Knockout event
Army flattens Air Force for Long Tan trophy

Pte Mat Richards (blue head guard) lays a heavy blow on Pte John Andrews at the 3RAR Boxing Tournament. Andrews came back to win in the end. Photo by Bill Cunneen, Army newspaper

By Pte Shannon Joyce

A TEN-bout fight-night came to Holsworthy Barracks with all the glitz and glamour of a pay-per-view match, for the annual 3RAR Boxing Tournament earlier this month.

From one corner of the darkened OR’s mess, the Eye of the tiger theme song trumpeted its suspenseful buildup, personally picked by the competitor, and signalling his entry to the bout.

His personal profile flashed up on the wall from a concealed lightpro as a hooded figure agilely danced its way through the crowd to a swell of cheers and whistles.

But all the show-ponying wouldn’t sidetrack Sydney Olympics refereeing veteran John Thomson. He would supervise the night’s bouts for the judges – RSM WO1 Glenn Cochrane, Chief Clark WO2 Gary Fullford, and Padre Chap Tim Booker.

OC Spt Coy Maj Kyle Tyrrell said all 20 boxers had a training schedule before the tournament night.

“They underwent four weeks of intensive daily training with a qualified NSW Amateur Boxing Association coach Pte Jed Wheeler,” he said.

“A weigh-in and medical examination of each boxer was carried out on the morning of the event.”

Contenders were all from the 3RAR battalion goup, including one entrant from A Fd Bty, Gnr Marc Gleeson.

A signed pair of gloves from the dual world light featherweight champion Kostya Tszyu were raffled on the night, and Randwick-based Punch Equipment sponsored the tournament with new match-grade gloves, groin protectors and head guards.
Pte Nicholas Hutton from Admin Coy said the tournament was the best he’d seen since joining the unit.

“This is the most professional, with the great lead-up training from Pte Jed Wheeler, who’s had at least 30 fights himself.”

Maj Tyrrell said the standard of boxing was good, which he attributed to the month of intensive training.

“Each bout was extremely well matched, and most were decided on points, with Pte Ryan Andrews winning best boxer of the tournament.

There was one technical knock-out in the tournament, but the unit RMO was on hand to provide instant medical attention, and made the assessment for Pte Gareth Downes to be ambulanced to hostpital.

XO 3RAR Maj Paul Prickett said Pte Downes is recovering well in Liverpool Hospital.

Maj Tyrell said that the night was a great example of how 3RAR soldiers are capable of applying controlled aggression in a mature, responsible and sportsman-like fashion.