Rev up the St. Patrick’s Day vibes as the FDNY’s finest throw down with global counterparts in the inaugural International Brawl of the Badges, courtesy of Bud Light, right in the heart of The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Mark your presence on Thursday, March 14, 2024, 7 PM sharp. Watch as New York’s bravest swap fire hoses for boxing gloves, squaring up against their fire-fighting brethren from locales as diverse as Colorado to the distant shores of England. Grab your tickets, they’re flying off the shelves as we speak.
The rallying cry of the FDNY boxing squad? “Challenge us anytime, anywhere… just make sure it’s for a worthy cause.” Staying true to their creed, the night’s takings will bolster the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a beacon of support for the military and first responders making monumental sacrifices for the nation. The foundation pays homage to Stephen Siller, a hero who, on that fateful day of September 11, made the ultimate sacrifice in the Twin Towers, charging through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on his quest to save lives.
This year shines a spotlight on NYPD Detective Scot Abrams, a figure of resilience. A tragic twist during a 2007 funeral procession left him battling paralysis. Yet, through sheer determination, Abrams clawed back the ability to speak, eat, and walk, albeit with aids. Now, this Massapequa native lends his voice to inspire, engaging in talks on behalf of the police force.
Since its 1982 inception, the FDNY Bravest Boxing Team, a collective of firefighters from New York’s various fire stations, steal moments from their hero’s schedule to train for these intense showdowns. The night promises a thrilling lineup of 15 bouts, each stretching over three rounds, all under the watchful eye of USA Metro Boxing.
Bobby McGuire, the esteemed NYC Metro Champion, World Police-Fire Games gold medalist, and the current helmsman of the FDNY boxing league, teases, “Prepare for a spectacle of pugilistic prowess on March 14th. We’re all about kindling departmental pride while duking it out for charity. Expect a night brimming with heart and hustle for a cause that hits close to home.”
Join in, cheer on these everyday heroes from the US and the UK as they duke it out for glory and goodwill. Secure your spot at the International Brawl of the Badges via Ticketmaster or swing by the box offices at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre.