Charity Fight Night for C4KC

Southern California’s finest police officers and firefighters set aside their badges–and picked up the gloves–while fighting each other in the “Battle of the Badges XV” Charity Boxing Tournament held this past weekend at Pala Casino, Spa and Resort near San Diego.

Why would these fearless members of law enforcement battle each other?

In the words of Charlie Sheen: “WINNING! Duh!”

The victors also got a championship belt and braggin’ rights…but the real winners of the night are the at-risk youth assisted through Cops 4 Kids & Communities (C4KC), a non-profit organization founded by members of law enforcement that helps mentor children and teens through educational, sports and arts programs.

Proving they’ve got their own “Adonis DNA” inside the ropes, I watched the weekend warriors with ring names like “Pico Punisher,” “Little Tyson,” “El Gallo Fino,” “Gargoyle,” “The Reaper” and “Peligroso” showcase some stiff jabs and power shots of their own.

The amateur matchups featured non-stop action to the delight of the standing-room only crowd. With over a dozen bouts on tap, I saw several “Standing 8s”, a few knockouts, some very close decisions–and perhaps a handful of bruised egos once the bell rang.

As the live band Wayside Loop performed the fighters’ entrance songs including the “COPS” theme song “Bad Boys,” the Johnny Cash classic “Ring of Fire” and more rousing tunes, sheriffs, ordained ministers, probation officers, correctional officers, deputies and more squared off against each other. There was even a special walkout song by a bagpipe player serenading the aptly-named “Scottsman” fighter climbing through the ropes–in a kilt!

This fundraising fight night was kept at an entertaining pace by the Master of Ceremonies Ken Southern and Mark Blanton, a new ring card girl competition, and T-shirts tossed out to fans by Fausto’s Bail Bonds.

Amidst the spirited scraps were some rousing female fighters in the mix too. “Ladies and gentlemen: Chick Fight!” the emcees bellowed as the ladies decked out in pink took their place on the canvas. “They’re always our best fights!” added the announcing duo as the fierce women brought down the house.

In the squared circle, no punches were pulled as the brave combatants really went for it. There were some tough brawls witnessed followed by standing ovations from the appreciative audience.

The first C4KC’s “Battle of the Badges” of 2011 offered fans an exciting evening of boxing while raising funds to benefit the needy children in the community. With Executive Director Jeff Penn, Chairman and Board of Director Richard Perry, PR Extraordinaire (and “Cookie Lady”) Rebekah Ford, the C4KC Board, sponsors, volunteers and many others, a successful event is always assured.

Look for the return of the thrilling “Battle of the Badges” this July as the firemen and police department join forces once again to fight in the name of charity.

Congratulations to all the boxers, Jeff Penn, and Cops 4 Kids & Communities.

Photos by Ray Flores