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STORMING NORMANDY (24/04/2012 )

The RN Boxing took a team of 3 boxers to St Lois, France on the 21 April along with Heart of Portsmouth Boxing Club to compete against a selection of boxers from Normandy.

The morning weigh in took place in St Lois town hall with press and dignitaries in attendance. A pro-style weigh in ensued for the benefit of the cameras which set an exciting tone for the evening.

LPT Paul Ormston was first to represent the RN and he faced the Normandy regional champion, Christophe Lepetite. Paul got off to a great start picking off his opponent with fast and accurate shots and towards the latter part of the first round he targeted the body with strong lead hand hooks. Paul started the second round by quickly trying to end the bout prematurely, however the versatile Christophe kept on coming back. In the final round Paul got back to boxing at long range, making the result beyond doubt for the officials crowning Paul the unanimous winner.

Next up was POAET Dave McElwee facing another Normandy regional champion. Dave was boxing the big hitting Kevin Lavassuer from St Lois, a home town favourite. After the initial exchange it was clear Dave had to use his boxing skills and move against the come forward banger. Dave continued in this manner throughout the bout landing a combination and moving off at angles. However in the final round as Dave started to tire Kevin started to unload strong shots pushing the Navy man back onto the ropes. After a close bout Dave was unlucky to fall the wrong side of a majority decision.

Last up for the RN was MNE Ricky Rose. His original opponent having pulled out a week before was replaced by the French national championship runner up from Paris. The first round was a very cagey affair with both boxers trying to counter each other. Towards the end of the first round Ricky started to get into range and take control of the bout. For the next two rounds Ricky dominated the bout showing real experience and class. The crowd seemed to enjoy this exhibition of boxing as did the judges as they crowned Ricky the winner with a unanimous decision.

The show was a great experience for all boxers, coaches and officials alike and the team were very grateful to their kind and generous hosts, ST Lois ABC.

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WHEN TWO TRIBES GO TO WAR (29/03/2012 )

On Mon 26 Mar 12 a team of 8 boxers travelled from Plymouth to Portsmouth to part take in the Annual RNRMC East v West show at HMS NELSON. The squad consisted of LH Mawdsley, AB Fields, AB Newsome, AB Cupid (HMS OCEAN) AB Cairns (HMS TORBAY), AET Patterson (Yeovilton), NA Gray (Culdrose) and MNE Hall (30 Cdo).

After weeks of match making with uncertainty of bouts due to injuries and work commitments the show was a real success from all involved.

On the night the first bout to the ring was AB Newsome v AB Burn(Neptune) Newsome gave a good account of himself but he was well and truly beaten unanimously on points by a stronger opponent. Newsome can take positives from his performance against a better opponent unfortunately that is Newsome’s first defeat. 1-0 East

The second bout of the night saw NA Gray come up against AET Williams (Sultan) Gray was the stronger and more skilled keeping Williams at range and Boxing clever. Williams looked as though he could of caused some damage if Gray hadn’t have maintained his high guard. Gray got the a unanimous decision evening the score to 1-1.

Next on was LH Mawdsley v AET Gilchrist (Sultan). The Sultan Boxer dominated Mawdsley in every aspect of the bout even though Mawdsley came out throwing his big shots to try and gain something from the last round. In hind sight this bout came a little early for Mawdsley but he is sure to come out stronger next time. The decision was unanimously given to Gilchrist and deservedly so, 2-1 East.

Bout 4 was a true reflection on how entertaining the night was when AB Fields came up against ET Milner (Nelson). This bout was only made at the weigh in as both of their original opponents pulled out. Milner was giving a way a lot of weight to a much heavier Fields. Milner dominated the opening round and the opening stages of the second round. Fields from nowhere came back and started to put his shots together repeatedly bringing Milner onto the right upper cut. In the third, Fields started to dominate and got the better of Milner who was saved by the bell as Field’s landed a big shot which rocked him and would have surely stopped him. Fields got the decision unanimously taking the score to 2-2 at the interval.

After the interval it was Cupid v Graham (Nelson), Cupid was up against it coming off 3 defeats and Graham was fresh from a Navy Cup title with an unbeaten record of 2 and 0. Cupid came out for once with a nice high guard and didn’t throw 1500 shots in the first 4 seconds. Cupid boxed very clever and caught Graham on the way in several times with simple straight shots. This is by far the best Cupid has ever boxed and he needs to keep this up at his new weight of middle weight, 3-2 West.

