Boxing Team

7 AVIATION SUPPORT BATTALION BOXING TEAM

The REME Corps Boxing Championship returned this year in earnest following a break due to COVID.

7Avn Sp Bn Boxing Team is led by head coach, LCpl Brewer and seconded by LCpl Pascoe, who both have extensive boxing experience as civilians and since joining the military. Most recently, LCpl Brewer achieved a successful professional debut in Bare Knuckle Boxing (UBKB), winning with a first-round knockout. New facilities in development on Station, new coaches, and new boxers all meant that 7 Avn Sp Bn had high hopes of retaining the REME Championship title which had previously been won, prior to the pandemic.

Preparations began in March 2022 with a rigorous schedule of physical fitness and boxing education. Coaching and boxing skills were developed further with a strategic programme which included: additional coaching from professional boxer Tommy Jacobs at Willies Gym in Colchester, a training camp in Aldershot, experience with the Army Boxing team, and input from former GBR coach Mike Bromby at St Pauls Boxing Academy. Ensuring variety, the Team also climbed Kinder Scout in the Peak District and a training camp in East Riding, Yorkshire.

With expectations high, 7 Avn Sp Bn marched through the preliminary bouts, with the only loss coming at the hands of their own, as two teammates fought for a spot in the finals. The REME Boxing championship finals were action packed and 7 Avn Sp Bn retained their title as REME champions by one point in what was a hard-fought contest. LCpl Gater described the experience saying, “This Boxing camp has been one of the best experiences of my life! I’ve never boxed before but it’s been brilliant learning. On top of that, I feel like I’ve learned a lot about myself. Knowing how hard I can push myself, to be more confident, and it’s really helped me learn to communicate better, which is something I’ll carry with me after boxing is finished.”

Following the success of this season, head coach LCpl Brewer shared his aspirations for the team moving forward. “I’ve been very lucky to have support from the Battalion, and after this year’s success, I’m hoping to enter a team into the REME championships, and another one into the RLC Championships next year. The RLC championships will have some stiff competition, so it will be a great challenge.”

The 7 Avn Sp Bn team caught the eye of both REME and RLC Corps Boxing teams, with the Army Boxing team also showing interest after some fine displays by boxers during the competition. Three Bn boxers were subsequently chosen to represent the REME at the Army Individuals Boxing Championship in early June, with LCpl Glover being crowned champion in his weight class.

All three boxers were also selected for the Army Development Team with one still involved with the team at the time of writing.