NEW JERSEY COPS ■ JULY 2014
49
Local 197 Executive Board holds the ropes before the fights begin.
Burlington County Corrections Local 249 members prepare for
battle.
Making the upper cut
Perhaps the reason why more Locals don’t attempt such a
lofty event is because of the number of fighters who “kiss the
canvas” before fight night even approaches. Throughout the
months preparing to enter the ring, fighters succumb to injury,
underestimate the time commitment that training requires, or
decide they might want to wait another year before taking a jab
at an actual boxing match. But for those who put in the time and
effort and make it to fight night, the thrill is unparalleled.
“We had a full DJ and the president of USA Boxing called out
the announcements and the fights,” Markowski illustrated. “We
had great support from the different Locals in the area; Burlington County Corrections (Local 249) even brought a party bus up
with them. And for every fight, we bought boxing belts and put
our sponsors on them to give to the winners.”
The main event
Standing opposite Teller in the ring is Juan Camacho of the
Essex County Juvenile Detention Center. For six months, Teller
has been training at Grier’s gym four-to-five-times per week, in
addition to solo running and cardio, all leading up to this night.
The bell rings.
“During the fight, I was focusing on my training and what
punch I’m going to throw next,” recalled Teller. “My problem is
CONTINUED ON PAGE 50
1st Bout: Wendell Oms, West New York Police Department Local
361 (winner) vs. Brian Caramucci, North Bergen Police Department Local 18