Police, firefighters and military go toe-to-toe in the boxing ring

Police officers, firefighters and members of the Military from across Southern California went toe-to-toe in the boxing ring Saturday night.

“The Battle of the Badges,” held at the Agua Caliente Casino raised money the organization Cops 4 Kids & Communities, which helps at-risk youth.

“Pretty much the entire public safety family getting in the ring and throwing down for charity,” said executive director and event founder Jeff Penn.

In the blue corner, Cathedral City’s own officer Luis “The Young Gun” Lomboy.

“For one night I get to step in there and feel what Manny Pacquaio and Tim Bradley get to feel and it’s awesome,” he said.

Honoring their fallen heroes, boxers and fans paid tribute to Cathedral City police officer Jermaine Gibson who died in the line of duty last year.

“It’s heart warming knowing that a year’s gone by and he’s being remembered and tribute is still being paid to him,” said Lomboy.

The journey leading up to the fight for these boxers and MMA fighters wasn’t taken lightly.

“These guys spend four to five months training for this,” said Penn.

“I’d go in, train and go to work. There were days I was getting only three to four hours of sleep,” said

Like any matchup, fans hoped to see “some good fights and knockouts.”

Months of dedication, to fight for the fallen but not forgotten.

“I feel I’ve got big shoes to fill. I’ve got to represent for my friend Jermaine. That’s what I’m out here to do,” said Lomboy.

A good reason to put himself on the line benefit a good cause.