CHICAGO — Punching her twin sister, Karlie, in the face had a purpose for Kelsie Mazur.
In a recent bout at Scottsdale Park's Fight Night, the 23-year-old twins squared off in three, one-minute rounds. Karlie, a Chicago Police officer, prevailed in a preparatory fight for April 15's Chicago Battle of the Badges — which pits the city's police officers against its firefighters.
"Helping her has been so much fun," Kelsie Mazur said. "Even though punching her was really scary."
Sr. Editor Justin Breen contemplates the joys of letting out a little aggression.
The twins live together in Scottsdale. Karlie is 12 minutes older. They both attended Marist High School and Loyola University Chicago, where both were members of the varsity cheerleading team.
There are differences, including their careers. Kelsie is employed as a physical therapy aide in the South Loop and is right-handed. Karlie is left-handed.
Kelsie is the more outgoing twin, while Karlie is more reserved.
Kelsie said she pushed Karlie to join the Ramblers' cheerleading team and begged her to be part of Battle of the Badges.
"I've always had to push her to do things," Kelsie said. "But she doesn't know how good she is and how tough she is. She is going to dominate at" Battle of the Badges.
Karlie said it was "weird" fighting her twin, but she would box against her again. The twins have three older brothers, and Karlie said they were "always defending ourselves" growing up, but the sisters never had a twin-on-twin battle until their in-the-ring affair.
Karlie said she's thrilled for her upcoming shot in the ring at Battle of the Badges.
"I'm excited, but at the same time nervous," she said.
Battle of the Badges takes place April 15 at De La Salle High School, 3434 S. Michigan Ave. For more information, email info@chicagobattleofthebadges.com or call 312-747-5824.
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