9th Annual Thrilla in Camilla Set for June 13

By Katie McFadden

“We’ll fight anyone, …anywhere…anytime… as long as it’s for a good cause” is the motto for the FDNY Bravest Boxing Team, and on Friday, June 13, that anyone will be Ireland at the 9th Annual Thrilla in Camilla at St. Camillus.

FDNY Bravest Boxing was established in 1982, beginning when Ms. Pat Bausbacker of the NY Telephone Company was putting together a fundraising event. She called FDNY Lt. Manny Fernandez and asked if five firefighters would box five police officers for charity. Lt. Fernandez took it from there and the first ever Battle of the Badges was born. For years, they had an annual event facing just NYPD Fighting Finest, but FDNY Boxing has spread its wings since then. When Lt. Fernandez wanted to pass the torch, Firefighter Bobby McGuire took over the reins, becoming the club’s promoter and president since 2002. Under McGuire, FDNY Boxing has expanded and taken on teams across the world. He created the “International Battle of the Badges” held each year at Madison Square Garden and started the annual Thrilla in Camilla.

With the future of St. Camillus being up in the air since the announcement of its impending closure at the end of the year, this year’s Thrilla in Camilla could be the last. After all, there can’t be a Thrilla in Camilla without the Camilla. “It may be the last year,” McGuire told The Rockaway Times. “We’ll get through this one and then worry about what comes next. We’ll have to find another place that allows us to sell beer and have fights.”

So, McGuire is making sure next Friday’s Thrilla will be one for the books. FDNY Boxing will once again be taking on Garda Síochána Boxing Club, Ireland’s national police force. There will be 12 bouts throughout the night, right under the stars. In a rematch they’ve been waiting for, Kyle McGrath of FDNY EMS Station 15 will be taking on Jack McHugh. There will also be a great battle between Sean Dillon of Engine Co. 283 vs. Darragh Gilroy.  Danny Quinn, a Rockaway guy from FDNY Ladder 9, will fight Finn McKeown. James Henarri of Ladder 24 will take on Iaon O’Connor. In a female matchup, Nicole Malpeso of FDNY Engine 158 takes on Shauna Kearney of the Garda. There will also be bouts against more local opponents. Chris Puch of Ladder 9 faces DSNY’s Antonio Burgess. Matt Kelly of FDNY Squad 270 will fight James Koesterer from Pro-fit Boxing Club, and Dan Palmieri of Ladder 169 will take on Craig Serino from the Massport, ME Fire Department. Matt Competello will announce the fights. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the activities begin at 7 p.m.

What’s the good cause? As for many years, this year’s Thrilla will once again benefit Tunnel To Towers. During intermission, McGuire hopes to present a $50K check to Stephen Siller, the son of the late firefighter Stephen Siller, whose family started Tunnel To Towers to provide mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes in need. Alongside him will be this year’s honoree, Scott Nokes of New Jersey. Nokes had served with the U.S. Marines, deploying twice to Afghanistan. From the conditions of his missions, Nokes suffered from dysentery and aggravated stomach issues. He dreamed of joining the FDNY, but his stomach issues landed him in the hospital with septic shock in 2016. As an unfortunate side effect of life-saving medication, Nokes’ legs had to be amputated below the knee and he lost most of his vision. Tunnel To Towers helps heroes like Nokes. “This event will bring us to over $250K donated to Tunnel To Towers just over the last two years,” McGuire said.

The event will include some other special appearances. FDNY Emerald Society pipe band will perform. The Three Connolly Sisters will sing the National Anthem. Mary Courtney will sing the Irish National Anthem. Former professional Irish fighters “Derry Destroyer” John Duddy and Seamus McDonagh will also make an appearance.

Drinks and food will be available for purchase, including pizza from a converted pizza truck and Tunnel To Towers’ $5 all-you-can-eat buffet. There will also be cigars available for purchase and 50/50 tickets for sale. “Last year’s winner took home more than $20K,” McGuire said.

The event is sponsored by iVisit Media. Gold Sponsors also include Plummers Local 1, UFA, Local 79, The Wharf, Pilot House and Bungalow Bar. Plenty of other local business have also chipped in including Bronze sponsors, such as The Graybeards, Atlantic Service, In Good Company, Harbor Light, Adrienne’s, Marlowe’s Jewelry, The Wicked Monk, Steamfitters Local 638, and Fan sponsors, including Jamesons, Pico, Rogers, Baldoria Restaurant, PIA Trucking, Knock It Out Construction, Kennedy’s, Healy’s Pub and the Belle Harbor Yacht Club. “Without the generosity of places like that, an event like this simply could not be held,” McGuire said.

This year’s Black and Blue After-Party will be held at The Wharf on Beach 116th and the bayside, right after the event. And after fighting Ireland, FDNY Boxing will show the team some hospitality by treating them to a beach day and some bayside activities like water skiing and tubing, plus lunch at the Bungalow Bar on Sunday, June 15. “We gotta be gracious hosts,” McGuire said.

Tickets for Thrilla in Camilla cost $30 for general admission, $50 for ringside and a few VIP tables are available for $100 per person. Tickets are available at www.fdnyboxing.org or at the gate. Don’t forget to grab an event t-shirt, as all sales allow FDNY Boxing to keep participating in charitable fights throughout the year. For more information about other events, make sure to follow FDNY Boxing on Facebook and @fdnyboxing on Instagram.