Davis aims for title 27

Warriors: Team coach Sgt Tony Davis (RLC, back), LCpl Martin Stead (RLC) and team captain Spr Adam Whitfield (RE) will spearhead the Army’s defence of its Combined Services crown

Interview: Richard Long
Picture: Graeme Main

ARMY boxers return to action in the ring this month for the showpiece event of their season – the Combined Services championships.

The Reds will be looking to build on a proud run of 26 consecutive titles and coach Sgt Tony Davis (APTC) has been going all out to ensure his fighters are at the peak of their powers prior to the big night.

Despite mixed results this season the team boss has been pleased with the performance of his boxers ahead of the Services showdown.

Gdsm Steve Sweeney (1 IG) and Sig Nikki Gittus (R Signals, pictured right) have both represented England at international level while LCpl Martin Stead (RLC) fought his way to a silver medal on his Great Britain debut at the Tammer Tournament in Finland.
In a busy month of preparation for the Combined Services the squad travelled to Sheffield for a training camp with Team GB.

The fighters also fine-tuned their ring skills with clashes against select teams from London and Ulster as well as challenging the Police and Community Boxing Association.

“Training with Team GB is something that has not been done before,” Davis told SoldierSport.

“We will not get any better preparation for the Combined Services challenge. Our aim is to retain that trophy.”

The March 18 showdown will be Davis’ first Combined Services as coach and he is determined to maintain the Army’s winning streak.

“The Navy also has a new coach this year and we both want to make our mark,” he said.

“The team is coming together very well. We still have one or two weight categories up for grabs and that makes it very interesting from my point of view.

“There are some fighters who feel they may have a place but there are others who are snapping at their heels. It is great to have such competition.”

The Combined Services championships will be held at Aldershot’s Maida Gymnasium. For more information call the Army Boxing Association on 94222 3581.