Royal Navy boxers made history when they turned out for the national side in force.

For the first time, three RN and Royal Marines fighters represented England in a bout when they took on a Norway Select squad.

Mne Mick O’Connell had the honour of acting as team captain, and had to move up to Super Heavyweight to take on a much taller and heavier opponent.

The marine from Lympstone managed to unsettle his opponent in the first two rounds, never allowing his opponent to get into his rhythm.

But in the third Mick was caught by a heavy blow to the back of the head, prompting the referee to immediately stop the fight.

OM(C) Shaun McDonald received a late call-up aboard aircraft carrier HMS Invincible to join the England side, bringing him his international debut.

New Navy boxing coach C/Sgt Tommy McPhee said the youngster was unprepared for the contest initially, but after some intense training, he quickly got down to business.

“He imposed himself from the off with a flurry of punches,” said Tommy.

“His opponent found it very difficult to catch his tricky style and as the rounds went on Shaun got stronger and ran out a comfortable winner.”

OM Neil Suku, of HMS York, was also making his debut at Super Heavyweight – and was thrown into the ring against a former Russian champion with more than 30 bouts behind him.

Neil’s good work on the ropes and a strong jab kept him in the contest, but in the end he lost out on a clear points decision.

“There was a great buzz about the place as the contest approached – the RN has never had three boxers compete for the country before,” Tommy added.

As the English fighters took on the Norwegians, Mne Jimmy Cusick of 1 Assault Group RM was representing Scotland in a ten-nation tournament in Dublin.

The draw was particularly cruel for the Briton, who was pitched again the tournament favourite from the USA, and although Jimmy gave the performance of his career to date, he was edged out 20-14 on points.

“Jimmy boxed as well as he would dream, and although he’s disappointed, this has put him firmly on the big stage. He can now look forward to international and domestic success this season,” said Tommy.

The domestic season opened with contests in Bedford, Bristol, and a high-profile card against Titchfield ABA at Portsmouth Guildhall, with 11 fighters in action.

Hard-hitting Mne Alex Urritia, of 42 Cdo, opening the contest for the RN, blistering into G. Mitchell from Basingstoke from the bell, shaking his opponent in the first round with a thundering body shot. Although unable to knock down his opponent outright, Alex forced three standing counts and won unanimously on points.

Next into the ring was OM Sean Cridland, from HMS Collingwood, who lost out on points to a very experienced Josh Leigh from the City of Portsmouth ABC. Mne Jules Marin, of 40 Cdo, won a tough battle with Barnes from Titchfield, and Mne Luke Wilson, of 42 Cdo, followed that with a points victory over P. Buckley of Eltham and District ABC.

Mne Steve Turner, of RM Stonehouse, was floored in the third round by a good right hand from Rose, of Newport ABC, and although Steve regained his feet and was willing to continue, the referee stopped the bout.

Royal Hospital Haslar’s MA Jason Doran lost on points to Salt, of Titchfield, but Mne Steve Tyghe, from 40 Cdo, stopped Hulme of Titchfield in the first round of his fight – a satisfying, if delayed, start to the season for Tyghe, who missed the first two shows of the season because of cuts.

AEM Vaughn Perkins, of 845 Naval Air Squadron, was the last Navy victor of the evening, beating the popular D. Couzens of Titchfield on points.

The night ended with two defeats: 40 Cdo’s Mne Rob Barnett lost out to S. McGeechy from Basingstoke and AEA David McCelwey lost a majority points decision against Titchfield’s L. Goddard.

“Despite four of our team being away on international duty, we still fielded a strong team and enjoyed some great successes,” Tommy said.