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4th Regiment Royal Artillery
Boxing Capt Richie Walton RA
The Royal Artillery Boxing Champion- ships is an event that showcases the discipline, hard work, and determina- tion of soldiers in the Royal Artillery. The event, which takes place annually, is highly anticipated by both soldiers and boxing enthusiasts alike. At this year’s champi- onships, held in Larkhill in March 2023, the Fighting Fourth emerged victorious, capturing the hearts of many and leaving a lasting impression on the boxing com- munity.
Royal Artillery Champions 2023
– The Fighting Fourth
The Fighting Fourth has a long and illus- trious history in the sport of boxing. The Regiment, which is based in the North East of England, has produced some of the finest boxers in the British Army. Known for their toughness, resilience, and unwaver- ing determination, the Regiment’s boxers have earned a reputation as formidable opponents.
Clash of the Titans: Bdr Wilson of 4RA takes the fight to a boxer from
29 Commando RA
The Royal Artillery Boxing Championships is a fiercely competitive event, with sol- diers from all regiments across the Artillery participating. The competition is divided into weight categories, and each boxer is required to demonstrate their skills, agil- ity, and strength in the ring. The Fighting Fourth entered ten boxers into the com- petition, all of whom were determined to emerge victorious.
Digging deep
These ten boxers produced one semi- finalist, nine finalists, two runners up, seven champions and saw the Regiment emerge as the Male and Female Unit Winners for 2023. This represents a fantastic effort from the coaches, the contenders and the men and women of the Fighting Fourth.
“The steely grit and determination were fantastic to see. The competition was phe- nomenal and I could have got tired just watching the fighting. It was epic.”
Lt Nick Kelly RA Spectator and Troop Commander 4 RA
The Fighting Fourth’s boxers were in fine form throughout the competition, win- ning several of their bouts convincingly. Their performances were marked by their high work rate, technical proficiency, and relentless aggression. Their success in the ring was a testament to their dedication and hard work, both in training and on the battlefield.
LBdr Stubbs giving his all
Sgt Patterson, the head coach, showed very effective leadership, motivating the team and giving them human connec- tion, purpose, a feeling of belonging and increased confidence within themselves. He is grateful for the support of the sub- units to the sport, releasing athletes when required to train and compete. It did not go unnoticed by the boxing team that their wider teams made do without them, par- ticularly over such a busy period. For this investment, the Batteries get back soldiers that have been enriched by their experi- ence, and whether they were winners or were runners-up they have all have shown the courage it takes to step into the ring, all coming back stronger, faster and bet- ter because of it. Victory at the RA Box- ing Championships was exactly what our
soldiers needed and deserved after a busy and challenging training camp. It was a closely fought contest, with both sides demonstrating their skill and determina- tion in the ring. In the end, however, it was the Fighting Fourth that emerged victo- rious, winning several of the bouts and securing the overall victory.
“The team did themselves proud and for me it was the small things, coming together from different Batteries within the Regi- ment, turning up on time to the training sessions with the right attitude, the early morning runs, the late-night sauna ses- sions. Training alongside many other units. These things all add up to the ingredients of a great team”.
Sgt Dale Patterson Head Coach and Gun Number One 3/29 (Corunna) Battery RA
The Fighting Fourth’s success in the Royal Artillery Boxing Championships was met with great acclaim from both the military and the boxing community. Their victory was a testament to the Regiment’s unwa- vering commitment to excellence, both in the field and in the ring. It also demon- strated the importance of physical fitness
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