Two firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) were defeated after travelling to New York for a ‘Battle of the Badges’ charity boxing match at Madison Square Garden.
In the first such event since 1987, Dominik Burridge and Shane Mendoza of the LFB faced off against the New York Fire Department (FDNY) and the Denver Fire Department.
The contest, which also featured boxers from the fire department of the Republic of Ireland, was organised to raise money for several American firefighter charities, with the event raising $50,000.
Unfortunately, cruiserweight Mendoza of North Kensington Blue Watch was defeated by Sam Kelly of FDNY Engine 1, while heavyweight Burridge of Fulham Green Watch lost out to a split decision which went against him.
Overall, just over half of the 14 total bouts went the way of FDNY and the American firefighters.
Charlie Beatt, firefighter and coach of the LFB’s boxing team, said: “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.”
Featured image credit: Benjamin Dicker
Join the discussion