Royal Marines Beat USMC In Friendly Fights

The Royal Marines finest boxers took on the best of the 1st Marine Division for seven bouts in the first two-thirds of the Zeebrugge Cup. 

The United States Marine Corps pulled a team together specifically for this event after boxing was removed from their sports programme six years ago. 

Picture: US DEPT OF DEFENSE

The first bout between US Marine Corps Sergeant Kemuel Sanchez and Royal Marine Able Seaman Raheen Ali did not count towards the final score but Sgt Sanchez was impressed with the preparations that lead up to it. 

"The way the Royal Marines have treated us from the moment we got here has been spectacular"

At 3-all it was left to Commando Gunner Ryan Fillingham to secure victory for the Royal Marines with the final fight.

"It was an honour to represent them and have this opportunity"   

Major Tommy McPhee, The Royal Marines Boxing secretary, said:

"I can honestly say that was one of the best amateur boxing events I have ever been to, and I've been to many." 

As the evening was such a success it's expected a rematch will take place across the pond in the near future.