Two London firefighters have taken part in the third International Battle of the Badges charity boxing match at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The evening’s events saw New York and American firefighters in the red corner, facing off against their counterparts from US police departments, as well as international challengers from London Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland, in the blue corner.
The Brigade’s Dominik Burridge and Shane Mendoza were selected to represent London against their American counterparts. Cruiserweight Shane, from North Kensington Blue Watch, was matched up against Sam Kelly from New York Fire Department’s (FDNY) Engine 1. Meanwhile light heavyweight Dominik, from Fulham Green Watch, was pitted against Gavin Conner from the Denver Fire Department.
Photo credit: Benjamin Dicker
Sadly, victory was not on the cards for the Brigade on this occasion. Dominik found himself on the wrong end of a split decision and Shane lost against a more experienced boxer. Overall, just over half of the 14 bouts across the evening were won by the FDNY and the American firefighters.
Regardless of the outcome, it was an opportunity for the Brigade to support the FDNY in their efforts to raise money for several American firefighter charities, with the event raising $50,000.
This is believed to be the first-time firefighters from London and New York have officially clashed in almost 40 years. In 1987 firefighters from both services met in the ring at a charity event hosted by the Brigade in Bloomsbury.
Photo credit: Benjamin Dicker
Firefighter Charlie Beatt, coach of the Brigade’s boxing team, said: “It has been an amazing opportunity for the Brigade’s boxing team to be invited to take part in this event, facing up against the best New York has to offer.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work that Dominik and Shane put into preparing for their bouts, and while we didn’t win, they showed the determination you find in every London firefighter.
“Now it is all about what comes next, and what a potential rematch might look like in the future.”
Boxing isn’t just about exercise and competitions for the Brigade, as it also provides an opportunity to reach out to young people across London. LFB Boxing offers a 10-week programme focused on coaching, positive role modelling and regular exercise for young people. Led by Firefighter Beatt, the club are seeking to develop the boxing outreach programme across London and strengthen the existing activity in the London Borough of Croydon. This includes transforming a space at one of the Brigade’s fire stations in the borough into a community boxing gym. Boxing clubs that have facilities and can assist in helping set up this worthwhile scheme are encouraged to get in touch.