Page 71 - RAPTC Year of 2019

3rd BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT BOXING CHAMPIONS
SSgt (SSI) A Syrett RAPTC
The Army Boxing Association (ABA) is an affiliated member of England Boxing and has been since 1882. The Association is responsible for delivering the sport in a safe environment for British soldiers across the world.
Given that the spectacle comprised of an “all” Colchester final, 3 PARA hosted the Army Boxing Association Championships on behalf of the ABA
SSgt Syrett RAPTC and a small cohort of AAPTIs willingly provided a magnificent platform for the boxers to validate their talents. The vast majority of SSgt Syrett’s team are competitive sportsmen therefore, each AAPTI truly appreciated the sacrifice and dedication that each competitor had shown, to reach the finals. It was only fitting that SSI Syrett showcased the evening according.
The Army Inter Unit Championships is a team competition steeped in history and has been for over 100 years. Units compete in matches against each other in a knockout format with the competition concluding in May each year. 2019 saw the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA) and 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC (13 AA) reach the hotly anticipated final.
To reach the finals both teams had to withstand some gruelling battles against some hard-hitting opponents. However, 3 PARA’s engagement with a resilient Fusiliers most certainly prepared them for the forthcoming Final
Unlike the rest of their competition, the Paratroopers had to fit their training in around their already very arduous military training. With most of the team competing just a few days after a long overseas exercise. This is testament to their willing desire to succeed. Boxing is a sport Paratroopers are well suited to as it requires exceptional physical fitness as well as incredible mental resilience – something which Paratroopers have in abundance.
The event
The ABA finals are one of the most-watched and meaningful events within the Army sporting calendar. Colchester Garrison Sports center was not only packed to capacity but, viewers from all corners of the globe checked in to live stream the event via Facebook, BFBS TV and radio
Not one contest lacked drama, the pageantry surrounding the event was clearly iconic for every combatant and spectator. For the young soldiers, it was a moment of edification, for the seasoned element, it was a welcome reminder that no other cultural event can rival a big-time fight when it comes to making the entire British Army stop and pay attention
After 9 extremely competitive bouts, 13 AA were dealt a series of losses, although 13 AA boxers demonstrated a true warrior’s heart. 3 PARA’s overriding grit and tenacity to succeed saw them victorious in many weight divisions and collectively win overall, crowning 3 PARA Army Champions yet again.
Every bout was perfectly iconic and emblematic of the sport, and symbolic of the great era within Army boxing. This event marks the official beginning of what looks to be an exceptionally bright future for boxing within The Parachute Regiment - and over the next year the team will compete in both military and non-military competitions, hunting for gold.
Results
56kg Bantam Weight – L/Cpl Aaron Langley, 3 Para beat Pte Jason Humm, 13 AA SP Regt RLC by Split Decision
60kg Light Weight – Pte Liam Naish, 3 Para beat Cfn Abhinaya Thapa, 13 AA SP Regt RLC by Unanimous Win
64kg Light Welter Weight – L/Cpl Rushane Shaw, 3 Para beat L/ Cpl Tony Stephenson, 13 AA SP Regt RLC by Unanimous Win
69kg Welter Weight – Pte Kai Carter, 13 AA SP Regt RLC beat Pte John Middlemiss by Split Decision
75kg Middle Weight – Pte Brendon Hendricks, 3 Para beat L/Cpl Luke Brandley, 13 AA SP Regt RLC by Ref stopped bout in 3rd Round
81kg Light Heavy Weight – L/Cpl Mick Quinn, 3 Para beat Cpl Kevin Haddon, 13 AA SP Regt RLC by Unanimous Win
86kg Cruiser Weight - Cfn Martin Aduuri, 13 AA SP Regt RLC beat Pte Jamie Simpson, 3 Para by Unanimous Win
91kg Heavy Weight - Pte Jack Child, 3 Para beat L/Cpl Max Robinson, 13 AA SP Regt RLC by Unanimous Win
100kg Super Heavy Weight – L/Cpl Jake Truepenny, 13 AA SP Regt RLC beat Pte Liam Lindsay, 3 Para by Unanimous Win
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WO1 (SMI) Stu Mann watching closely
Action shot