Steve Collins Watches As Royal Military Police Stage First Boxing Match

The Royal Military Police have staged their first-ever boxing match.

The organisation of the event, held at Fox Lines in Aldershot, was helped by the support of former WBO Middleweight and Super Middleweight Champion, Steve Collins.

“I think what I bring to the table is I have experience and a bit of knowledge,” he said.

“The important thing is when I talk to them, they believe me. They listen to me so that’s important.

“They have faith in what I say so if I try and pass on some instruction or coaching to them, they pay attention to what I have to say because of my previous career," he said.

"I’ve had a good life and I’ve gained some good times and knowledge in boxing. It’s nice to pass it on to young lads and young lasses today.

“All of these kids fighting today- they’re pure novices. Some of them have never stepped inside a ring up until a couple of weeks ago."

According to the former boxer, it is the lifestyle that was the appealing factor to him.

He said: "The militant lifestyle definitely appeals to me. My career was very militant and I honestly believe if I hadn’t gone on as a professional boxer, I probably would have joined the military. It keeps me young and I’m enjoying it."

The success of the event will be good news to GB Boxing after they signed a three-year deal with the British Army in an effort to create more military boxing Olympians.

The collaboration between the Army Sport Control Board and British Boxing means that a full-time boxing coach will work at the Army's base in Aldershot.

Ben Stewart will work closely with current head coach Sergeant James Allen and will be joined also by a team of four army coaches and sport science practitioners.

He said: "The set-up and the facilities here are first-class. The boxers train three times a day and the set-up is very professional."

Nathan Pearce works as Army Boxing secretary and believes the similar aspect between top-level sport and the military will pay off: "Fitness is an integral part of being a soldier and the qualities required of sportsperson mirror what the Army looks for when recruiting; teamwork, discipline, motivation and determination," he said.

"Army personnel are extremely well supported with first-rate facilities, coaches, but most importantly the time to refine their skills."