Army boxers fight 'War of the Roses'
20 Nov 09
The finest boxers from The Yorkshire Regiment met those from The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment last week to contest the 'War of the Roses', raising £140,000 for charity in the process.
Soldiers from The Yorkshire Regiment and The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment box in the 'War of the Roses' tournament
[Picture: Sgt Fletcher, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
This highly-charged night of amateur boxing took place at Saviles Hall in Leeds and raised money for the Army Benevolent Fund, Help for Heroes and Regimental Benevolent Funds.
The evening was enjoyed by more than 500 people and consisted of a mix of serving and retired personnel and civilians representing local and national companies.
As well as the boxing the night included a black tie dinner and a display from the Band of the King's Division and the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (3 YORKS) Corp of Drums.
In an exciting and close contest with the boxers fighting under Army Boxing Association rules, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment eventually came out on top winning by seven bouts to two.
The prize of 'most courageous' boxer was won by Craftsman Wales of 3 YORKS while Sergeant Quinn of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment picked up the prize for 'best boxer' of the night.
The War of the Roses patron, Major General Graham Binns, said:
"Few sports demand the levels of courage and commitment that are necessary in boxing.
The 'War of the Roses' charity boxing tournament teams
[Picture: Sgt Fletcher, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"Boxing has a long and honourable tradition within the King's Division - it represents in tangible form many of the core values and standards we regard as so important and epitomises the fighting spirit of the British Army and northern soldiers in particular."
The event organiser, Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Smith, was delighted with the outcome, saying:
"The evening was about raising regimental profiles and money. We have been overwhelmed by the extent of the public support and generosity and thanks to the boxers and all who so generously supported the event - we exceeded all expectations."
Wars of the Roses II is scheduled to take place at Elland Road, home of Leeds United Football Club, on 24 April 2010 with the anticipation that this will become an annual event in the sporting calendar and will alternate between Lancashire and Yorkshire in the interests of neutrality.
The next event will run along similar lines and the organisers hope to raise even more money for these very worthy causes - directly supporting soldiers and their families.
Anyone wishing to retrospectively support such a worthwhile cause is encouraged to visit the website at Related Links >>>