The 6th bout was by far the best bout of the night it saw the newest member to the gym at HMS DRAKE MNE Hall come up against ‘one of his own’ MNE Taylor (45 Cdo) Taylor was the heavier and stronger opponent he dominated the first round landing big hooks to both head and body. Hall responded well in the 2nd and 3rd and proved he was the fitter by taking the bout to Taylor and giving him a standing count in the 3rd round. Taylor was keen to hear the bell as Hall came on stronger and stronger. The decision was unanimous to Hall and to say he has only been in the Gym 4 weeks he boxed brilliantly this bout won him the Best Boxer award which was decided by the officials. He was a credit to himself and his unit, 4-2 West.

Next to the ring was AET Patterson v MNE Bentley (45 Cdo). Patterson dominated from the first bell and never really forced the bout as he didn’t want to get caught by Bentley’s big shots. Patterson showed his strength and fitness out powering Bentley. The decision was Unanimous Patterson, 5-2 West.

The final bout saw AB Cairns v ET(ME) Kitson (Neptune) come together for their 3rd bout against each other in as many years. Up to now Cairns has taken both bouts but this time it was Kitson’s turn of fortune with a close encounter (as usual). Cairns took the bout to Kitson but he boxed very clever and caught Cairns with clean straight shots scoring on the way out each time. Kitson deserved to take the bout and won on a majority decision.

The final score was East 3 – 5 West and Scott ‘the Jack Knife’ Jackson’s team was triumphant in burying Daz ‘the hatchet’ Hoare’s boys from the East.

The show was a major success for all involved and hopefully the lads that represented both sides can obtain Navy vests next season at their respective levels. It was a great pleasure to be in the corner for all the lads involved and it was even better to bring the title back to the West country (where it belongs).

Oggy Oggy Oggy!!!!!

LPT Scotty Jackson

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COOKIE ROBBED AGAIN (26/03/2012 )

HMS SULTAN Boxing Squad sent two lads down to the local Titchfield show at Sarisbury Green Club. A massive show with 17 entertaining bouts HMS SULTAN had to wait until bout 14 and 16 to show their talent.

First up was S/Lt Houghton in only his 3rd bout against Marie having his 5th bout. Marie came storming out swinging the leather, catching Houghton a few times to take the first round. Words of advice to Houghton during the minute rest saw him get back into the bout, and on several occasions caught Marie as he came in. On the odd occasion swinging wildly Marie would catch Houghton. Standing his ground Houghton started to box well until a wild swing caught him on the mouth resulting in the referee having to stop the bout due to the injury sustained. Houghton is coming on leaps and bounds and will come back from this injury a lot stronger and wiser.

Next up for HMS SULTAN was ETME Cook who was kindly released from HMS LANCASTER for the week. In his 4th bout and looking for his first win Cook started off well landing some good shots, but as soon as they were landing he received some counter punches. The first round lasted 2min 30 seconds which was an oversight on the time keepers part, with that Hewitt just nipped the first round. In the second round Cook got right back into the bout landing some great combinations and a brilliant corkscrew uppercut, so taking the round. In the 3rd Cook really laid the pressure on with high intensity work, Cook was a man on a mission landing 10 unanswered shots. Cook continued to land clear shots and was very close in stopping his opponent; however the bell saved Hewitt. The coaches along with Cook were so positive that Cook had won, only to hear the words majority decision Hewitt in the Red corner. Totally amazed with the decision, but Cook is getting used to this, having a couple of bad decisions go his way. Cook is getting better each time he steps into the ring and won’t have to wait long to get the win he deserves.

Overall the team had another good night meeting local clubs and spreading the name of HMS SULTAN and the Royal Navy. Next up is the East v West show on Mon 26 Mar 12 at HMS NELSON where 5 members of the HMS SULTAN squad will be taking part.

POPT Daz Hoare

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COMMODORE; HAT-TRICK COMPLETE SIR PERMISSION TO CARRY ON SIR (27/02/2012 )

The season keeps getting better and better for HMS SULTAN’s Boxing Squad, they have now added the RN Cup to the Eastern Region Championship and the HMS SULTAN v HMS COLLINGWOOD title to round off a spectacular season.

In a gripping finals night on Wed 15 Feb 12 held at HMS COLLINGWOOD, both HMS SULTAN and 45 CDO went into the finals on 11 points. Both squads had 3 boxers competing in the finals night.

