On Feb. 28, Bakersfield’s finest were on display at the Dome Arena. The Peace Officers and Firefighters of Kern County put on their third boxing event of the year. All of the event’s proceeds contribute to local charities.
Not to be confused with “Battle of the Badges,” this event was named “Guns and Hoses.” Contrary to popular belief, this event is not a “cops vs. firefighters” battle. In some cases there were boxers that squared off against fellow officers.
The boxing ring was surrounded by chairs, which were mostly occupied by the families of the fighters. Outside of that there were stadium seats which were quick to fill up with fans. There were correctional officers, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and Porterville cops throughout the entire venue.
Leonard Castaneda is the director of all of the charity events put on by the board of Peace Officers and Firefighters of Kern County. Castaneda is a Parole Service Associate here in Bakersfield.
“This event benefits the Kern County Sheriff’s Activity League and the American Cancer Society,” said Castaneda. “It is 100% charity.”
Judges for the event were John Roberts, Larry Guttierrez, Andrew Rhoades, Connie Gipson, Andrian Norman and Ruben Gonzalez, all of whom are local contributors to the Kern County Sheriff’s Activity League. Fights were scheduled for three three-minute rounds each.
The crowd seemed to fire up as soon as the first fighter, Jason Drake, entered the ring. After being introduced by ring announcer, Barry Bolton, Drake was accompanied by his trainers down toward the ring to LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out.” The energy in the arena never seemed to dissipate from that moment on.
The first two bouts were kickboxing fights and offered some variety for the fans. The first bout between Jason Drake and Anthony Gonzalez ended in a draw, which was answered by the fans’ boos. The second kickboxing bout ended with Abraham Talaz being forced to throw in the towel after the second round due to a left leg injury sustained during the fight against Maurio Mejia.
The third fight of the evening, and first boxing match, was a ladies match between Silvia Cordero and Teresa Bianco. Cordero won in a split decision.
After the fight, both ladies hugged in the middle of the ring, displaying a symbol of sportsmanship. All of the fighters showed respect to their opponent after each fight.
Adam Blanks displayed quickness and put on a show for the fans during the fourth fight, yet was defeated by Rodrigo Espinoza in a split decision. Espinoza was able to slow his opponent down with his relentless jabs.
The fifth bout ended with Nick Esparza defeating Hilberto Flores by referee stoppage. Efrain Alvarez defeated Anthony Florez in the sixth fight.
Both of these matches were filled with displays of body shots and haymakers. At this point of the night boxing fans had seen just about every facet of the game, but were in store for two great final matches.
The crowd was most excited during the seventh fight. Jessey Esposito won by unanimous decision over Jessie Alvarez.
Esposito was quick to thank his trainers and corner men after the fight.
“They’re basically the brains” said Esposito. “I just have to trust the training.”
Esposito has won every one of his fights in his “Battle of the Badges” career. Even though his confidence level is up it doesn’t make it any easier for his girlfriend, Katina Fruguglietti, to watch from the stands.”It’s horrible,” said Fruguglietti. “It doesn’t help at all that he’s never lost.”
She explained how it is difficult for her and his mother to watch as he fights in the ring.”I am very proud of him but terrified at the same time.”
When asked if it affects him and his concentration, Esposito said, “It’s a different kind of pressure. I just have to believe that the technique will keep me safe.”
In the main event both Andrew Trujillo and Marlen Juarez landed vicious punches. The fight ended in a draw.
In between rounds and fights there were round card girls, music playing, girls throwing out t-shirts and other prizes and lots of crowd involvement. Each round was started by the traditional ring of the bell. There was also an after party in the building next to the Dome.
The correctional officers, firefighters and BPD will be playing in a charity football game against the Chicago law enforcement team on May 3.