FDNY dukes it out against rival first responders at MSG in the International Battle of the Badges

They’re New York’s Bravest – and Toughest.FDNY firefighters went from fighting fires to foes in the boxing ring Friday night during the Second International Battle of the Badges at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.Members of FDNY’s boxing team, including three EMTs, defended their home turf in front of a lively crowd with bouts against opponents from Georgia, Ireland, London and Yonkers.New York’s heroes fared well on the night, finishing with a record 6-3 in the three-round fights with a standout performance from John Marrero.Marrero from FDNY Station 3 took on DeKalb County Police Department’s Brandon Collins in a much-anticipated fight that was decisively won by the 26-year-old EMT.Marrero dominated the match, landing massive blows throughout, cruising to a victory by a unanimous decision.He was thrilled by the surreal experience of boxing at Madison Square Garden despite it being just the third fight of his career.

.“I’m still taking it in.It is amazing.

I still can’t believe it,” Marrero told The Post before taking the ring.“The crowd is amazing.

I love the crowd.It feels amazing to be able to contribute to the Tunnels to Towers.

We’ve been training hard,” he said.Marrero got the calling to become a first responder after he was stabbed on the subway as a high school senior in an unprovoked attack.The stabbing left him with a visible scar across his face, which he joked makes him look meaner in the ring.After the attack, EMS and police officers came to Marrero’s aid.“They put some pressure dressing on my face to kind of control the bleeding.

Brought me down to the ambulance and continued to give me care,” he told The Post.“I remember sitting there the whole time on the chair and then on the ambulance, like, what they do is pretty amazing.” Eight other members of the FDNY had matches Friday at the World’s Most Famous Arena.Tara Ianotti from Ladder 29 fought Christina McCants from Atlanta PD SWAT — McCants won that...