Royal Marines fought US Marine Corps in team boxing tournament and what happened during 'thrilling' fight stunned everyone
The UK and the USA have been allies on the world stage for hundreds of years - but the marines from both nations once went to war in a boxing tournament and there was a clear winner.
The two nations last fought as enemies during the inconclusive War of 1812, which had followed the American War of Independence and victory over British rule in 1783 to establish the United States of America.
But since then, the British and American Armed Forces have fought as allies throughout several conflicts including both World Wars, the Korean War, both Gulf Wars and the conflict in Afghanistan in a partnership which endures to this day.
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The marine branches of both nations - the British Royal Marines and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) - have been active for centuries and have taken part in some of the most famous battles and wars in human history.
And the two sides took on each other in a trans-Atlantic clash back in 2018 which the Royal Marines came out on top of 7-4 following a series of bouts in the boxing ring in front of 400 people at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London, which hosted the final of the tournament which supported The Royal Marines Charity.
The Royal Marines entered the final of the contest with a slender 4-3 lead after a series of preliminary bouts, with everything still to play for on the night in four final contests.
In the first fight, Royal Marine Chris Murray came out on top in a hard fought encounter to beat Sergeant George Camden with a split points decision.
It was followed by Lance Corporal Kreed Gentz of the USMC to beat Marine Aidan Thompson in a split decision as the Americans closed the deficit back to one point.
Marine Danny Smith won what was to be the crucial fight of the night in what the commentator called a 'thrilling war of attrition' against Corporal Chris Valdes with a unanimous points victory.
And Lance Corporal Adam Howe of the Royal Marines took the final win of the evening against USMC Corporal Ji Lim with a unanimous decision from the judges.
It meant the Royal Marines emerged victorious overall with a 7-4 win over the USMC, with both sides hailing the relationship the two nations have.
Royal Marines' boxing coach, Sergeant Marc Bird, said: "The boys have done fantastically well. The whole training camp they've just dug in deep, they've done everything I've asked of them, they've done it on the platform and on the stage, I couldn't be prouder of the guys."
His counterpart Kevin Kylis from the USMC said: "I'm incredibly proud of the Marines. They showed true grit and determination and really what Marines are made of.
"The partnership that the United States Marines and the British Royal Marines have is second to none. The ability to put two teams together for a competitive sporting event internationally is an unbelievable classic."
John McDougall