Friday, June 26 is the highly anticipated date of the landmark 10th anniversary of the Thrilla in Camilla. Organized by the FDNY Bravest Boxing Club, this legendary summer night embodies the team’s core belief: raising critical funds for charity through spirited competition.
This spectacular beachside tradition was the brainchild of retired New York City firefighter Bobby McGuire. McGuire’s roots with the club run deep. He was the team captain from 1984-1992, who proudly represented New York’s Bravest inside the ropes across dozens of bouts finishing his career with a stellar 42-8-2 record. Stepping into the role of team president in 2002, McGuire has spent over two decades expanding the club’s global footprint. Under his guidance, the club established two massive annual home events that anchor their calendar: the high-stakes International Battle of the Badges—which packs a sold-out crowd into the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden each year—and the beloved Thrilla in Camilla summer tradition in beautiful Rockaway Beach.
On this electric Friday night, the stage is set perfectly outdoors and under the stars in the parking lot of St. Camillus, located directly across from the boardwalk at 185 Beach 99th Street. Anticipation builds early as gates open at 6 p.m., allowing eager fans to flood the pavement and secure their spots. Tickets are priced at $40 for general admission and $60 for premium ringside seats. For those planning ahead, tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.fdnyboxing.org or directly at the gate on fight night.
As the crowd files in, the energetic soundtracks and high-octane hype music provided by DJs at Work keep the energy pumping through the sound system. The salt air fills with the rich aroma of a BBQ and buffet presented by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Lines form quickly at an array of local food trucks, and volunteers stay busy pouring plenty of cold beverages to keep the summer heat at bay.
At 7:30 p.m. sharp, the evening’s formal ceremonies will begin. The powerful, rhythmic drone of bagpipes echoes over the crashing waves as the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes & Drums march into the St. Camillus lot where the iconic FDNY 343 rig will be on display.
Following the pipes, a reverent hush falls over the thousands in attendance. The world-famous Connolly Sisters take the microphone under the open sky, delivering a breathtaking rendition of the National Anthem that sends chills through the crowd and sets an electric tone for the night.
The crowd always expects some serious boxing royalty present at ringside, and this year is no different. Watching the heavy hooks and sharp combinations are three-time World Champion Iran “The Blade” Barkley, legendary heavyweight contender “Gentleman” Jerry Cooney, and the “Derry Destroyer” himself, Irish John Duddy.
Over its decade-long run, this annual beachside event has officially raised over $500,000 for charity. While the evening highlights an incredible $425,000 donated directly to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to support first responders and our veterans, this year’s event also proudly provides crucial funding to four vital FDNY organizations:
The FDNY Foundation, The Fire Family Transport Foundation, The Fight for Firefighters Foundation and The NY Firefighters Foundation
The incredible success of the Thrilla in Camilla is powered entirely by the heart of the Rockaway community. Each year, thousands of local fans turn out to pack the venue, and a dedicated network of neighborhood small businesses step up to sponsor the evening.
For those looking to align their business with this legendary cause, sponsorship opportunities are still actively available. Packages offer various degrees of valuable promotional exposure, logo placement, and ring announcements depending on the tier purchased. To become a proud partner of this amazing event and secure a sponsorship package, interested parties can call (917) 282-8727 to speak directly with the organizers.
The excitement doesn’t stop when the lights in the St. Camillus parking lot go down. Immediately following the conclusion of the very last bout, the celebration will move to The Wharf for the traditional “Black & Blue” after party. There, the intense rivalries from inside the ring completely disappear. Boxers, trainers, and fans gather under one roof to mingle, share stories from the night, raise a glass, and celebrate ten years of international rivalry, brotherhood, and beachside pride.
For more info and advanced tickets to Thrilla in Camilla, head to www.fdnyboxing.org
