“Battle of the Badges”: Photos & Recap!

Fundraiser for Cops 4 Kids & Communities

It was a real “knockout” night at the recent “Battle of the Badges” fight night held at Agua Caliente Casino, Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif. There was plenty of action in the ring as the nonprofit Cops 4 Kids & Communities (C4KC) hosted their popular fundraiser that pits police officers against firefighters in the ring. Here is my special report from the night along with exclusive photos in and out of the ring!

The brave policemen, firemen, corrections officers, EMS and members of the armed forces set aside their shields as they put on the boxing gloves for this fiery night of amateur boxing with all proceeds benefiting the charity organization that in turn helps underprivileged children in the San Jacinto, Hemet and surrounding cities. This annual event is always one of my favorites and this show presented by C4KC (in association with American Medical Response (AMR) and Redlands Ford) was just as sizzling as the last. This installment featured both amateur boxing and kickboxing matches in spirited fights showcasing both men and women. At this desert clash, pro fighters Shibata Flores, Mike Franco, Daniel Franco and Oscar Muniz lent their fists of support in cheering on the troops.

Win or lose–with bragging rights earned or bruised egos nursed–all had a good time in the name of charity.

The weekend warriors are not professional fighters but all the gladiators competing in this show display plenty of courage, heart and grit that had the crowd on their feet. They volunteer their time–lacing up against their peers–to help raise funds to keep the Riverside County charity’s doors open to the at-risk youth.

C4KC’s Executive Director and former officer Jeff Penn works tirelessly to bring these action-packed shows to fruition, making each series a success thus ensuring the kids and teens in the Hemet neighboring areas get the help and mentorship they deserve with sports programs, after-school activities and field trips provided free of charge by the Cops 4 Kids crew.

And most impressive is that Penn (who began the charity in San Jacinto back in 1995) does not make any money for himself. While putting in countless hours matchmaking the fights and organizing along with Richard Perry, their Board of Directors and volunteers, Jeff explains that he gives all the profits back to the nonprofit.

I caught up with Penn during a break in between bouts. “I don’t make a penny,” he confirms. “It’s all for the kids.”

Practicing what he preaches, the mission statement of this children’s charity is: “Let’s reach them before we have to rescue them.”

When the bell rang, it was time for the blazing fisticuffs inside the ropes. And this May Day “Desert Throwdown” started off with a bang as 53-year-old Jon “The Bear” Knowlton squared off against 60-year-old challenger Joe “Dangerous Dego” Maribito. Those aren’t typos; their ages are 53 and 60. But age is just a number as these two scrappy fighters got down to business and a rematch has already been talked about between the men!

Laying it on the line were a roster of fighters with nicknames such as Mario “Fattdaddy” Alonzo, Yesenia “Molotov Mona” Nelson, John “The Holotarian Hammer” Marugg, Ruben “Gonna Give U A Showa” Gamboa and more. The co-main bout was Juanita “Green-Eyed Monster” Aragon vs. Asiah “Scrapper” Ameda with the main attraction of Travon “T-Bomb” Taylor vs. Gustavo Magana closing the show. Many of the fights were close and competitive and the raucous action brought out the best in all the part-time athletes.

Each volunteer boxer got their time to shine in the spotlight. Taking their position center ring (the always entertaining and witty) Masters of Ceremonies Ken Southern and Mark Blanton announced each fighter to a huge round of cheers from the fans. Live walkout music blared forth from Little George and the Big Time who performed “Born to Be Wild,” “Enter Sandman,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and more.

Fourteen-year-old Katelyn Walsh was the special anthem singer for the night. Pro boxer and former champ Shibata Flores was taking in the action with his young son, Jovian. This was Flores first time attending the show and he was very impressed with the turnout and the level of passion from both the fighters and the supporters in the stands. “This is great!” he said with a smile. “Tonight has been a lot of fun watching the fights.”

The spectators were on their feet waving homemade signs for their favorite heroes while a trio of local beauty queens served as the evening’s ring card girls. There were T-shirt giveaways by Fausto’s Bail Bonds and a contest for “Fight of the Night” with the victors winning gift certificates for Agua Caliente restaurants and concerts. During the night there was also a moving tribute to Dept. of Corrections’ Tom Dennie (who valiantly fought to live after being shot in the head). As Dennie carefully made his way into the ring, a standing ovation was given to the fallen officer and a championship belt was given to the survivor.

These yearly “Battle of the Badges” competitions are always memorable. Through the years, I’ve gotten to know some of the loyal volunteers and Board of Directors that work humbly behind the scenes; I see the same familiar faces ringside volunteering their time. It’s because of their hard work, dedication and generosity to the unprivileged youngsters that keep the tradition of these fight nights going strong.

While chatting with some of the fighters after the show, all were proud to take part in this fundraising event. Steve “Hit” Mann (CDC) has fought three times in these shows. He was surrounded by friends and family who came out to see him lace up. “This is great,” Mann said after winning his match. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s a way to give back to the kids!”

With another fight night in the books, the youngsters will continue to receive encouragement and inspiration from the Cops 4 Kids & Communities. Their next show is scheduled for October and if you haven’t attended one of their charity shows yet, you should definitely come out and join the fun!

Photos by Michele Chong