NASHUA – In the heat of the ring at Nashua Community College on Thursday, boxers took to their starting position from their red or blue corners, raising their gloves above their mouthguards and charged forward to go head-to-head at the loud clang of the ringside bell.

The Nashua and Manchester Police Athletic Leagues conducted the 2019 Saint Paddy’s Day Rumble before a crowd of at least 400. The saw police officers and firefighters facing off in a battle for the Toughest Fighter belt.

To start the event, Junior division boxers competed during the course of three rounds. These athletes consisted of youth members from both Nashua and Manchester PAL.

A total of 13 bouts took place during the night, starting with young novice boxers and leading up to the more experienced fighters.

The card began with Jayden Maldonado from Nashua PAL versus Braden Littlefield from Cugno Boxing.

The final boxing matches featuring police officers and firefighters showcased Nashua’s Dan Hayden versus Manchester’s Jeremy Ward, Manchester’s Michael Bergeron versus Nashua’s William Adamson, Nashua’s Chris Marich versus Nashua’s Tom Newman and, lastly, Manchester’s Adam Langlois vs. Nashua’s Joseph Derusha.

“I’m glad to be here with my brothers representing Nashua Fire,” boxer and Nashua firefighter Joseph DeRusha said. “I’ve visited and trained at Nashua PAL before, and think it’s a great organization. I’m glad to support the youth that are a part of it.”

Nashua police officer and boxer Billy Adamson said, “I work in the same division as the PAL officer and have had the chance to help him out with different projects. I think it’s awesome. This event goes to support Nashua and Manchester PAL. The kids get so much out of it, especially positive role models and interaction with police officers they may not have in a different environment. I’m happy to be involved.”

Though the Saint Paddy’s Day Rumble had members of the two organizations fighting one another as opponents in the ring, outside in the community, they spend most of their time working together to serve more than 3,000 youngsters in multiple sports programs. The goal is to foster positive interactions between police officers and the youngsters.

“We are excited to see the buzz and attendance grow this year,” Manchester’s John Levasseur said. “It is heartwarming to see our communities come together to support our future generations.”

In addition to enjoying the boxing matches, attendees had their own opportunities to compete at the arm-wrestling station set up in the far corner of the room. They also participated in a silent auction to raise additional funds for the community youth programs.

“We are so grateful to have this unique opportunity to work with our MPAL friends and our first responders from both great cities. We couldn’t be prouder of all the work our competitors have put into making this a great show and fundraiser for New Hampshire’s youth,” Nashua PAL Coordinator and police officer Mike DeBisz added.