About Us
LAPD Boxing Team Mission
The Los Angeles Police Boxing Team is committed to supporting law enforcement officers across the nation by maintaining peak mental and physical readiness. Recognizing the critical link between a strong body and a focused mind, the team emphasizes rigorous training, knowledge-sharing, and resilience-building to prepare officers for the demanding realities of police work. This commitment cultivates a culture of excellence and empowerment within the law enforcement community.
Beyond physical conditioning, the team promotes unity and camaraderie by fostering meaningful connections among officers from various agencies. Through the unifying power of sport, they raise morale, bridge institutional gaps, and build lasting relationships. The team also utilizes boxing as a platform for positive community engagement—supporting charitable initiatives and honoring a rich tradition that dates back to 1869.
By upholding the core values of honor, dedication, and service, the LAPD Boxing Team preserves the legacy of police boxing and inspires officers to embody strength, integrity, and pride in their profession.
empowering the youth
LOS ANGELES POLICE CADET SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
Los Angeles Police Cadet Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization. Our organization was founded and formed to award Los Angeles Police Cadets with scholarships towards college. Los Angeles Police Cadets are young community leaders working towards bettering themselves to truly grow in life. The Los Angeles Police Cadet Scholarship Foundations serves LAPD Cadets.
LAPD Jeopardy Program Gang Prevention & Intervention for Youth Ages 8–17
The Jeopardy Program is a proactive gang prevention and intervention initiative created to support at-risk youth and their families. This impactful program is a partnership between the Los Angeles Police Department, local schools, and community organizations. Together, we help shape lifelong positive attitudes and offer alternatives to ga
The Jeopardy Program is a proactive gang prevention and intervention initiative created to support at-risk youth and their families. This impactful program is a partnership between the Los Angeles Police Department, local schools, and community organizations. Together, we help shape lifelong positive attitudes and offer alternatives to gang involvement.
Program Goals:
- Decrease truancy
- Improve academic performance
- Boost graduation rates
- Build self-esteem
- Prevent gang involvement
- Teach conflict resolution & life skills
- Foster goal-setting abilities
- Enhance reading & writing skills
- Reduce violent and inappropriate behavior
How It Works:
- Identifying children in need
- Family interviews and parental involvement
- Referrals to local counseling services
- Monthly family seminars
- Youth-selectable enrichment activities
- Ongoing mentoring & monthly check-ins for at least one year
Meet the team
John Negrete
John Negrete is a 27-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. He is the founder of the Los Angeles Police Cadet Scholarship Foundation. Mentored by LAPD officers in his youth, Negrete now pays it forward by mentoring young people as an LAPD officer himself.
He established the Los Angeles Police Cadet Scholarship Foundation to help cadets cover their college expenses, driven by a deep commitment to supporting the next generation.
Negrete’s dedication to charitable work is rooted in his background and a strong desire to give back to the community he grew up in.
He became involved with LAPD Boxing around 2001, after being invited to train with the team based out of LAPD’s Newton Division. From that point on, he trained with the team, traveled with them, and developed a passion for the sport—not just for its physical demands, but for the meaningful causes it supports.
Humberto Moreno
Officer Moreno – LAPD Boxing Team
I am Officer Moreno, a proud member of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Boxing Team. I’ve been actively involved with the team for over nine years, both as a competitor and in a logistical capacity. My passion for boxing began in childhood, but it was during my time in the U.S. Army that I was first introduced to the discipline and structure the sport demands. Although operational duties at the time prevented me from competing, the fire was lit.
After joining the LAPD, I connected with Officer John Negrete, the team’s coordinator and manager. I asked him to train and mentor me specifically for law enforcement competitions. Through his guidance and support, I’ve had the opportunity to compete in six sanctioned matches, including a title bout and an international competition—milestones I never imagined when I first stepped into the ring.
In addition to competing, I continue to serve as the team’s logistics coordinator, managing the behind-the-scenes operations that keep the team running smoothly. I take great pride in contributing both inside and outside the ring, and I’m grateful for every opportunity this journey has brought me.
