Page 40 - FOP Magazine March 2019

CPD boxers ready for revenge at Battle of the Badges
■ BY DAN CAMPANA
Feeling the sting of a two-year losing streak in the Battle of the Badges boxing showdown against the city’s firefighters, the CPD boxing team has its sights set on revenge on April 12.
The squad – with 32 members, including 10 female boxers – has been going strong in training since December, with a dedi- cated focus on not only taking back the Battle of the Badges title but also honoring the department’s fallen officers.
“It’s just a testament to the tremendous resolve of Chicago Police Officers,” coach and boxing committee member Nathan- iel Myles said. “We’re the fighting pride of CPD.”
The 15th annual Battle of the Badges returns to De La Salle Institute for Friday night fights in April, as police officers and firefighters write the next chapter in their friendly sports rival- ry. CFD Bravest has posted back-to-back victories in the multi- fight extravaganza for charity, but CPD is poised to rebound.
Myles, a nine-year CPD veteran who works in Englewood, heaped praise on the fighters, who train after nights on the job and get their workouts in before gearing up for a shift. While that makes it challenging to get everyone together at once, Myl- es can’t help but be proud of the dedication each boxer exhibits.
The motivation for it all is honoring Commander Paul Bauer and Officers Samuel Jimenez, Conrad Gary and Eduardo Mar- molejo. When the crowd packs De La Salle, a variety of chari- ties supporting the families of first responders lost in the line of duty will benefit. An undeniably tragic 2018 for CPD is on the minds of many.
“At the end of the day, there are some guys that aren’t with us anymore,” Myles explained. “These (boxers) hold that on their
backs, too. We’re doing this to honor our brothers.”
And so they prepare at Chicago Park District gyms and a sub- urban boxing club under the watchful eye of several coaches, including Myles. He’s seen the entire roster spar and has even gone toe-to-toe with a few to get a feel for their technique, style
and attack.
“I actually get in the ring with some of these officers,” Myles
said, acknowledging that he’s taken a few shots in the process. “This year, we’re looking good. This year, we’re a little more pre- pared. They want it.”
With a mix of returning and new fighters, Myles said the men- tal preparation for fight night is just as important as the physical work. Fans turned out in droves to fill the fieldhouse last year, bringing the noise from the first bell to the final victorious fist being raised. While a great scene in many ways, Myles does his best to prepare first-time fighters for it all.
“The electricity. The roaring. The yelling. The crowds you see at Battle of the Badges, the energy you get, you won’t see that anywhere else,” Myles offered.
That’s why Myles is encouraging boxers to find their “mental fortitude” and weather the storm after the juice and anxiety hits them in the ring.
“You have to hunker down and remember your training...just like on the streets,” Myles said.
Although Myles won’t divulge much about the CPD’s plan, he said anyone looking for a family-friendly night of fun for a great cause should pick up tickets to see what the CPD fighters have in store.
“The blue wave is coming,” Myles declared. “You’re gonna have a good time.”
40 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2019