The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) hosted its Regimental boxing event at the Oriam Sport Performance Centre in Edinburgh.
This was the fifth staging of the event, first tested at Meadowbank Stadium, in 2014. This year the event drew around 500 people from the Regiment, the larger Regimental family and invited guests.
There were 10 bouts with soldiers from the SCOTS, Ranger Regiment, Royal Anglian Regiment and the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
The most “courageous” boxer of the evening award went to Highlander Kieron Hodge 4 SCOTS. who, although losing his bout, was pleased with the recognition, saying:
“Its an amazing feeling. Although I didn’t get the winner’s trophy, I got this prize. I put in the effort and got something out of it.”
“Best” boxer award went to Glasgow born Fusilier Caleb Donaghy 2 SCOTS who was “over the moon” on being rewarded for showing real determination during his bout.
Caleb said: “Boxing is a good opportunity to get yourself out there. I did the last event, in 2021, and lost ona split decision, so I was looking to make a comeback this year and get my name back out there.”
Both winners were congratulated by Major General Robin Lindsay CBE, on behalf of the Colonel of the Regiment – Lieutenant Nick Borton KCB DSO MBE.
In preparation all participants had undergone a six-week, centralised training.course.
Regimental Boxing is fought under the UK Armed Forces Boxing Association (UKAFBA) regulations.
It is boxed at Development Level, with boxers matched on weight and experience. Training between units will vary dependant on operational commitments, however, by the time the boxers are matched they will be at the same level in terms of skill, condition, and fitness.
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