Results from Battle of the Badges XI event at the Sheraton

In her debut, it was Rosalea “The Villain” Virata of the National City CYAC getting the best of Jeanna “The Dark Horse” Carrilho a U. S. Marshal.

On Saturday, June 14, 2014, peace officers from the San Diego Police Department, the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, U. S. Border Control, San Diego Probation Department, Corrections Corporation of America plus soldiers and sailors from the United States Marine Corps and Navy took part in the 11th Annual Battle of the Badges Boxing Show hosted by the Four Points By Sheraton Hotel in San Diego.

Along with its 22 participants, there were scores of event workers and organizers, donating their time, efforts and sometimes even their blood to ensure this year’s event was a huge success. And fortunately, no one left the building on a stretcher.

After opening ceremonies featuring the U. S. Border Patrol Color Guard, it was 33 year-old Lucy “The Law” Rivera (144 lbs.) from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security facing 29 year-old Alexis “The Iron Maiden” Gonzalez (141 lbs.) from the California Department of Corrections in Bout #1. Both young ladies were making their Amateur Boxing debut.

In this one, Rivera benefitted from her seven-inch height advantage and an obvious reach advantage which allowed her to pepper Gonzalez’s forehead with jabs each time she approached. That was the strategy until the “Iron Maiden” negated Rivera’s advantage by working even harder to get in close and pound Rivera’s midsection. Of course, her money punches were the straight right hands to the face with an occasional crowd-pleasing uppercut. The winner of this match was never in doubt as Gonzalez won by a unanimous decision.

You talk about a flashy entrance, Alexis “The Iron Maiden” Gonzalez was escorted to the ring by fellow maidens and three bigger than life ancient Roman Soldiers.

In round #1, we see Alexis Gonzalez (l) and Lucy Rivera (r) going through the measuring of distances and feeling out process.

Here’s that one punch Lucy Rivera wished she could have back. It landed square but it lacked sufficient power to knock Alexis Gonzalez off her feet.

From time to time the loser in a contest can also claim victory. Rivera, who has had multiple surgeries over the past three years is still trying to regain full use of one leg. She’s even traveled cross country for foot reconstruction. She couldn’t put any weight on her leg for a year and a half. Her most recent surgery took place in February of this year when she had hip surgery. On this bumpy road to recovery was the progression from wheelchair to a walker and on to crutches. She’s still in physical therapy and working to walk without a limp. Her ultimate goal is to run.

At first, Lucy learned to box while sitting on a bench and punching a bag. Saturday’s accomplishment was a personal victory; a goal that got her through the many difficult days. A way of moving forward and not looking back at what she has lost (namely, the running and being involved in triathlons, etc). She would be the first to tell you, “My thank you list is a long one.” 

Just after entering the ring for her fight with Alexis Gonzalez, Lucy Rivera came to the side of the ring where her parents and brother were sitting to acknowledge their presence and get their blessing. All photos: Jim Wyatt

Rivera can also lay claim to having the most popular ring entrance music which was an extension of her nickname – Lucy “The Law” Rivera. She went with the Bobby Fuller Group’s 1966 pop hit “I fought the Law and the Law won,” which had many in the crowd singing along. We’ve included a video of that singing group for all you nostalgia buffs.

In Bout #2, it was 23-year-old Rene “El Lobo” Saucedo (176 lbs.) from the California Department of Corrections going up against 27-year-old Jerimee “J Rock” Joyner (162.6 lbs.) of ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement). Both were making their Amateur Boxing debut.

In this match, Saucedo’s plan was to keep pressing forward by using his jab in combination with the straight right. Nothing fancy. 

His opponent, Joyner, was clearly the more skilled boxer. He adapted well to Saucedo’s aggression by being more elusive and mixing up his offense. His quicker hands plus superior punching power impressed the judges who scored every round in his favor.

(bottom, right) In Bout #2, it was Jerimee Joyner (r) of Immigration & Customs Enforcement getting the win over Rene “El Lobo” Saucedo of the California Department of Corrections. Photos: Jim Wyatt

In Bout #3, it was 29-year-old Miguel Casillas (194 lbs.) from the California Department of Corrections who lives in Alpine, CA going up against 36-year-old Jay “The Extinguisher” Stiles (202 lbs.) of the National City Fire Department. Once again, both boxers were making their Amateur Boxing debut.

In round #1, Stiles showed good movement and scored just enough with the jab and an occasional one, two combination to take round one. 

By round #2, Casillas had gained enough confidence to make his push. Since his punches were more accurate and Stiles began to hold, it was clear he had evened things up.

This made the third and final round oh so important. In this one, both boxers were going at it strong and Casillas caught Stiles square in the nose. Even with the blood trickling down, Stiles maintained his composure and became a sharpshooter who was able to potshot Casillas each time he came forward. As a result, the judges gave Stiles the nod.

Here we see Miguel Casillas unloading the powerful straight right that caused Jay Stiles’ nose to start bleeding.

(bottom) Referee Tony Crebs (c) raises Jay Stiles’ arm in victory. Showing good sportsmanship, Miguel Casillas (r) claps for his opponent.

In Bout #4, it was 38-year-old Mandel “Code 8” Estepa (169.2 lbs.) of the San Diego Police Department going up against 36-year-old Darrell “The Doctor” Roberts (178 lbs.) of the Chula Vista Fire Department who trained at the Bound Boxing Academy. Even though both boxers were making their Amateur Boxing debut, Estepa had some boxing pedigree, his father was a boxer in the Navy.

In round #1, we saw both boxers eating leather and walking right into punches. By the end of round two, it appeared Estepa was tiring and Roberts finished strong in their final exchange. 

Then, in the final round, all hell broke loose as each boxer did their utmost to close out this seesaw battle. In the end, the close decision went to Estepa.

It was uncanny how they kept throwing their punches at the very same time.

Bout #4 was a back and forth thriller and as such the final exchanges in round #3 likely decided the contest. (top, right) Mandel Estepa (r) has his arm raised in victory by referee Tony Crebs after defeating Darrell Roberts (l).

In Bout #5, it was 35-year-old Jay Jay Robles, a southpaw, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class Navy Destroyer U. S. S. Preble stationed in San Diego going up against 29-year-old Ezequiel Holguin of Chula Vista who works for Armored Car. Over the years, both boxers have trained with the trainer of champions, Carlos Barragan Jr. of the House of Boxing. For this fight, both boxers weighed exactly the same, 185 pounds, which made them cruiserweights.

In describing this fight, the word mismatch comes to light. Of all the matches, it is a wonder Robles didn’t put Holguin in the hospital. Robles, who had far more experience, did most everything right as if he were already battle tested in the Pro ranks. After being set up by the jab or done in by a combination, Holguin was right there, like a sitting duck, ripe for Robles’ devastating uppercuts. Watching Holguin take so much punishment, it is truly amazing he was able to last the full three rounds – simply amazing.

In round one, the feeling out round, Jay Jay Robles (r) gets hit by a solid left hook from Ezequiel Holguin that certainly got his attention.

Against Jay Jay Robles’ experience and skill set, Ezequiel Holguin had virtually no chance of defeating the taller lefty who already had 10 bouts in his resume.

(bottom) After his victory, Jay Jay Robles (c) was joined by his support group of trainers Greg Diaz (l) and Carlos Barragan Jr. (r). Photos: Jim Wyatt

Immediately following an intermission, Bout #6 featured an exhibition between JC “El Nino Feo” Meza and David “The Baby Faced Assassin” Cota, two youngsters currently in the National City CYAC boxing program.

Meza, the busier of the two, landed a ton of accurate blows while going toe to toe with Cota who wowed the crowd by repeatedly taking this one step back to deliver the heavier, more damaging blow to the head. At the conclusion of this match, both boxers received a ton of applause for their gritty performance. It’s a good thing the judges stayed clear of deciding this match because both youngsters had many, gung-ho followers.

Bout #6 featured an exhibition between J. C. “El Nino Feo” Meza and David “The Baby Faced Assassin” Cota, youngsters from the National City CYAC boxing program.

Bout #7 was an add-on match of two heavyweights, 20-year-old Adrian Neutz (211 lbs.) of Coronado, CA, who is a Navy rescue swimmer, going up against Carlos Fregoso (215 lbs.) of the U. S. Border Patrol who lives in El Cajon.

Novices to the sport, Neutz received two months of training at Victory MMA from Luis Rodriguez and Fregoso about the same at the Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista. Their match demonstrated how really difficult it is to become a boxer in such a short time. You can only grasp the basics. Honing those skills takes a lot longer. Since boxing is one of the most physically demanding sports, the better strategy would have been to first get fit.