Cristian Alvarez
About Cristian Alvarez
Founder, EyeWatchLA
Public Safety Officer | Photographer | Community Advocate
Cristian Alvarez is a Los Angeles native with a deep-rooted passion for public service and storytelling through visual art. Born and raised in L.A., Cristian grew up during a time of great social and cultural challenges. As a teenager, he found guidance and purpose through the Los Angeles Police Department’s Explorer Program, which instilled in him the values of integrity, discipline, and community service. The program quickly became a second home—offering mentorship, structure, and life-changing opportunities that shaped his path forward.
Following his time as an Explorer, Cristian went on to serve as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, assigned to the Bill Clements Unit in Amarillo. While the role was demanding and often surrounded by negativity, it was during this time that he discovered a new passion: photography. Introduced to the art by a fellow officer, photography became both a creative outlet and a powerful tool for expression.
Currently serving as a Public Safety Officer for the City of Commerce, Cristian is committed to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. In the wake of the George Floyd protests, he launched EyeWatchLA, a photography brand with a mission to highlight the often unseen, human side of law enforcement. Through compelling visual storytelling, Cristian captures the dedication, compassion, and resilience of officers in the line of duty—stories that the mainstream media too often overlooks.
EyeWatchLA has partnered with multiple law enforcement agencies across Southern California and has been featured in various initiatives and events, including the Pink Patch Project, LAPD’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration, and the LAPD Boxing Team. Cristian continues to use his platform to foster understanding, promote positivity, and honor those who serve with heart and integrity.
Nancy Lares
Hi, I’m Nancy! My passion for photography began at age 5 when I got my first Polaroid camera. What started as a childhood fascination grew into a career over the past 15 years—starting with capturing my kids’ sporting events and evolving into weddings and family portraits.
Along the way, I had the privilege of learning from an incredibly talented photographer who mentored me and opened the door to the world of sports photography. Since then, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to photograph professional golf, surfing, soccer, boxing, football—and my all-time favorite, PBR (Professional Bull Riding).
For me, it’s all about capturing the energy, movement, and raw passion that define sports. Whether it’s the intensity of competition or the emotion behind the win, my goal is to freeze the action and tell the story behind every play.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me on our family ranch, horseback riding or spending time with our goats.
Gaby Leon
Hi, my name is Gaby, and I’m a photographer and Social Media Manager. My journey in photography began at the age of 17, when I received my first camera from Officer John Negrete. I initially focused on capturing the dynamic world of youth boxing, which eventually led to an exciting opportunity: photographing the LAPD Boxing Team.
This experience opened many doors, allowing me to meet and learn from talented photographers who generously guided me along the way. I also had the opportunity to photograph high school sports for my yearbook during my senior year, further sharpening my skills and deepening my passion for capturing athletic moments.
In addition to photography, I manage the social media platform for the LAPD Boxing Team. I genuinely enjoy engaging with fans and building connections through online platforms. Through both photography and social media, I aim to capture meaningful moments and share them with the community. My ultimate goal is to tell a compelling story through my work.
When I’m not behind the camera or curating content, you can usually find me outside enjoying a run.
Karen Piña
Meet Officer Karen Pina
LAPD Boxing Team Correspondent
Officer Karen Pina has proudly served with the Los Angeles Police Department for five years. In April 2025, she became involved with the LAPD Boxing Team while managing the Foothill Division’s Jeopardy Boxing Program. Though she has since passed on leadership of the program, her passion for the sport — and the strong, supportive community that comes with it—continues to grow.
Officer Pina credits Officer John Negrete for inspiring her involvement and deepening her appreciation for the boxing world. Today, she brings that same energy and dedication to her role as the LAPD Boxing Team correspondent, helping share the stories, events, and spirit of the team with others.
