Public Safety Pros Seek Amateur Boxing Tournament

Special Use Permit Sought for Battle in the Desert Amateur Boxing Tournament

CATHEDRAL CITY — For more than five years boxing enthusiasts have gathered in this community to cheer on participants in the annual Amateur Boxing Tournament. In 2021, the high-energy sparring event sold out with 800 tickets.

Organizers are looking to hold a repeat performance this year from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. They are seeking a Special Use Permit from the City Council when it meets Wednesday at City Hall.

Produced by Jesus Gonzalez, an officer with the Cathedral City Police Department, the “Coachella Valley Battle in the Desert” is an annual amateur boxing tournament geared towards those who work in the public safety professions.

The event is sanctioned by USA Boxing, and it encourages law enforcement officers and public safety personnel to compete in the sport of boxing. Some of the proceeds generated go to local charities. The event will take place for the
first time at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater in Downtown Cathedral City.

The boxing event would be open to the public with a paid admission. Food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be sold. Proceeds of the admission and concessions will benefit the organizer. The organizer is asking the City Council to sponsor the Special Use Permit application fee of $510.

Boxing is hugely popular across the world, according to NYFights.com. Millions of people are gripped by fights in all weight divisions and thousands more take part in competitions on a professional and amateur basis. As video games have become commonplace, the sport’s popularity has been replicated in the virtual world.