As a result, Fregoso turned this match into a grasping, clinching and hugging match. Neutz would throw the first punch and then get tied up. As a result, Neutz won this match by way of his initial offering.

Bout #7 featured Adrian Neutz shown here having his arm raised in victory by referee Hondo Fontan. His opponent, Carlos Fregoso (r) is with the Border Patrol.

Bout #8, undoubtedly “the Bout of the Night,” featured a middleweight of 160 lbs. going toe to toe against a light heavyweight of 175 lbs.  The middleweight was a 33-year-old lifeguard by the name of Chris “Bam Bam” Pharo of Pacific Beach, who trains at Eddie Roa’s Pacific Training Center in La Jolla, CA. His opponent, the light heavyweight was Jay “El Verde” Vasquez of the U. S. Border Control.

From the moment this bout began, you could tell both men were warriors and neither was going to hold back. Every time you thought Pharo was about to stop Vasquez, back came Vasquez to even the score. The only way you could have had a winner was to extend this bout to possibly 15 rounds. When the judges’ scores were read, announcing the “Draw”, there was no aversion, hesitancy or disgust in either face, only mutual respect. Both men had been through a war and there was no definitive winner.

From the opening bell the bout between lifeguard Chris “Bam Bam” Pharo (r) and Border Patrol Agent Jay “El Verde” Vasquez had to be up for consideration for “the Bout of the Night”.

(top) With Jay Vasquez (l) resembling the late, great Junior Seau of the San Diego Chargers and Chris Pharo bearing a marked resemblance to actor Woody Harrelson, you could, if you were as ditzy as the author, imagine the megastars competing.

Bout #9 was “the most amusing bout of the show.” It featured two more first-timers, Jeanna “The Dark Horse” Carrillo (161.4 lbs.) from the U. S. Marshals Service going up against 28-year-old Rosalea “The Villain” Virata (157 lbs.) of the National City CYAC.

In her match, Carrillo introduced several innovations to the sport. Among the new techniques, she had this one maneuver where she clamped down hard on Virata’s right shoulder and then in rapid-fire succession punched her in the stomach. The only problem with this tactic, she was leaving her face unprotected which her opponent soon peppered with these vengeful, resentful, stinging blows. 

As far as having fun on Saturday, it’s doubtful anyone had as much fun as Carrillo just to be a part of the competition. No doubt, this charming young lady made everyone’s highlight reel. 

(top, left) Jeanna Carrilho (red headgear) has her hands down challenging her rival Rosalea Virata to bring it on. It appears she has invented her own style.

Before leaving the ring, the affable, fun-loving Jeanna Carrillo (r) visited the opposite corner for some well-wishing.

Bout #10 was another exhibition match between two accomplished and well-seasoned Amateurs from the CYAC boxing program, Ray “Rambo” Conley and Alexis “Vicious” Villareal.

After Conley ruled in Round #1, Villareal made his comeback in round #2. In the final round, the two young boxers went all out and though no winner was declared it appeared Villareal held the upper hand.

Bout #10 was an exhibition bout between Ray Conley (l) and Alexis Villareal.

Bout #11, the Main Event of the evening, was a match-up of heavyweights, 34 year-old Mbalaka “The Kenyan Peacemaker” Monololo (209.2 lbs.) from the National City Fire Department by way of the West African country of Ghana and 24 year-old George “Hurricane” Carter (210.4 lbs.) a graduate of  Will C. Crawford High School, San Diego and now a U. S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA.

Carter, the busier of the two in round one, landed the cleaner punches. Then, in round #2, as if he had been sandbagging in round one, Monololo became more aggressive and found the openings he wanted. One of his punches and overhand right caught Carter flush on the face and his nose started to bleed. 

In the final round, both boxers threw caution to the win and started throwing these thunderbolts. The appearance of the bloody nose and the hard power shots from Monololo certainly swayed the judges to award him the decision. With his country’s proud heritage in boxing, which includes boxing greats Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, and David Kotei, we should have known Monololo would be up for this challenge.

If you missed out on seeing this show, don’t make the same mistake next year.  These yearly Battle of the Badges Boxing Shows are jam-packed with exciting matches and of course, you can always expect the unexpected.