“Fight for Life” Raises $60,000+

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Police and sheriffs duke it out for City of Hope

The long line of patrol cars creeped steadily up the hill leading to the Quiet Cannon Country Club in Montebello as a swarm of police officers and sheriffs surrounded the area. An all points bulletin was issued–but there was absolutely no reason for the crowd to be alarmed. The men in blue were all converging to take part in the recent “Fight for Life” boxing show benefitting the City of Hope.

In this battle of the badges, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department squared off against the Los Angeles Police Department–all in the name of charity.

One of the show’s promoters, George Lopez, said in regards to their annual event, “We had about 2,200 people. It speaks for itself that everyone likes the competition and also believes in the cause.” He is a former LAPD officer himself and also a 1988 Olympic boxing team member.

While early reports put the figure at $50,000 raised, while speaking with George today, he upped that original amount. “It’s now between 60 to 70 thousand–just from this one night alone,” he marveled. “We were happy to put on a show that was successful, especially in this financial crisis when people sometimes aren’t able to donate as much anymore.”

The “Fight for Life” committee has raised an estimated $900,000 to date for the City of Hope organization, which strives to offer better treatments for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Lopez and his loyal team of volunteers have been holding these charity functions since 1994.

The push continues as George plans to keep his aim toward an even higher target. “This year we want to hit the million dollar mark,” the amiable retired officer says. “Our next show will be in the first week of November. We’ll be fighting New York. It’ll be the LAPD and the LASO (Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office).”

The 50-year-old was also proud to take part in the main event of the evening, a rematch against Deputy Armando Guzman, also 50. While Lopez didn’t get the decision in this fight, he did convey to me, “It’s not about winning or losing. We’re all brothers; we may fight each other but then the next time we’ll be on the same team.”

So will there be a third installment in this “rivalry”?

“Maybe not,” George admits. Grudge match put aside, he then takes a playful jab at his foe. “He may bow out with this win,” Lopez jokes, “’cause then it’ll make him look better!”

At this year’s “Fight for Life,” attendees were treated to several bouts of heavy action in the ring. While making my way around the venue, there were many familiar faces from the Southland’s boxing scene. Two-time world champ Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon, veteran cutman Joe Chavez, trainer Ronnie Rivota (whose young charge Frankie Gomez just made his debut last weekend), Hall of Fame referees and judges Marty Denkin, Jack Reiss, Gwen Adair, Bell Gardens Police Dept. Youth Boxing Club’s Josie Arrey-Mejia, trainers Eddie Gonzalez and Salvador Casillas, California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee Joe Valverde, and amateur standout and pro boxer Michael Chavez, were among the thousands turning out to support this worthwhile fundraiser.

Spent some time chatting with Michael Chavez, who now resides in Vegas and works as a Nevada Corrections Officer. The charity affair was right up his alley, combining boxing and badges. This was the visiting boxer’s first time at this particular event. The welterweight was impressed with the moves of many of the participants, and he knows his stuff. Training out of the legendary Barry’s Boxing with Augie Sanchez, Chavez said he sparred with slugger Marcos Maidana before the Argentinean’s recent KO over Victor Cayo. We observed the room fill to capacity as the energy level and excitement rose in anticipation of the first bell.

I also met some of the dedicated and friendly volunteers who ensured the charity fight night went off without a hitch. Pat Muro, Amanda and Rachel Uribe work with the Sheriff’s Dept. team and I watched these three gals keep things going at an organized pace. A prize drawing and T-shirt sales also contributed to the night’s tally for the City of Hope.

While guests enjoyed a taco bar on the outdoor patio, the night got underway with all the fighters coming into the ring as the LAPD Color Guard took to the canvas. Sheriff’s Deputy Byron Ward sang “God Bless America” and a Ten Count was issued to honor their fallen officers.

The top brass also came out in droves. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, new Chief of Police Charlie Beck, L.A. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, and many other city officials were also at ringside to lend their support.

In this “fight against cancer” for the City of Hope, the weekend warriors put on a lively exhibition of amateur boxing. There were some big guns blazing inside the ropes too–biceps flexing with each hook or uppercut. The boys in blue really fought their hearts out willing to be colored “black-and-blue” all in the name of victory. In their new uniform of boxing trunks, headgear and mouthpieces, the men answered the call of duty and put on a lively show. I’ve been to many Vegas pro fights where the fans scream in unison, and this crowd at the Quiet Cannon rivaled the decibel level usually heard only in massive arenas.

The challengers each had large posses of friends, family and co-workers rooting them on. Officers from the tough Men’s Central Jail, Narcotics Division, Inglewood PD, Hollenbeck Division, Norwalk Station and more all showcased their defensive skills while lacing up. And each of the night’s fighters received “The Winner” bronze award for their hard-fought efforts on the canvas. This special bronze trophy was by artist Steve Harpst, who was in attendance to show his support for the courageous combatants that suited up for battle.

And the battles were intense, with many close competitions and razor-thin victories taking place during the evening. “This was such a large crowd on hand enjoying some of the best bouts ever!” raved Isaac Gonzalez, a founding father and event organizer of the “Fight for Life” bouts. The officers put their own lives in jeopardy every day on the job, something Gonzalez knows firsthand. “I retired in November of 2000 due to a serious back injury,” he explains to me, “that I sustained while in a fight with an armed carjacking suspect who was fleeing from a stolen car.”

The dedicated former member of law enforcement also commented, “Overall, it was a very successful event! The ‘Fight for Life’ continues to be a successful event in part to the committee–which has remained the same for over 17 years.

“The committee consists of members from both departments who have the passion for not only the event, but for the City of Hope and its patients. Another part of its success is our sponsors and fans, who, for many, have been supporting the event since its inception.”

He is appreciative of his associates’ efforts and proud of their results. He continues, “And one of the highlights at this show was having LAPD Chief Beck and Sheriff Baca share with me how much they enjoyed the event and how the event has their unwavering support.”

Congratulations to all the sharpshooters in the ring at the 2010 “Fight for Life”!

Photos by Michele Chong

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