Joshua Robles
Joshua Robles, an exemplary officer with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), embodies dedication, service, and passion—particularly through his profound love for boxing. His journey intertwines the disciplined life of a law enforcement professional with the rigorous demands of a world-class athlete. Robles’s commitment extends beyond personal achievements, as he channels his boxing prowess into meaningful charitable endeavors, making a significant impact on children’s lives.
In addition to his impressive boxing career, Officer Robles serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO) for the LAPD—a role that underscores his leadership and mentorship qualities. As an FTO, he is responsible for guiding and shaping the next generation of police officers, imparting crucial skills and ethical principles essential for effective law enforcement. This position highlights his dedication to upholding the high standards of the LAPD and ensuring new recruits are thoroughly prepared for the challenges of the profession.
Robles’s boxing career reached its pinnacle when he captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt—a testament to his unwavering discipline, relentless training, and exceptional talent. This remarkable achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of immense pride, as he proudly represents his Puerto Rican heritage. His commitment to giving back is exemplified by his participation in charity bouts, notably aboard the USS Iowa in San Pedro, California, where he leverages his passion for boxing to raise vital funds for children’s charities—truly embodying the spirit of a champion both in and out of the ring.
Gabe Chavez
LAPD Officer Gabriel Chavez embodies a profound dedication to both law enforcement and the sport of boxing, a passion that has fueled his remarkable journey. His commitment extends beyond personal achievement, as he actively represents the Los Angeles Police Department in the boxing ring, showcasing the discipline and strength inherent in both his professional and athletic pursuits. Chavez harbors a sincere ambition to claim the coveted WBC belt, a goal that not only signifies peak athletic accomplishment but also reflects his philanthropic spirit, as he uses his platform to tirelessly raise funds for vital causes dedicated to finding a cure for cancer.
El Calaca
El Calaca, the Skeleton Mariachi, has a unique and vibrant history that sets him apart not just as a mascot, but as a beloved figure in the colorful tapestry of Los Angeles. Born in the heart of Mexico, he was once a talented mariachi musician named Alejandro Vargas. Alejandro spent his days performing at local fiestas, captivating audiences with his charm and lively tunes. His passion for music was rivaled only by his love for boxing—a sport he had embraced in his youth.
Tragically, Alejandro’s life took a sudden turn during a spirited boxing match. A fatal accident led to his untimely demise, leaving his dreams, music, and aspirations unfulfilled. However, Alejandro’s spirit was not ready to fade away. On the Day of the Dead—a magical night when souls are believed to return to the living—he was granted a second chance, transformed into El Calaca, a charming skeleton adorned in a traditional mariachi suit.
As El Calaca, he roamed the streets of Los Angeles, blending his love for music with his new existence. His vibrant presence soon caught the eye of the LAPD Boxing Team, who were searching for a unique mascot to inspire camaraderie and resilience among their members. Recognizing that El Calaca embodied passion, grit, and celebration, the team welcomed him with open arms.
Embodying both the spirit of a mariachi and the strength of a boxer, El Calaca became a symbol of hope and determination. He performed at public events, engaging the community with his enchanting melodies—all while sporting a pair of golden boxing gloves. His lively performances not only entertained fans but also motivated the boxing team to train harder and stay united.
El Calaca now stands as a testament to the fusion of cultures and the enduring spirit of chasing one’s dreams, even in the face of adversity. His heart beats with the rhythm of mariachi music, and his punches pack the power of perseverance—reminding everyone that in the ring of life, every setback is merely a setup for a comeback.
Ester Alvarado
Meet Officer Ester Alvarado
Officer Ester Alvarado proudly serves as the Medical Liaison for the LAPD Boxing Team. With over seven years of dedicated service in the Los Angeles Police Department, she is currently assigned to the Foothill Community Relations Office, where she also leads the Foothill Jeopardy Boxing Program.
Before joining LAPD, Officer Alvarado worked as an EMT for six years. She now brings her extensive medical background and passion for public service to support and safeguard the athletes of the boxing team, both in and out of the ring.
