FIRST CLASS
Army meets Finland in return match, writes Jamie Ingleby
ON November 30 the Army Boxing Team welcomed the Finnish club TVS Tampere to the UK for a return match of nine bouts.
The return fixture was boxed in front of a crowd of several hundred soldiers at ITC Catterick; the atmosphere and support was first class. Several of the TVS Boxers remarked how they’d never experienced such a great crowd.
The Finnish team began with a win as Army lightweight Nat Coles lost to TVS boxer Riikka Niemi, who proved to be too experienced for the Army Boxer. The Army’s Tori Willets lost to
Natalia Rok (Evolve) in the first of two supporting bouts. Willets won the first round, boxing beautifully on the outside; before getting dragged into a fight, which favoured the Evolve Boxer.
Veteran Shamin Khan got the Army its first win taking a clear unanimous decision victory over Finnish national champion, Wael
Khaghani at 56kgs. Welshman Ben Rees Davis continued the Army winning streak, beating Niazz Ahmadi at 60kg.
Returning from a long lay-off Army 75kgs boxer, Josh Plummer lost a split decision to 2016 Tammer champion Muhammad Abdilrasoon.
2016 Olympic lightweight bronze medallist and Katie Taylor conqueror, Mira Potkonen showed why she’s remained unbeaten since the Rio semi-finals. England’s Paige Murney was unable to maintain her strong start in her first bout at 60kgs and lost a unanimous decision.
Welterweight Elina Gustafsson had to use all of her experience to take the victory over England’s
Hannah Shields. Shields, relentless from opening to final bell, never gave Gustafsson a moment to compose herself.
Royal Navy boxer and newly crowned 75kgs English Title belt holder, Jack Stringer took the Best Boxer Award and victory over TVS’
Santeri Laine, who collected the Most Gallant Trophy for his efforts.
In the final bout of the night, Army super-heavyweight Chez
Nihell successfully defended his 91&kgs English Title belt for the third time. His movement and speed proved too much for England’s Hosea Stewart.
The fixture both home and away, featured numerous international bouts, the boxing was of the highest standard and will no doubt become a regular on the Army calendar.