Page 82 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

80 The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars
Boxing
“Determination, courage, physical prowess and respect for the opponent are all characteristics of boxing.”
KRH Commanding Officer, Ex WINTER BOUT. 18/12/22
KRH Boxing has been through several quiet years with COVID-19 and preparation for operational deployment taking up centre stage. However, deployment of the KRH
Battlegroup on Op CABRIT 11 gave WO2 Plant the opportunity to put together a KRH Boxing Team to take part in Ex WINTER BOUT. This was to be a multinational boxing event scheduled for December, with participants from Latvia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Germany as well as the KRH Battlegroup.
There was a strong initial response to the request for volunteers, with fifty soldiers from the regiment attending the first training session in October. However, injury and personal limitations whit- tled down the numbers, whilst stiff competition for places further formed a core of committed boxers. The KRH Boxing Officer even chose to step back into the ring after a break of three years. Veterans of previous tournaments, such as LCpl Matanle and LCpl Brashill, were role models in both training and work ethic for those beginning their journey in the Noble Art of Boxing. Under the stern tutelage of Head Coach WO2 Plant and trusty sidekick Cpl Stancombe, the KRH team was moulded for Ex WINTER BOUT.
After weeks of chilly runs, strenuous training and strict diets, the boxers from every element of the Battle group, as well as those from the NATO partner nations, came together for the main event. The rest of the Battlegroup were in attendance to lend sup- port to their boxers.
And, the Boxers did not disappoint! Special performances came from Tpr Harris (A Sqn, KRH) who beat his opponent from the Royal Artillery with a convincing stoppage in the third, while LCpl Sims (HQ Sqn, KRH) threw shots that left the officials in no doubt in awarding another victory to a King’s Royal Hussar.
Brashill entry
KRH team in Gym
Pin your ears back – listen in!
During the interval, the chefs provided a phenomenal curry for the Battlegroup who seized the opportunity to socialise with our partner nations over the British national dish and a fantastic Football World Cup Final.
The second half of Ex WINTER BOUT began with a brave and defiant performance by LCpl Mohammidi (HQ Sqn, KRH) refus- ing to give any ground though unfortunately defeated on points. LCpl Brashill gave a textbook example of counter-attack boxing. Despite catching a strong shot from his Scots Guard opponent, he fought through to come away with another victory.
Whilst not a clean slate for the regiment, the event was a resound- ing success for KRH Boxing. New boxers have come forward and more senior boxers have developed as mainstays of the team.
With dedicated, rigorous training and planning from Planty and Stancs KRH Boxing made a complete recovery after a period in the wilderness. We now look ahead to the Royal Armoured Corps Boxing and the possibilities of more Boxing events in 2023.
KRH team at venue
MFP
Matanle
Victorious Bomber Harris