Royal Marines show they are fit to fight as CTC hosts boxing finals

The highly anticipated annual Royal Marines Boxing Finals took place at the Commando Training Centre this week, Tues 25 – Thur 27 July.

Two fully competitive prelim days concluded with a final’s night of 12 bouts, broadcast live on BFBS, in front of a packed house in the Main Gymnasium. 

The PT staff, under the guidance of the excellent Sgt Simpson (APTC) made the venue fit for the high-profile event, which was attended by Rear Admiral Pedre and no fewer than four 1* Officers. 

The event was hugely supported by all Cdo Units, including, for the first time, 29 Cdo Royal Artillery, making for an incredibly electric atmosphere. 

Lympstone’s Royal Marines Band began proceedings for the finals with fanfare and an excellent display, followed by the opening words of the Commandant, Col Haw MC, then the boxing was underway.

The bouts were all close, and well contested, the standard from the off was superb, and the crowd witnessed a thrilling evening.

In the second half of the evening, and with 45 Cdo leading the team event, the experienced Boxers were on show. From 42 Cdo, Mne Slatter beat Mne Burtwell in a fiercely contested bout before Heavyweight Mne Rands Silva (42 Cdo) out boxed his tough opponent, Mne Zieba. 

Zieba only having passed out of training recently, gave a great account of himself. In the final bout, and for the Middleweight Title belt, Mne Fanning of 30 Cdo, outpointed Mne Crookes from 45 Cdo in a compelling Elite class contest.
 
Maj Tommy McPhee said, “Congratulations to Sgt Brookes and his team from 45 Cdo, who ran out overall winners. 29 Cdo, competed exceptionally and will no doubt return in the future, they added some real talent to the event.
 
“Huge thanks to all of the PT Staff at CTCRM who made it such a memorable event, also to the Medical Staff and the outstanding officiating under the management of 3* Supervisor Mr Paul Rosendale, all performed with real professionalism.”
 
Notable awards:
• Terry Marsh Trophy – Boxer of the Season – Mne Crookes - 45 Cdo
• Chatham Gong – Coach of the Season – Mne McKee – 45 Cdo
• Ring Trophy, Boxer of the Night – Mne Humphries – CLRRM
• Mal Phillips Trophy, most skilful Boxer – Mne Fanning 30 Cdo.
• Tiny Winter trophy, best CTCRM Boxer – Mne Caulfield.
 
 Results:
• Mne Harvey 45 Cdo RM beat Mne Lord 43 Cdo RM – Points
• Mne Caulfield CTCRM beat Gnr Wildish 29 Cdo RA – Points
• Mne Hamer 45 Cdo RM beat Mne Nicholls 43 Cdo RM - Points
• Mne Humphries CLRRM beat Pte Digitaki 29 Cdo RA – Points
• Mne Green CLRRM beat Mne Frawley 45 Cdo RM – Points
• Mne Fowles 42 Cdo RM beat Mne Pentith 45 Cdo RM – Points
• Mne Tolhurst CTCRM beat LCpl Guteridge 40 Cdo RM – RSC
• Mne Ramshaw 45 Cdo RM beat Mne Blake CLRRM - Points
• Mne Zachariades 45 Cdo RM beat LBdr Tuaga 29 Cdo RA - Points
• Mne Slatter 42 Cdo RM beat Mne Burtwell 42 Cdo RM – Points
• Mne Rands Silva 42 Cdo RM beat Mne Zieba CTCRM – Points
• Mne Fanning 30 Cdo RM beat Mne Crookes 45 Cdo RM - Points
 
Overall Winners – 45 Cdo RM