The FDNY and NYPD Clash in the Battle of the Badges Tonight
Friday night, March 31, 2023, The Battle of the Badges features the FDNY Bravest Boxing and the NYPD Fighting Finest, as they lace up their gloves and step inside the ring at Terminal 5 in Manhattan to compete for bragging rights. In addition to department bragging rights, Battle of the Badges is a charity event focused on raising money for Tunnel to Towers and NYC Cops & Kids Boxing. This is the first time the event is being held since 2015. 11 bouts are scheduled to take place in front of a sold-out crowd. Doors open at 7 PM and the first bout is expected to begin at approximately 8:15 PM. The live stream will air on VarsityMedia.net.
Conor McGregor, the UFC superstar and founder of Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey donated a million dollars to Tunnel to Towers earlier this month.
The Battle of the Badges is proudly presented by The Ford Motor Company. Before the fighters touch gloves, the National Anthem will be performed by PO Heather Austin. The main event is scheduled for James Gennari of FDNY Ladder 24 and Jovanny Concepcion of NYPD 14 Midtown South in a heavyweight bout. The co-main event is between two tough and scrappy middleweights, Sean Dillon of FDNY Engine 283 and Michael Damiani of MTA PD.
The Battle of the Badges 2023 will help benefit injured and fallen members of the military and first responders and their families. USMC Cpl. Todd Nicely was leading his 1st Squad Infantrymen back from security patrol in Afghanistan when he triggered an IED. He lost both legs and both arms in the blast, becoming a quadruple amputee. He lost both legs above the knee, the right arm at the elbow, and the left one at the wrist.
Cpl Nicley was motivated to join the military after America was attacked on September 11, 2001. Tunnel to Towers, with the help of everyone donating and fundraising, is able to help individuals and their families with mortgage-free homes. USMC Cpl Todd Nicely is a recipient of a Smart Home in Imperial, Missouri which was dedicated on March 19, 2020.
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Nicole Malpeso and Nisa Rodriguez will make history Friday night as they become the first female bout to take place between the FDNY and NYPD. Malpeso is fighting out of FDNY Engine 76 and Rodriguez will be fighting out of NYPD 1st PCT. This Super Welterweight match-up. Rodriguez is an 8x-Golden Gloves Champion while Malpeso boasts an amateur record of 15-5. These two women have fought previously on other promotions and the outcome was in favor of Rodriguez.
Battle for the Badges was originally slated for 12 fights but due to a Line of Duty injury bout #12 was cancelled.
In the main event, two heavyweights with the power to end anyone’s night early will keep fans on their feet. James Gennari (FDNY LAD. 24) and Jovanny Concepcion (NYPD 14 Midtown South) is a fight you don’t want to blink during. Their size and speed generate potential highlight reel finishes.
In the co-main event, Sean Dillon (FDNY Eng. 283) is expected to use his long reach and height as an advantage to work the stiff jab. His opponent, Michael Damiani (MTA PD) is a tough fighter expected to get inside of Dillon’s reach using his quick feet.
Fabian Zavala of the FDNY Ladder 6 will be exchanging gloves with “Gotham’s Finest” Kevin Young of the NYPD 120th PCT. Zavala is looking to land the hammer against his foe to keep all belts wrapped around his waist as he takes on Young. Young will have to pepper Zavala early and often if he wants to shift the current in his favor. Can “Gotham’s Finest” play the underdog role and pull out the W on behalf of his brothers and sisters in Blue?
Tune into varsitymedia.net to watch the fights live as Kyle Carroll (Carroll’s Corner MMA Podcast), Danny Massa (FDNY), and Dave Siev (NYPD) bring you all the action. The USA Boxing Metro will be the sanctioning body for this event. If you can and are willing to support the cause, check out and donate to Tunnel to Towers and NYC Cops & Kids Boxing.
FIGHT CARD:
Bout 1 – Julian Gonzalez (EMS ST. 17) vs. Anthony Santos (NYPD 40th PCT.)
Bout 2 – Matt Blewitt (FDNY ENG. 48) vs. Andrew Serrano (NYPD 69th PCT.)
Bout 3 – Oliver Petruch (EMS TRG UNIT) vs. EMMANUAL LEDESMA (NYPD 44th PCT.)
Bout 4 – Danny Quinn (FDNY LAD. 9) vs. Jesse Peterford (NYPD 61st PCT.)
Bout 5 – Evan Bakel (FDNY LAD. 38) vs. Rob Cruz (NYPD ESU)
Bout 6 – Nicole Malpeso (FDNY ENG. 76) vs. Nisa Rodriguez (NYPD 1st PCT.)
Bout 7 – Fabian Zavala (FDNY LAD. 6) vs. Kevin Young (NYPD 120th PCT.)
Bout 8 – Andrew Tanzi (FDNY LAD. 174) vs. Abe Ahmed (Communications Division)
Bout 9 – Jeffery Barreau (FDNY ENG. 218) vs. Frank Russo (Chief of Department)
Bout 10 – Sean Dillon (FDNY ENG. 283) vs. Michael Damiani (MTA PD)
Bout 11 – James Gennari (FDNY LAD. 24) vs. Jovanny Concepcion (NYPD 14 MIDTOWN SOUTH)
