10 US marines fought 10 British commandos in a boxing event, producing a thrilling result.
In 2019, the British Royal Marines fought the United States Marine Corp (USMC) at a packed-out Barber Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, USA,
After the first eight bouts, the USMC led their British counterparts 5-3 before a stunning finish.
British commandos Taz Campbell and Dan Ward made it 2-2 on the night before the Royal Marines headed into the intermission 4-2 down.
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Matthew Garrett pulled one back for the Brits, defeating Corporal Jabrill Noel but the USMC came back strongly in bout eight.
Corporal Felipe Ninofernandez secured a win for the USMC, taking the score to 5-3 with just two bouts to go.
The British commandos received encouragement from the crowd as chants of 'Royal, Royal' and 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' were sang.
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British marine Joseph Leddington claimed a split decision victory over Corporal Oubigee Jones to make it 5-4, piling the pressure on the final bout.
Marine Matthew Fenwick then beat USMC member Keandre Blackshire to level the score 5-5, retaining the trophy following their victory in the previous year.
After two minutes and 15 seconds of the first round, Fenwick dropped his opponent with a right hook, left hook combination.
Despite beating the count, the referee deemed Blackshire unable to continue.
The British marines retained the Zeebrugge Trophy after winning it on home turf last year.
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"As I was about to walk to the ring, my coach said to me 'it’s all on you Fenners, so no pressure'." said Mne Fenwick.
"The atmosphere was amazing, the noise from the crowd got me so motivated I knew I was going to get the knockout in the first round."
Colonel William Bailey had to hand over the trophy to the Royal Marines after presenting the Brits with the Virginia Gauntlet Trophy - an event of different games, including football, golf, clay shooting and rugby.
Topics: Boxing
Nasir Jabbar