Peace Officers Fight at Pala–Boxing & MMA!
It was a knockout night at this month’s 2012 “SoCal Battle of the Badges” presented by Cops 4 Kids & Communities (C4KC), a nonprofit benefiting countless children in the region. This sold-out event pits police officers, firemen, and other members of law enforcement in amateur bouts with bragging rights on the line.
In this exclusive look at the evening held at taking place at Pala Casino Spa and Resort, the support of the sponsors, fans and the force really showed. The night also honored fallen San Diego Officer Jeremy Henwood, who was killed last August. His close friend and fellow officer Donnie Moncrief even laced up himself to pay tribute to the officer and former Marine.
Joining the ceremonies were several special guests in attendance including former WBC super bantam champ Rico Ramos, former WBC featherweight titleholder Danny “Little Red” Lopez and the uncrowned welterweight champ and former Olympian Mando Muniz, “X Factor’s” Caylie Gregorio, noted officials Tony Crebs and Tom Taylor, MMA’s Ricardo “Pantcho” Feliciano and Jesse Taylor, and more. Rico Ramos was there to watch his cutman, Zar Roman lace up. Roman (out of the Carson Fire Dept.) went mano y mano with Robert Morales (from the Rialto Police Dept.) in a close scrap that had the crowd on their feet. Rico had a blast watching his cornerman boxing for charity.
And this year’s installment featured both boxing and MMA matches, something new this time.
And once again, these tough weekend warriors really gave it their all in the ring–and all in the name of charity. During 16 bouts, the sluggers had the crowd cheering in appreciation. There were many close contests and a few standing-8 counts between the combatants.
Also in the mix were live walkout performances by An Ocean Alive, introductions and witty banter between fights by Masters of Ceremonies Ken Southern and Mark Blanton, and the Tilted Kilt ring card girls (Michelle, Kailin and Heather), a favorite of the male fans meeting the pretty trio of knockouts.
The co-main between Donnie Moncrief and Josh Girello was especially poignant, since Donnie was fighting to honor Officer Henwood. Moncrief came up a little short in his bout but the warrior told me he’ll be fighting again on July 21. Another notable matchup was the action-packed slugfest between female heavy hitters Ana Macedo and Marque Dietzler. As the two ladies really went at it, loud “OC” chants echoed through the venue for Orange County’s Macedo, who won this hard-fought contest.
The main event between Ken “The Terminator” Hoon vs. Justin “Bubba” Robinson, was also a good scrap, ultimately being voted “Fight of the Night.” Bubba’s hand was held victorious when the final bell rang and the crowd cheered for both men.
C4KC’s Executive Director Jeff Penn, Chairman and Board of Director Richard Perry, C4KC’s PR Director Rebekah Ford are three of the loyal Team C4KC members who put their 101% efforts into ensuring a great fight night for the charity.
A few days after the boxing bash, I caught up with Rebekah Ford, of the Riverside District Attorney’s Office. The fierce female has fought in past “Battle of the Badges” and is also affectionately known as “The Cookie Lady,” for her dozens and dozens of fresh baked goods she shares with the fighters and volunteers. She has been involved with the charity group for over 15 years.
“This year’s event for BOTB at Pala had a new twist! I loved it. MMA, MMA, MMA!” Ford remarks. “Director Jeff Penn incorporated MMA fights throughout the night of boxing. I also organized a special presentation for (sadly) another slain officer from San Diego. And his best friend and fellow co-worker Officer Donnie Moncrief from SDPD fought his MMA fight in his honor…Donnie was so overwhelmed after finishing the fight he could not speak to anyone!”
But putting his pride on the line is something all the officers like Moncrief wanted to do–giving back to the community and giving back to the kids.
“It is all for the youth in our communities so they can have somewhere to go and put their energy into,” Ford agrees. “If they have somewhere to go and feel connected it keeps them off the streets. I believe that the thoughts of the youngsters won’t go ‘astray’ as easily, especially while they are desperately trying to figure out what and who they are to be in life….It is a challenging time for kids and teenagers!”
She volunteers without pay for a cause she believes in. “I feel we as adults we should be there to guide them in the most constructive and positive way as we can,” Rebekah states, “ESPECIALLY law enforcement.”
As this “Battle of the Badges” is already in the books, the team is already prepping for their next go-round in the summer, planned for July 21 at Agua Caliente.
Congrats to all the fighters who donated their time in the ring!
Photos by Michele Chong
