Royal Air Force Boxing Team Vs Cambridge Select

The was the second event of year to be held at RAF Wyton, this time taking place in the Sgt's Mess on 14th May 2009. Many boxers travelled long distances to be at the show and the RAF as usual fielded a strong team. The growing strength of the RAF team is starting to gather pace and filter through to all clubs as after all boxers had weighed in and after all the match making had been ratified, there were to be six action packed bouts with 3 RAF boxers boxing.

RAF Bout 1 - Light Heavy weight 75 - 81 Kg

AC Damien Menzies (RAF Cosford) Vs J Corrigan(Fulbourne & District ABC)

AC Damien Menzies is currently based at RAF Cosford undergoing his Phase 2 training as a Air Maintenance Mechanic . it was not only his first experience with the RAFBA but also his first boxing bout! He was not deterred however by his inexperience as he had his coach Cpl Paul Farmahon mentoring him and a strong RAF crowd in the audience cheering him on. Menzies opponent already had an mental advantage over him as he had already entered the ring 3 times, and had a record of 3 bout won 1 lost 2. The first round was past paced with both boxers landing long range shots. Menzies was using his jab to good effect but was getting caught with a quick reacting Corrigan countering to both the body and head. The second round saw the young airmen moving in and out or range effectively behind the jab, he did pick up a standing count as he was caught with a jab which caught him of balance. He recorded well from this and his use of good lateral movement ensured that he could counter with his own punishing shots.

With the rounds close the 3 round was all to fight for. Both boxers finding their shots landing and even though both pugilists were tiring their work rate showed that they had trained immensely hard for this bout. Menzies was caught with a short right hand flush on his nose which caused him lots of trouble and caused the last minute of the round to be a stop start event. Menzies had a great first bout and showed that he has huge potential and there is a lot to come from this young airman. It was however this time Corrigan's had that was to be raised, as he won on a unanimous points decision.

RAF Bout 2 - Middle weight 69 - 75 Kg

AC Ryan Martin (RAF Cosford) Vs Pateman (Cambridge DC)

AC Ryan Martin was another young airmen making his debut in the ring, this time his opponent was himself also inexperienced, so with both boxers wanting to win their bouts it was going to prove an exciting event. AC Martin a Phase 2 trainee Safety Equipment Fitter, came out in an orthodox stance and had an impressive work rate from the start. It was soon evident that the airmen would however have his work cut out, as Pateman was a taller boxer and utilised his long jab, from which he would release some impressive combinations. After the first round his coach Cpl Farmahon gave him some great advice which instigated from the start of the second round. Martin was closing the gap between himself and Pateman and then work releasing his shots on the inside, as the stronger boxer he was achieving some good results with this course of action, however Pateman grew wise to this and would then tie the young airmen up, preventing from capitalizing on the situation.

 The third round saw both boxers trading punches with equally success, however the rangy boxer Pateman continued to pick of the Martin and gave him a unanimous points win. Martin can be very proud of his efforts as he made a very good impression and am sure will be one to watch at this year's Lord Wakefield's championship.

RAF Bout 3 - Light Heavy weight 75 - 81 Kg

SAC Spokes (RAF Conningsby) Vs PC Ness (Metropolitan Police)

SAC Spokes entered the ring with a record of 2 bouts, won 1 lost 1. His opponent PC Ness was a officer with the Metropolitan Police and had a record of 4, won 2 lost 2. Both boxer had a high gaurd and boxed well using straight shots, it was after only 20 seconds that Spokes unleashed a flurry of shots and backed Ness against the ropes, after some punishing looking right hands referee (Ex-England international Cpl Owen Spensley) stepped in and gave Ness a standing eight count. Ness recovered but the count had obviously taken the wind out of his sails, as Spokes once again boxed effectively behind the jab and moved himself into range with his jab. This again proved highly successful as he backed Ness into the corner and gave him another standing count. Spokes at this stage showed boxing maturity as he moved smoothly in and out of range and didn't rush in looking for the quick finish.

The second round saw Ness gather his thoughts, box and move, trading shots with equal success drawing the round. The third round saw Spokes again set his dominance by controlling the ring, taking the centre and forcing Ness to move constantly around the ring, wasting precious energy. When the bell sounded at the end of the third there was no doubt in anyone's mind that SAC Spokes had won the bout with a unanimous points decision.

The success of the night is not always down to the winning or losing of bouts, it is that the RAFBA are continuing to have young keen, motivated, focus individuals entering the boxing ring. This helps to strengthen and fill the ranks of the already growing and capable young team, which is now starting to reap the rewards at many events. "From a small acorn grows a strong oak", and with the potential seen at RAF Wyton, for those who boxed and also those who weighed in boxing is as strong as ever within the RAFBA.