First up for HMS SULTAN was ETME Cooke boxing against AB Kitson from FPGRM. The bout started really badly for Cooke who got knocked down within 30 seconds but with true courage he got up, wiped himself down, smiled and started to make amends from the knock down. He got back into it landing some great shots of his own. He was warned by his corner about his front hand being low and this is where Kitson was scoring his points with a right hand over the top. Cooke kept trying to raise his game with some combinations. In the end it went to the score cards where Kitson was crowned as the champion. Cooke can come back from this as he has so much potential and will come good at the East v West show in March.

Next up for HMS SULTAN was team captain AET Connell. After having two great bouts on Monday night this was Connell’s moment to step into the limelight and win a title he so deserved. Connell knocked his opponent Weaver from FPGRM down in the first round with a fantastic left/right hook earning his opponent an 8 second count, Connell went into attack mode with switch of attacks to head and body landing 5-6 punch combinations that had his opponent hanging on. In the second round there was no let up with Connell scoring with some fantastic boxing. In the third it was again one way traffic with Connell scoring with some great ring craft. To the scorecards and the new Welterweight Champion from HMS SULTAN LAET Connell. What a fantastic performance from a quality boxer who will go along way.

As all this was going on a 45 CDO boxer had lost just before the break to put HMS SULTAN 12-11 up on the night.

After the Interval HMS SULTAN put their last boxer on, LAET Barbour taking on an ex SULTAN boxer, now boxing for HMS NELSON ETME Bain. While at SULTAN Bain had 3 wins via the quick route so a game plan was put in force; move to both sides always making Bain having to reposition himself to throw attacks, this worked well with Bain struggling to catch up with Barbour. Barbour was having some luck of his own catching Bain by surprise. In the second round Bain caught up with Barbour a few times but again Barbour was moving off and throwing shots. The same story was to happen in the third with Bain winning on points. This was a brilliant effort by Barbour who fought in his first bout and has so much to look forward to.

Boxing a Special on the night was S/Lt Houghton who boxed extremely well in the semi-finals on Monday and was very unlucky not to get through. In this bout he boxed Gray from RNAS CULDROSE. In a good opening start both boxers were landing blow for blow with the better combinations coming from Houghton. In the second round Gray had a bit of success with the right hand but again Houghton came back. Gray was tiring going into the third round with Houghton as strong as a lion landing some telling blows. This was going to be a very close decision for both boxers who gave their all. In the end Gray got the nod. Houghton can take so much from the two bouts he had in the championship. He will now go back to the gym and work on things before he boxes again on March 15 at a local Titchfield show.

After the above bout 45 CDO won a bout bringing the score to 12-12 and they had two guys boxing in the final bout of the evening, one being the point scorer and the other being the individual. It was a very close bout that was level on the score cards and went to count back with the individual winning.

The news came through, HMS SULTAN had finished joint champions with 45 CDO. This has been a fantastic effort that had started in June 2011 with money for more equipment from the Sports Lottery and Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. The training programme was put in place by coaches Daz Hoare and Errol Thompson. A goal was set pre-season to put HMS SULTAN’S Boxing Squad on the map, but the whole squad have gone so much further than that. The squad have achieved not only the Eastern Championship, HMS SULTAN v HMS COLLINGWOOD dinner show championship but are now crowned RN Cup champions, on top of this some of the squad have represented the Royal Navy team this season. Another major factor this season has been taking part in local civilian boxing shows and of course charity work raising over £1200 for local charities. The season has still not finished as some of the squad will be boxing in March at local shows, but what a season this has been. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with the squad this season, from the coaches, especially Errol Thompson, to everyone who has boxed this season, and to the local companies and RNRMC and Sports Lottery for their kind donations and support. This Boxing Squad is not only getting talked about around the Royal Navy but also around the whole country. One last thing must be said, “Commodore; Hat-trick complete permission to carry on Sir?”

POPT Daz “The Hatchet” Hoare

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HMS SULTAN BOXING SQUAD GO INTERNATIONAL (20/01/2012 )

What a season this is turning out to be for HMS SULTAN Boxing Squad, not only have they competed on local CIVILIAN BOXING SHOWS for the first time in well over a decade, won the Eastern Region Championships, beat HMS COLLINGWOOD at the annual Dinner Show but have now boxed on an International Show involving Portsmouth University and American Universities. The show was a fantastic event portraying the highest level of boxing. Two members of HMS SULTAN Boxing Squad boxed at a very high level although the low point was two very bad decisions from the judges which went against them.

