“Battle of the Badges” at Pechanga

Saturday’s boxing show benefits Cops 4 Kids & Communities

Get ready Southland boxing fans, it’s time for the action-packed “Battle of the Badges XIII” boxing show!

This biannual charity event pits firefighters against police officers: It’s the Red Corner vs. the Blue Corner.

The boxing show will be taking place THIS Saturday in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California. All proceeds benefit the non-profit organization Cops 4 Kids & Communities, which was founded by law enforcement officers and community members to help at-risk youth.

This lively showdown will feature 16 bouts between firefighters, EMTs, correctional officers, detectives, police officers, and deputies who are all donating their time (and muscle in the ring) in the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year. And it’s not just for the men, there will also be some tough female combatants lacing up in this true show of sportsmanship, all for a worthwhile cause. They will be squaring in three two-minute rounds.

The last tournament was held in May. I attended this show and I can tell you that a good time was had by all. There was a live band, celebrity guests, comedic hosts, and best of all–non-stop boxing inside the ropes. Their last show also had a silent auction and refreshments available as well. The “Battle of the Badges” was a very entertaining evening and I have no doubt this Saturday’s show will be just as great. The World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF) also took part in the May show and presented special belts to all of the athletes. President Mando Muñiz, Board Members Richard Perry (who also serves as Chairman for Cops 4 Kids), Paul Ritchie, Hassan Chitsaz, Frank Martinez, and Steve Harpst also lent their support.

While the combatants may not be household names in the boxing world, trust me, they really give it all they have. The boys in blue and the men in red have the heart and determination of real champs. With nicknames like “Thick But Slick,” “Man-Bear Pig,” “The Walking Toxin,” “The Butcher” and “The Lone Assassin” you know they’re getting their game faces on. They may just be fighting for “braggin’ rights” but the guys mean business in this long-anticipated competition.

And the pugilistic sport of boxing is a big part of the Cops 4 Kids & Communities charity. The group has their own youth boxing club and offers many educational, recreational and artistic programs to help empower underprivileged youth in the Riverside County area and beyond. The kids are also taken on fun field trips throughout the year. The charity’s motto is, “Let’s reach them before we have to rescue them.” There are countless individuals who have donated their time and services to help these children while becoming positive role models for the kids.

Corrections officer Frank Martinez has been coaching heavyweight boxer Steve Mann, a fellow corrections officer in the Chino neighborhood for his debut on Saturday. The two have been training with Gil “Candyman” Nieves for about two months. “I’ve been looking forward to this,” comments Martinez. “I want Steve “The Hitman” Mann to knock out his opponent!” Frank, also a WBHF member, coached Oliver Aleta to his own debut victory in the May “Battle of Badges.” “The Hitman” will be taking on Jon “The Animal” Barnhart from the Pechanga reservation.

If you’d like to support this worthwhile cause while cheering on some of Southern California’s finest officers as they step into the ring, be sure to get your tickets now as their last show was a complete sell out. Tickets have been kept at an affordable price so everyone can be included in this upcoming brawl of the badges.

“We only have about 100 ticket left!” Cops 4 Kids Executive Director Jeff Penn told just me this morning. He was at the Pechanga location to put the finishing touches on his upcoming show. “Things are going really well–it’s going to be another sell out.”

I will be rooting on all the brave boxers on Saturday night, so be sure to join us at this charity event. See you at the fights!

“Battle of the Badges XIII” at Pechanga

Saturday, October 17

General Admission 20.00

Ringside 30.00

Doors open 4:30 p.m.

First bout 5:30 p.m.

For more information: 877-711-2946 or www.c4kc.org

Images courtesy of Jeff Penn/Cops 4 Kids & Communities