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Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Castelan
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
With lights overhead shining bright, the crowd roaring for action and the referee yelling fight, brave men and women slugged it out to be named champion in their respective weight class.
Some of the top armed forces boxers in Europe fought in Wiesbaden to compete for the Installation Management Command-U.S. Forces Boxing Championship. The event attracted more than 40 boxers and 1,200 spectators this year. A few boxers travelled from as far as Vicenza, Italy, to compete.
“The most difficult task that a competitor must accomplish is learning how to relax and stay focused on their game plan throughout the fight,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Adam Martinez, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden boxing instructor. “This is why sports like boxing are paramount for (the armed forces). Everything we do in training is for the fight.”
Martinez said that men are not the only ones who possess a will to fight. Wiesbaden Boxing Club currently has two female fighters ready to size up the competition from other bases.
“Our two female, 125-pound boxers are in complete animal mode right now,” Martinez said. “They have had to fight one another the last two bouts, (and) are eager to get in there with another (fighter).”
Aside from naming the top boxers in Europe, the tournament signified the end of the season and underscored the hard work and dedication these men and women put forth.
“As a novice, this fight is very important,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Darren Hinds-Webbster, a boxer. “Having an opportunity to compete at this level while just starting out is a big step.”
Army Spc. Jeremy Bates, another boxer, had the fortunate opportunity to compete.
“It’s a rush. While you’re in there, the only thing you can hear is your coach and your opponents breathing,” Bates said. “It’s almost as if the crowd disappears and a chess match between you and the person in front of you begins.”
Bates said it was a stroke of luck that he even began boxing. He said he was approached by a few boxers after he had finished a run around base and couldn’t resist the opportunity to find out more. After only a month of training, he had proven himself ready for the ring.
“What’s funny is that I’m a Soldier in a combat arms role and a boxer, but I would label myself a pacifist,” Bates said. “I actually hate fighting. Somehow, through all of this, I found boxing to put me at ease.”
Bates went on to win his bout in a third round technical knockout, clinching the championship in his weight division.
For more information about upcoming sports and activities, contact your unit sports manager or your local gym.
