffs began with a bang.
Cheering on the chicks were C4KC’s Executive Director and former officer Jeff Penn, C4KC Chairman Richard Perry, Master of Ceremonies Mark Blanton and Ken Southern, Timekeeper Chris Holbrook, Judge (and boxer) Ed Plunkett, C4KC’s Board of Directors, sponsors, volunteers, and fans.
Also at ringside and in the corners were some familiar faces giving their time to ensure a knockout night.
Boxing officials Tom Taylor and Ray Corona took their place on the canvas, giving their time for a worthwhile cause. I spotted pro cutman Gil “Candyman” Nieves and the Union Rescue Mission’s Alex Cornejo, two individuals who have participated in several “Battle of the Badges” during the last few years. I greeted Olympian and pro boxer Armando Muniz, who was a special celebrity judge and a loyal part of these SoCal fight nights.
And I also caught up with amateur boxing pioneer Dallas Malloy, who holds the distinction of being the very first female to fight in a USA Boxing-sanctioned bout when she was just a teenager. The spunky Malloy battled the courts for the right to fight. The blonde dynamo is now an actress and body builder but still keeps her strong passion for the sweet science. During the night, the star athlete awarded the championship belts to the victors of each bout. Several of the women mentioned how honored they were to meet this icon in the sport and an inspiration to countless young girls who want to box.
Ring announcers Blanton and Southern introduced these special guests to the audience while the comedic duo kept the crowd entertained with their jokes and quick banter. The pair were also decked out in pink and black tuxedos in honor of the female fighters and the fact that a portion of the proceeds were going to Breast Cancer Awareness.
At the microphone, the emcees also took time to thank David Swift and everyone at PALA. They introduced the live band of Little George and the Big Time and solo singer Caylie Gregorio (“X Factor”). Caylie sang the National Anthem and also performed a moving tribute to C4KC’s Rebekah Ford. Bek was a beloved member of the organization. I was lucky to have befriended her through the years and I, along with the crowd at the casino, remembered her for her love of baking cookies, her passion for shoes and for her megawatt smile. She had a steel backbone but also had a soft spot for assisting others who needed it. Ford (from the Riverside DA’s Office, Bureau of Investigations) loved helping out at these fight nights and she will be surely missed.
In honor of Rebekah, a slide show and musical tribute was offered. Sitting nearby was a long line of her co-workers and friends Laura, Judy, Heidi, Mary O., Andrea, Yadi, Deanna, Michelle and Mary H. I chatted with these loyal friends of Ford–who cried and smiled through tears–while photos celebrating Rebekah’s life were shown on the big screens.
After the tribute to Ford (who passed away from cancer in September), the female gladiators once again fired off inside the ropes. The big guns were drawn while fighting for charity and for braggin’ rights.
Holding nothing back, with long hair flowing, teeth grinding and fists flying each lady gave it their all. Punches were thrown with bad intentions, conviction showing in their will to win.
Whether in victory or defeat, the amateurs held their heads high.
There were many close matches, several exciting clashes and nonstop bashes. Yes, the “chick fights” had the crowd on their feet!
When the smoke cleared, there were two that prevailed above the rest in winning “Fight of the Night” honors. This year’s recipients were Sarina “Sweet Pea” Delgado (Hemet) and Alex Flores (Orange County). Their feud was one of the closest ever, the announcers said. It was a close contest in which both corners had their moments with the crowd chanting “Sweet Pea” and “Flores”!
With Delgado getting the judges’ nods, perhaps there will be a rematch at a future show?
Jeff Penn mentioned that their next C4KC show will be in the spring.
Will this next “Battle of the Badges” be another KO night?
That’s a 10-4.
Check out some exclusive snapshots from the night and congrats again to all who participated in Saturday’s event!
Photos by Michele Chong