Fighting for company pride: 4 Scots boxers trade blows in exciting Cyprus fight night

Boxers from 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland took the spotlight for Forces Fight Night in Dhekelia, Cyprus.

The Highlanders fought across eight bouts of three two-minute rounds in the intercompany boxing card.

Alpha 'Grenadier' Company proudly claimed victory on the parade square at Alexander Barracks. Competitors from Alpha, Bravo, Delta, Support, and HQ all stepped into the ring to fight for company pride and bragging rights.

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"It's been a hard six weeks training," said Highlander Bradley Cassidy, Team Captain of 4 Scots Boxing. "They've all put absolute graft in, three sessions a day, sweating loads."

Highlander Cassidy emphasised the powerful performance by all the contenders, saying: "They can walk away from tonight and be proud that they represented their companies in a good manner."

The battalion's Fijian choir opened the event with the national anthem while a piper and drummer brought the boxers out for each bout.

In some bouts, officers fought highlanders (privates) in a show of rank rivalry and good spirit.

"All you can hear is your corner, someone you've chosen to be behind you and has coached you," said Lieutenant Ewan Donnachie, a platoon commander in D Coy.

"You just focus on your opponent. It's quite intense, but over like a flash," he added.

Boxing and the battlefield

4 Scots are the resident infantry battalion in Dhekelia and currently the Cyprus Operations Battalion, deployable across the region. The evening gave the jocks a chance to let off steam during the busy posting.

"There's nothing like it anywhere else in the world," said Highlander Casper Gray, D Coy.

"It's what the Army's about, supporting your brothers," added Highlander Scott Ross, D Coy.

Air Commodore Martin Cunningham, Deputy Commander of British Forces Cyprus and Chief of Staff HQ was guest of honour for the event.

Amongst the VIPs was Big Phil Campion of 22 SAS fame and an inspiration for many young soldiers.

"This is the cornerstone of everything," said Big Phil, "It's the qualities of a soldier on display. A man who can go in against the odds to do some unpleasant work with his head held high, it's brilliant."

Despite being a sport, boxing has a deep connection with the warfighting function 4 Scots fulfil in the British Army.

"We're an infantry battalion, so we are dismounted close combat experts," said Lt Col Alex Phillips, Commanding Officer.

"Boxing provides us the opportunity to pursue close combat by getting in the ring, fighting toe to toe, harnessing that fighting spirit and will to win."