LAET Stu “THE BODYSNATCHER” Connell was up against a very tall opponent Lombardi from Georgetown USA. In the first round Connell struggled to get under the long range shots of Lombardi but, towards the end of the first round Connell’s neat lateral movement saw him move off at angles landing shots to body and head. In the 2nd round Connell upped his work rate and started to make the American miss. It was a pleasure to watch Connell in action switching from straight lines, moving to the left and right, getting in hooks and uppercuts when in close, at this point the American was holding on for dear life often pushing down on Connell and holding with the referee warning him. In the final round Connell really upped the tempo catching the American with fantastic combinations, left hooks to head, and right hand over the top, the American was rocking now and had to hold all the time. The amount of times the referee warned him was unbelievable, but he still never took a point off him. Connell kept the pressure on all the way through to the bell, with the American relieved to hear it. This was going to be a very close call, at the time we thought Connell should get the nod, but to Connell’s dismay Lombardi won the bout on a unanimous decision.

If we felt slightly robbed with this bout, then worse was to follow with the next.

ETME Mitchell “Rapid Fire” Cooke was having his second bout and looking to avenge his debut bout loss. He was boxing Yardley from Portsmouth University who had 3 bouts to his name and 2 wins. Like Connell’s bout Cooke started a little bit slow in the 1st round but towards the end of the round landed some great shots. A good talk in the corner got Cooke fired up for the 2nd round and he came out a different boxer. The punches Cooke was throwing were shots a 20 bout boxer would be throwing. Sometimes leading with a right hand then in a split second Cooke had slipped outside the right hand thrown by Yardley and caught him with a crisp left hook to the head which rocked Yardley down to his boots leaving him to cover up. Cooke was then on the front foot, unloading with total accuracy with great combinations. If we thought the 2nd round was good the 3rd was even better Cooke was taking total control beating his man to the jab all the time, landing shots with ease and looking like a boxer with so much more experience. At the end of the round there was a big smile on Cooke’s face, Tommo and Daz the coaches, were smiling too but their smiles were soon to change. The decision came through and when the words MAJORITY were said we then started to think here we go again. The decision went to Yardley by a majority. You could see and sense the shock all around the venue with some officials having a chat to Cooke saying they could not believe the descion, this was backed up by Portsmouth University coach Wayne Gardiner who came over to apologise for the crazy descion.

This will not hinder both boxers; it will only make them more determined than ever to get a win on their cards the next time out. Having spent many months training these guys I know they will work even harder to put wrong to right. Again we take our hats off to these boxers, who not only have their career course to follow but have the guts, determination and dedication to follow the sport they love. These two gladiators were truly a credit to themselves, HMS SULTAN and the Royal Navy, in what was another great chapter in the HMS SULTAN Boxing Squad book.

Daz “The Hatchet” Hoare Head Coach

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HMS SULTAN V HMS COLLINGWOOD DINNER SHOW (19/12/2011 )

On a cool night in December HMS SULTAN entertained their local arch rivals HMS COLLINGWOOD at the annual dinner show. This is like Millwall v West Ham on the football scene, or Benn v Eubank on the boxing scene, this was not going to be for the faint hearted and would make the hairs on your neck stand on end.

HMS COLLINGWOOD were looking to retain the trophy while HMS SULTAN were trying to win it for the first time since 2006.

AB THOMAS (HMS COLLINGWOOD) v AET CLAYTON (HMS SULTAN)

Thomas started well, but could not find any openings through Clayton’s peak a boo tactics. Over the three rounds Clayton kept sticking with his tactic of hitting and not getting hit; landing shots to head and body. Clayton won on points with a well polished performance. This will now set him up for the RN Cup in February.

JOSH BALDWIN (PORTSMOUTH ABC) v ETME COOKE (HMS SULTAN)

Cooke in his first bout did not disappoint against an opponent with more experience. Cooke started the bout well getting in and out of range landing his shots in bursts. In the 2nd and 3rd round Baldwin got his long range jab going to keep Cooke at bay. Baldwin won on points, but Cooke can take great heart from this performance.

AB BAKER (HMS COLLINGWOOD) v LAET MORRIS (HMS SULTAN)

Morris in his first bout back after injury started slowly, not being able to land his big bombs. In Baker he faced a brawler that was looking to blow his opponent away. Baker opened up forcing Morris to receive a count. Morris tried to get into the bout with body shots but again was forced back by Baker who was very gritty and determined. With the second count came the end of the bout with the referee stopping the contest. Morris can come back from this defeat and will come back stronger at the RN Cup.

