US NAVY CROSS RECIPIENT & BOXING CHAMPIONS ADDED TO LIST OF ATTENDEES July 21, 2012
Navy Cross Recipient Cpl Christopher Farias; Boxers Randy “El Matador” Caballero, Steve “The Mongoose” Quinonez, Israel “Magnifico” Vasquez, and Danny Little Red” Lopez confirmed.
Rancho Mirage, CA – Cops 4 Kids & Communities and Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa present Battle of the Badges “Fallen But Not Forgotten” on Saturday, July 21, 2012. This charity boxing event promises to be a knockout as police officers, correctional officers, fire fighters, members of the US Armed Forces and other public safety members go head to head to raise money for Cops 4 Kids & Communities and other worthy charitable organizations while paying tribute to our fallen heroes.
Cops 4 Kids & Communities will pay special tribute to Officer Jermaine Gibson of the Cathedral Police Department. On Saturday, March 19, 2011, Officer Jermaine Gibson was killed in a high-speed chase after his patrol car left the road and collided with a tree
Jermaine Gibson, 29, had been a police officer in Cathedral City for 18 months. He was a decorated Marine veteran, having been awarded the Purple Heart for his service during two tours in Iraq.
Cops 4 Kids & Communities will also be honoring Corporal Christopher Farias. Corporal Christopher B. Farias, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, was awarded the nation’s second highest award for bravery. Farias suffered a concussion and fragmentation wounds in the neck and shoulder and received hasty treatment for his wounds before directing medical care for the other Marines. After securing the wounded, Farias climbed to a rooftop and controlled the fire of the machine guns to suppress ennemy positions.
The suppressive fires kept the enemy down and allowed the squad to treat the wounded, clear a landing zone, and evacuate the casualties. Farias remained with his squad until an airstrike ended the engagement. Corporal Farias is a true Hero.
Other Special guests include Coachella Valley’s very own Randy “El Matador” Caballero who recently won the WBC Youth Intercontinental Super Bantamweight Title.
Also scheduled to appear is hometown boxing champion Steve “The Mongoose” Quinonez. Quinonez holds the UBF Lightweight Title, WBB Lightweight Title, WBC Lightweight Title and NABF Lightweight title.
Spectators will also have a chance to meet the great Israel “Magnifico” Vasquez (Won 44 (KO 32) lost 5), Armando “El Hombre” Muniz (44-14 /30 KO) and Pound for pound one of the best fighters to grace the canvass, Danny Little Red” Lopez ( 42 victories (39 by way of knockout) and 6 loses.
The Venue
“Fallen But Not Forgotten” Battle of the Badges will be held at “The Show” at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, near Palm Springs.
This magnificent property is located just seven miles from Palm Springs international Airport and 130 miles East of Los Angeles off Interstate 10 at Bob Hope Drive and Ramon Road. The Show offers 2,028 seats comfortably spaced across four levels, and regularly features concerts by headline entertainers. The resort’s hotel features 340 luxury rooms at affordable prices, plus a gorgeous pool, spa, fine dining and of course, 24-hour gaming in a setting that is safe, comfortable, and elegant. More information can be found at HotWaterCasino.com.
The Fighters
The brave participants who will pay their respects are the men and women of public safety who often go unheralded for their everyday sacrifices to make us all a little safer. “It is truly amazing to see the courage and dedication these fighters have for this event year after year,” said Jeff Penn, Executive Director and Founder of So Cal Battle of the Badges. Each peace officer will take on their brief role of “prizefighter” very seriously and face off in their amateur bouts hoping to have their hand raised in victory.
The Charitable Organization
Cops 4 Kids & Communities is a non-profit organization founded by Law Enforcement officers and community members throughout Southern California who shared the vision of bringing opportunity and positive relationships to at-risk and underprivileged youth living in impoverished neighborhoods. Cops 4 Kids & Communities utilizes tried and tested programs and techniques that have been very successful at reclaiming even the most challenging children.
All of C4KC’s programs are conducted in a structured environment in which kids are valued and adolescents are considered resources rather than problems for their community. “As you can imagine, nonprofits and schools are facing a fundraising crisis right now,” said Jeff Penn. “This event allows us the opportunity to provide low cost entertainment for the many boxing fans with the added bonus of raising money for our youth programs. “We are doing this without asking for a direct donation from people during these economic times and financial uncertainty.”
In the main event, Jamaal “Silent Knight” Brathwaite from the Orange County Sheriff Department seeks to remain undefeated in his bout against Los Angelas Sheriff Deputy, Brain Stevens. These two heavyweights will go toe to toe in what promises to
be a war from start to finish.
In the Co-Main event, Janie “Rockstar” Cozine from the San Bernardino Police Department will be entering her third amateur fight (3-0) and will face a very tough Selina Velasquez from the Morongo Patrol Public Safety unit.
Highlighting the 15 undercard bouts, Jorge Salazar from the Riverside County Sheriff Department and Mario Alonzo from the Department of Corrections-Ironwood, lace up their gloves for what many believe will be the fight of the night.
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa “The Show” Event Center
32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.
July 21, 2012, Doors open 5:15 PM, First Bout 6:00 PM
Ringside $35 Gen. Ad. $25
Tickets are available online at StarTickets.com or by calling, 1-800-585-3737.
For additional Information, please contact Jeff Penn at 951-658-2677.