Page 79 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

The boxing world has had a quiet time of it with the pandemic, however, the last time The Light Dragoons were in the ring was back in 2019 when they won the RAC Boxing Championships. So when the RAC Boxing Championships were announced for 2021, we had to get back to business, shake the rust off and defend our RAC title.
With a green light from the Commanding Officer, the Boxing Officer Capt Simpson and Head Coach WO2 (RQMS) Richardson put together the 8-week training plan to get the soldiers ready to compete after 2 years out of the ring. The team was supported as always by the veteran coaching staff of Sgt Mallen, Sgt Cribbin and Cpl ‘Iron Mike’ Rutherford.
During a busy build up, with regimental ranges and Ex Wessex Storm, it was great to see plenty of interest from the Sqns to create the 2021 boxing team. They worked tirelessly in the gym and showed their dedi- cation as they completed the arduous train- ing sessions around exercises, ranges, and additional events such as MACA taskings.
Unfortunately, other Regiments didn’t have the same drive and failed to enter full teams, something which had a knock-on effect for us as many of our boxers couldn’t get a bout on the night.
First bout of the night was at Light Welterweight where Tpr Wormald boxed Tpr Robson HCR. Tpr Wormalds front foot pressure worked well in spells, but Tpr Robson was having his own success when standing at long range, meaning the first round ended looking fairly even. As soon as the bell rang for the second round Tpr Wormald piled on the front foot pressure, this time not letting his opponent reset and use his long range. The constant pressure in phases forced the referee to step in and give the opponent a standing 8 count, win- ning the round for the LD comfortably. During the break, Tpr Wormald was given simple instructions for the third round, same again, which he did, once again keep- ing pressure on his opponent. Another strong round which sealed the win. An exciting fight to start the show, and the LD
The winning team
boxer showing brilliant ability to change his game plan mid fight and get the win.
At Middleweight we had LCpl Smith, C Sqn, boxing Tpr Dean from A Sqn. This was another exciting fight with both men boxing well off the jab, showing good offensive and defensive skills. In the sec- ond round LCpl Smith landed a textbook looping right hand which sent Tpr Dean crashing to the canvas. The referee allowed the contest to continue and Tpr Dean showed true grit by meeting in the centre of the ring and fighting fire with fire. LCpl Smith continued to box his way to victory. However, Tpr Dean deservedly won the ‘Most Gallant Boxer’ of the competition.
In the days leading up to the finals, Lt Rialls’ opponent didn’t turn up, and then LCpl Leens opponent couldn’t box on the day. Both LD boxers had completed the training camp and got to the competition weight limit of 75kg, so agreed to box each other. With both men having a few bouts experience each, this was a good oppor- tunity to showcase their skills under the lights at the RAC Championships, and from the first bell both boxers left their friend- ship outside the ring and got straight to the fight. Both men had their own successes in a close fought contest, but it was LCpl Leen who came away with the decision.
Up in the Super Heavyweight category, we had Cpl Price up against Tpr Benterman- Snell (HCR). Cpl Price got straight down to business with tidy, long range boxing, scor- ing brilliant power shots to the head and body. Cpl Price controlled the centre of the ring well, and his opponent had to switch his tactics to try and bull his way forward and pin Cpl Price on the ropes. The long- range counters and angles worked well to keep the opponent off, but it used a lot of energy and Cpl Price had to dig deep in
Tpr Dean winning most galant boxer
Cpl Atkinson looking startled to have won
the last round. In an excellent performance against a strong opponent, Cpl Price was the winner by unanimous decision.
The final bout of the evening was a Middleweight contest between Cpl Atkinson LD v Lt Fulford RL. Again both fighters came into the competition with a lot of experience. Cpl Atkinson started with a brilliant first round with quality boxing to keep his opponent at range, and in the second, he stepped it up a gear with some clean combination punching when in close. Credit to his opponent, he weathered the storm and kept driving forward throwing shots, and this pressure started to take its toll where in the last round Cpl Atkinson had to work hard to repel these attacks but finished the fight as the unanimous winner. Another very entertaining fight to end the competition, and to round the night off for The Light Dragoons, Cpl Atkinson was awarded the best boxer trophy. Thoroughly deserved after a brilliant display of boxing.
After a great night of boxing, The Light Dragoons boxers walked away with 5 RAC belts, the best boxer and most gallant boxer awards, as well as the RAC boxing trophy for another year.
AR
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Boxing
77