Staged at Tidworth Garrison’s super-gym in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 personnel, it was the first brigade-level boxing event in several years and featured ten bouts across a host of weight categories.
A total of 80 athletes attended a two-week training camp in the build-up – the vast majority of whom were newcomers.
Boxing stalwarts First Fusiliers took the lead in organising the competition and Fus Sarah Swaddle was among those to shine on the big stage, claiming victory by split decision in the women’s 75kg contest.
“I could not believe I had done it,” she told SoldierSport as she reflected on the result. “I had no idea which way it would go.
“She was knocking me about and I did the same to her. There was so much to take on board and when I got in the ring I’d lost half of it. I remembered to keep my guard up and throw the jab, which worked.
“As I came out, I was bricking it but once I was in there I thought ‘let’s go for it’. I was over the moon with the decision.”
Tpr Mio Verneuil (QRH) – who was inspired to try boxing after watching Mike Tyson videos on YouTube – was another winner on the night as he triumphed at 67kg via a unanimous verdict.
“The plan was to fight the same way I do in sparring, which is move my head, use the jab and create angles,” he explained. “I felt comfortable.
“I was happy to see so many people in the crowd – that added to the excitement.”
Coach Cpl Lee Prince (RLC) said: “This was one of the best boxing events I have seen in the army over the past three years.
“To go from not being very confident as boxers to stepping into the ring in front of a massive crowd was a huge achievement.”
