Maplewood, MN – The annual Battle of the Badges charity boxing event returns to The Myth on Saturday, April 12, 2025, promising another thrilling night of action, heart, and purpose. Hosted by Element Gym and Firefighters United, this event features firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other first responders stepping into the ring for a good cause.
The doors will open at 6 PM with the action set to begin at 7 PM. Myth Live is located at 3090 Southlawn Drive, St Paul, Minnesota 55109.
Founded on the principle of uniting communities and first responders through friendly competition, Battle of the Badges goes beyond the ropes. Every bout helps raise funds for a deserving individual or cause in need. This year’s proceeds will go directly to Lisa Zumwalde, a longtime Ramsey County emergency dispatcher who is courageously battling a rare and aggressive form of metastatic ocular cancer.
Diagnosed in 2015, Lisa has faced her journey with strength and resilience. Now enrolled in a clinical trial, she continues to work when she can, but treatment requires frequent travel to Mayo Clinic and extended time away. The boxing community and first responder family are rallying behind her with this year’s show.
The Fighters
The lineup is stacked with men and women who serve their communities daily—and who’ve taken on the added challenge of climbing into the ring. Some are first-timers, others are returning competitors. All are fighting for something bigger than themselves.
• Firefighter Cody (St. Paul Fire) returns after earning “Fight of the Night” honors last year. He’ll look to bring the same energy this time around.
• Officer Mailia Yaung (SPPD) is stepping in for the challenge, the camaraderie, and the cause—bringing years of patrol and tactical experience with her.
• Firefighter Leon Chambers (Bloomington) sees the event as a way to boost fitness and community engagement.
• Officer Stephen Nuah (SPPD) is fulfilling a longtime dream of stepping in the ring while representing law enforcement.
• Firefighter Larry Sanchez (Minneapolis) says boxing, like life, is about overcoming challenges. Off-duty, he’s also an actor with a growing resume.
• Officer Tyler Kroll (St. Louis Park PD) calls this his “bucket list fight,” returning to competition after recovering from a serious Jiu Jitsu injury.
• Firefighter Celeste Sawyers (St. Paul Fire) will be fighting in honor of her sister, who passed away two years ago—making this a deeply personal bout.
• Paramedic Brendan Wind (HCMC) returns for a second year, finding both therapy and purpose in the ring.
• EMT Justin Rauenhorst (North Memorial) brings a Muay Thai background into his first boxing bout.
Other fighters include representatives from Hennepin County JDC, Edina and New Prague Fire, Minneapolis and St. Paul Fire Departments, and more—each with their own stories, reasons, and drive.
Whether you’re a boxing fan, a supporter of local first responders, or simply want to be part of something meaningful, Battle of the Badges 2025 is worth showing up for.
Get your tickets now or learn more including how to participate at www.tcbattleofthebadges.org. Fighters of all skill levels, genders, and ages are welcome to get involved.
You must be logged in to post a comment.