SHAUN ‘Mac Attack’ Macdonald was the star of the show as the Royal Navy went down fighting at the Inter-Services boxing championships.

Walkovers, several caused by injuries to key Navy personnel, meant that the Army retained the championship in front of an enthusiastic crowd at HMS Nelson gym.

But of the three contested titles, the Navy took a 2-1 victory, with middleweight Mac Attack’s shock 11-9 win over England international and second-ranked boxer L/Cpl Dean Frost, of the Army, being the highlight of the evening for home fans.

OM Macdonald’s win over Frost, in what proved to be the bout of the night, brought the house down.

“This is the best moment in my boxing career,” said Macdonald. “My preparation was second to none, and I am determined to win the national title.”

At welterweight, Mne Stu ‘The Bull’ Elwell just lost out to national finalist and England international Pte Stephen Briggs (Army) on a 5-4 points decision.

Elwell made a better start than his opponent in what proved to be a tight, tactical contest.
With the fighters level pegging going into the fourth round, Briggs fired off more shots to give the national number four the victory.

Navy coach POPT Q Shillingford said he was proud of Elwell’s performance, pointing out that The Bull had stepped into the ring with one of the best boxers in England, and to concede the bout by just one point was an excellent achievement.

Team captain Mne Mick ‘The Irish Hammer’ O’Connell put in a fine performance against Bdr Neil Okoth (Army).

The strength and stamina of the Royal Marine saw him score a clear win over the Army’s heavyweight champion and England number four.

Q Shillingford commented that the Hammer was on the brink of England selection, and had attended England squad training sessions at Crystal Palace. As long as he remained focused, Q believed nothing would stand between Mick and the national title.

The new star of the team, OM ‘Bazooka’ Suka won his first Combined Services Boxing Association titles with a walkover.

Neil’s training has gone very well, according to the Navy coach, and Neil has come on leaps and bounds since joining the team, and it is hoped that he will make a major impact on the national scene this year.

As Navy News went to press, Mne Dave ‘The Hurricane’ Tang was due to enter the Welsh National Championships. Dave will be looking to capture the Welsh title at his first attempt, and his whirlwind aggressive style should stand him in good stead.

Scottish internationals Mne Kev ‘The Baby-Faced Assassin’ Green and Mne Jim ‘The Thin Destroyer’ Cusick have their sights firmly set on becoming Scottish champions as they prepare to enter their national championships.

Both boxers were unable to compete at this year’s Inter-Services event because of injuries.
Q Shillingford said: “It has taken three years to build a team from nothing to one of the best boxing teams in Great Britain.

“We have had historic wins over the Eastern Counties by 6-0, Western Counties by 8-1, the Southern Counties by 9-1 and an 8-7 win on the Australian tour.

“We have had three boxers in the National quarter-finals, one in the Welsh and two in the Scottish, so the team are on a high.

“Macdonald, Elwell and O’Connell have proven they can tear it up with the best boxers in the country, so I see no reason why the Navy cannot boast of having six national boxing champions by the end of this season.

“Remember, don’t think you can – know you can.”