Impressive Medal Tally for Police Boxing Team at International Event
November 13, 2024 | by Nabillah Akhtar
A delegation of 35 boxers, coaches, and officials recently attended the International Police Activities League Boxing Championships in Oxnard, California, returning with an impressive collection of medals.
The team secured a total of seven gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals, along with the honour of finishing as the second-best team overall. Notably, the squad’s two female boxers, Safiya Herish and Chloe Dunn, were each named ‘Best Boxer of the Tournament’ in their respective categories (schools and junior divisions).
The cohort was led by Peterborough Police Amateur Boxing Club, in collaboration with the Community Police Club of Great Britain. This partnership includes Dagenham Police and Community Club, as well as, Sheffield City BC, all of whom competed between September 30th and October 5th.
The international event saw participation from over 800 boxers, including athletes from 16 US states and entries from nine other countries, such as Mexico, Hawaii, Ukraine, Fiji, various South American nations, and the UK. The Police Team UK comprised 25 boxers, representing both novice and open classes.
During the tournament, the team had the chance to meet several legends of the sport, including former professional champions Victor Ortiz and Virgil Hill. Ortiz, a former world champion who later pursued a Hollywood career, and Hill, an Olympic silver medallist and multi-weight world champion, now serving as an official.
Peterborough Police boxer Safiya Herish emerged victorious in her bouts, earning a gold medal, which was presented by professional boxer Iyana Verduzco (2-0), a three-time international gold medallist and 21-time national champion, also known as ‘Right Hook Roxy.’
The team also trained at Danny Garcia’s gym, where they sparred with professional boxer Ernesto Mercado. However, in the quarter-finals, their boxer faced Daniel Mercado and, despite a strong effort, suffered a narrow defeat.
The standout bout of the tournament featured 15-year-old Reggie Baker, who took on Mexico’s top-ranked Gael Sarminento. Despite having only a year of boxing experience, Baker faced the seasoned opponent, who boasts an impressive record of 148 bouts with just six losses. Undeterred by the challenge, Baker delivered a stellar performance, winning the second round on all five judges’ scorecards. The match was a toe-to-toe contest until the final bell, with Sarminento narrowly securing the victory. Nonetheless, Baker can take great pride in what was his best fight to date.
Special thanks go to the schools that supported these young athletes in pursuing this life-changing opportunity: Nene Park Academy, Stanground Academy, Manor Drive, Peterborough Regional College, Jack Hunt School in Peterborough, as well as the participating schools in Sheffield and the Dagenham area.