DAN YARDY (PORTSMOUTH ABC) v AET SMEE (HMS SULTAN)

Smee’s plan was to counter Yardy from the off as Yardy was more experienced and a come forward boxer. Smee used this plan always moving which slowed Yardy down. In the first round Yardy did catch up with Smee with a little burst giving him a standing 8 count. In the 2nd round Smee had a bit of success but Yardy stepped the pressure up a little giving Smee another count with the referee stopping the contest. Smee can hold his head up high after this bout and will come again in time for the RN Cup.

AB OCHWAT (HMS COLLINGWOOD) v ETME MALISZEWSKI (HMS SULTAN)

In a repeat of the Eastern Championships semi-final the result was the same, with Maliszewski showing all his ring craft and skill. The amount of punches Maliszewski was throwing and landing was a testamount to all the hard work he had put into his training. All three rounds he kept his opponent at bay with left-rights followed by left hooks to head and body. Winning the bout on points he will be one to watch at the RN Cup.

RIKKI PYCROFT (BRIGHTON CITY ABC) v AET THOMAS (HMS SULTAN)

Thomas started very strong landing his big shots and giving Pycroft a standing 8 count. Pycroft weathered the storm and came back into it in the 2nd round. Thomas over the next couple of rounds gave everything landing great shots and always troubling Pycroft. Thomas deserved the points win and can now look forward to the RN Cup with plenty of potential to go further.

AB RYAN (HMS DAUNTLESS) v ETME GILCHRIST (HMS SULTAN)

Gilchrist in only his first bout was boxing an opponent with more experience but Gilchrist never looked out of his depth. In a good opening round both boxers were landing some big shots with Ryan taking the edge forcing Gilchrist into having a count. In the 2nd round Gilchrist got into range and landed some powerful shots that stunned Ryan who for the first time started to keep his hands up. In the 3rd round Ryan boxed to his strengths using his rear hand with force earning Gilchrist another count. In the end Ryan won on points but Gilchrist can take so much from this and will come back to be a mighty force in the RN Cup.

AB BROOKES (HMS COLLINGWOOD) v ETME BAIN (HMS SULTAN)

Both these lads knew each other well from sparring sessions. In the 1st round both guys were landing with their jabs but it was Bain who was landing 5-6 punch bursts that kept catching Brookes knocking his head back earning Brookes two standing 8 counts in the 1st round. Bain has come on so much in such a short space of a time. In the 2nd round there was no let up with Bain really pushing for the stoppage landing at will when in close throwing straight shots and uppercuts forcing another two 8 counts and the referee stopping the contest. In 3 bouts for HMS SULTAN Bain has won all three bouts through stoppage early on. Bain is defiantly one to watch for the future and should progress into the Royal Navy squad.

YANNICK FOH (PORTSMOUTH ABC) v LAET CONNELL (HMS SULTAN)

In the contest of the night over 4 x 2 minute rounds Foh started well knocking down Connell more off balance then the power of the shot. Both guys were rolling with the shots coming in and out of range. During the 2nd and 3rd rounds both guys were landing shots to head and body but by the end of the 3rd Foh started to tire slightly. Over months of training Connell’s fitness was evident in the 4th as he increased the pressure landing shot upon shot to head and body. Foh was taking some punishment in the 4th round but managed to see out the 4th round. The score went to the judges and by closest of margins Foh won a majority decision. A fantastic bout with both boxers giving their all. Connell has come on so much this year and boxed brilliant in his 7th bout this season. He will defiantly be a contender for the RN Cup crown.

AB BUTTON (HMS COLLINGWOOD) v LET TRITSCHLER (HMS SULTAN)

Tritschler was looking for his first win of the season against Button who was having his first bout. Tritschler boxed and moved confidently displaying his best boxing of the season. Button tried to get into the bout but every time he got close Tritschler would hit and move winning the 1st and 2nd rounds at a canter. In the 3rd Tritschler kept up the pace forcing combinations home. Button had a flurry with the last 20 seconds showing great heart but the final decision went to Tritschler who can also look forward to the RN Cup.

On the night HMS SULTAN won 4-1 and were crowned champions. The squad go from strength to strength winning two trophies this year. The aim now is to get the squad ready for the RN Cup at HMS COLLINGWOOD in February which should be very interesting.

The squad will have a nice break over the Christmas period but still remain focussed with the training programme they will receive. Then in the New Year, training will ramp up with some of the squad getting out on a local show to get them ready for the RN Cup and hopefully earn HMS SULTAN Boxing Squad the hatrick of the trophies they so crave for.

Daz “The Hatchet” Hoare Head Coach

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