Forces Fight Night: Air Force boxers lose to British Army on home turf at RAF Akrotiri
Select boxers from the British Army and Royal Air Force journeyed to Cyprus to reignite the long-standing rivalry between the two services, with the REME claiming overall victory.
Boxers from RAF Northolt, RAF Wyton, and RAF Coningsby joined the home team fighters from RAF Akrotiri.
They faced off against visitors from 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, and the Army Military Working Dogs.
Lance Corporal Lincoln Frances, team captain of the REME's boxing squad, was awarded Best Boxer on the night.
He said: "It was a good bout with a unanimous decision. I’m happy with that."
The REME team came to Akrotiri in force for a week-long training camp on the air base.
LCpl Frances added: "It's a great team, I couldn't ask for better.
"REME is like a massive family. Everyone works hard and supports each other."
Sixteen fighters stepped into the ring before an audience of their peers and senior officers for eight bouts consisting of three rounds lasting two minutes each.
Brigadier Andrew Dawes, Deputy Commander British Forces Cyprus, said: "It's so inspiring to see our young aviators, craftsmen, and gunners getting in the ring and socking it to him."
He added: "I'm supporting all our young people. It's incredible to see all our tribes in here mixing it up.
"Everyone getting out of that ring is two inches taller. The pride that they have to do their thing in front of their people and come away with a win or lose, it doesn't matter."
In some bouts, RAF fought RAF while the Army challenged each other due to suitable matching across weight categories and experience.
Despite services facing each other, the healthy rivalry works to bring the Armed Forces closer as one team.
Wing Commander Dan Woollard, Acting Station Commander at RAF Akrotiri, said: "We like our traditions and our individual trades.
"But when our backs are against the wall, these guys, no matter the colour of their shirt, dig out for each other."
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