Cops 4 Kids & Communities Scores a KO

It was a rockin’ night at the SoCal Battle of the Badges “Pala Throwdown” held recently at the Pala Casino, Spa and Resort near Temecula, Calif. The charity fight night was hosted by Cops 4 Kids & Communities (C4KC) in association with AMR and featured both live boxing and kickboxing matches.

This boxing bash is always one of my favorites; not only is it for a good cause but these weekend warriors always give it their all in the ring!

And this amateur fight night showcased memorable walkouts, competitive and entertaining bouts and special ring card girls (a trio of local beauty queens).

The Master of Ceremonies Mark Blanton and Ken Southern got the ball rolling with the announcement of the National Anthem singer Katelyn Walsh and a Color Guard procession.

C4KC Executive Director Jeff Penn has worked tirelessly through the years to ensure each battle is the best it can be. The proceeds from this October 18 fundraiser help at-risk kids and underprivileged youth in the community through after-school programs, mentoring, training, field trips and more. “Let’s Reach Them Before We Have To Rescue Them” is the motto they strive for in all of their events (free to the children/teens).

This Battle of the Badges had the audience cheering as a courageous group of policemen, firemen, corrections officers, armed forces and EMS workers set down their shields and picked up the boxing gloves to support Cops 4 Kids. Touted on the program was the reminder that we live in the “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.” And the heavy hitters making their way into the ring had spirited entourages, roaring fans and the spotlight shining on them.

As the live tunes played by the Little George Band began to blast, amateur fighters faced off with names like Travon “T-Bom” Taylor vs. “Slick” Nick Herstine (the main event) and Kyle “Spoondog” Stewart vs. Jamaal “The Truth” Brathwaite (co-main) showed their skills in the squared circle. And Stewart (U.S. Marine Corp) was awarded a United Combat Association (UCA) Light Heavyweight State Championship belt winning by third-round TKO after a very good scrap between the two gladiators.

Hector “The Matador” Tamayo and James “Salty Boot” Bennett took “Fight of the Night” honors in a spirited night of action. There was a T-shirt giveaway, photo ops with ring card girls Miss Temecula Laramie Link, Miss Menifee Isabel Donadio and Miss Inland Empire Rita Garabet and champs at ringside like amateur champion Jasmine Singh. Keep things moving along swiftly were the comedic duo of Mark Blanton and Ken Southern, who got plenty of laughs as their ad-libs cracked up the audience.

Fans know that each and every Battle of the Badges with Cops 4 Kids is going to be a fun night. And the addition of kickboxing matches has been a welcome one for the spectators in attendance. The kickboxing bouts were some of the most thrilling of the night and even the most loyal of boxing purists told me they enjoyed seeing the exciting kickboxing matches too. The victors received a gleaming white championship belt while the defeated left the building still proud knowing they left it all in the ring.

The matchups were action-packed with some standing 8s, close decisions and rematches already being talked about. The scheduled three rounds were punctuated by some good jabs, combinations and uppercuts by the officers fighting each other. It was the first time fighting for several who participated in this October clash. Referees David Mendoza, Ray Chavez and Sherif Said were the “third man” in the ring who kept on their toes stressing safety first for all the fighters.

C4KC’s Penn, Chairman Richard Perry, the Board of Directors and staff of volunteers provided a rockin’ good night at Pala for this latest Battle of the Badges show. There is always a demand for men and women who want to fight on these cards. A date has already been picked for the 2015 show; the troops will once again lace up on March 28 at Pechanga in Temecula.

Be sure to show your support as the amateur fighters go head to head at the next Battle of the Badges benefitting Cops 4 Kids & Communities!

Photos by Michele Chong