Crime Fighters vs. Firefighters Boxing Show

Cops 4 Kids Fight Night–Exclusive Report & Photos!

When some fierce fights broke out this past weekend, the cops were called in…to cheer on their fellow officers who were battling it out–in the boxing ring! An all points bulletin was put out to bring it! Ordered to put their hands up–when each winner was announced–several of Southern California’s best policemen, firemen, and paramedics duked it out against each other in the XII “Battle of the Badges” Police and Fire Boxing Tournament at Morongo Casino and Resort in Cabazon.

At this year’s desert throwdown, it was non-stop action in 15 exciting matchups. Fire captains, correctional deputies, sheriffs, EMTS and more all faced off in the amateur boxing show. No handcuffs, just fisticuffs. Win or lose, the focus was solely on the charity and fighting for the kids. All proceeds from the fundraising event will benefit the Cops 4 Kids & Communities organization for at-risk children.

Entering the combat zone were the brave warriors we all count on to keep us safe. For the firemen, they forced their tough opponents into a backdraft. For the cops on the beat, they dished out their style own of beatings on the canvas.  Bells were rung, but no sirens needed. The only emergency was to raise money for the worthwhile charity. The law enforcement show was an entertaining evening of boxing, celebrity guests, a silent auction, a live performance by the Wayside Loop band, and festive ring card girls decked out in their own version of a cop’s uniform.

Each year has been a big hit and the Memorial Day weekend’s show quickly sold out of all 1,200 seats. It was a smashing success and Chairman Richard Perry says that for the first time in their history, they’re planning to hold a second boxing tournament later this year. Perry has even participated in past shows, having fought eight times in previous fight nights, including two bouts against Jerry Quarry’s son. “We each won one fight,” he recalls.

The emcees Ken Southern and Mark Blanton introduced Cops 4 Kids’ Executive Director Jeff Penn and Board of Director Paul Ritchie to the audience, along with VIP guests Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzalez, Mando Muñiz, Alfonso Gomez, Antonio Diaz, Hassan Chitsaz, and Kaliesha West. And in between bouts, the comedic duo of Southern and Blanton kept the ticket holders in stitches and yes, plenty of “cops and donuts” jokes were told.

The main event and rematch between heavyweights Adam “The Crusher” Colebrook and Bob “The Bomb” Epps garnered the “Bout of the Night” award presented by World Boxing Hall of Fame President Mando Muñiz, who also serves on the Cops 4 Kids Board. Muñiz, a former boxer, was impressed with the action in the ring, “These fights are better than a lot of pro fights I’ve seen!” He also cheered on first-timer Oliver Aleta, who trained with Muñiz’s Jurupa Valley Boxing Club.

“This is your first fight; you’re probably gonna be gassed in your first round,” Muñiz told Aleta, a corrections officer, who went on to score a victory. “I told him when his opponent’s coming in, throw your right hand. He did great!”

Also celebrating in the corner, was Muñiz’s cousin, Oscar “The Boxer” Muñiz, who had a fighter of his own on the card.

Presenting special belts to the victors were Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzalez and the first Iranian-American heavyweight champ Hassan Chitsaz. In his fifties, Chitsaz proudly showed off his own two belts which he brought to the event. He also takes pride in being named a “boxing ambassador.” Chitsaz excitedly says, “Mando Muñiz appointed me ‘WBHF Ambassador’ because I am the only current fighter on the board!”

During Saturday’s show, almost $1,200 in additional donations were generated by the packed fans in attendance. After the final tally, it was announced to the crowd that matching that donation was the generous offering of Jeff Stone, who pledged to donate four times the amount collected.

Besides this cash donation, ticket sales and sponsorships will all go to the kids involved with the non-profit organization. The children get a chance to go on field trips, and are given the opportunity to take free dance classes, music lessons and, of course, learn boxing skills at the Real Deal Boxing Club.

At the “Battle of the Badges,” the officers replaced their shields for championship belts won in this Cabazon collision. When the smoke cleared after the fierce competition, all that remains are the hundreds of underprivileged youth that will benefit from a fun charity fight night of “arresting entertainment”!

Thank you to Richard Perry, Jeff Penn and Paul Ritchie for a great fundraising event.

Photos by Michele Chong