Boxing is a tough sport, both physically and mentally, with self-discipline and respect being two of the most important attributes a successful boxer must master.
But it’s not only that, a boxer is courageous, shows strategic and tactical intelligence, and resilience – exactly what is required of everyone in the RAF.
People in the RAF have a distinctive character, spirit and attitude, that pull together as a team to deliver air and space power, no matter the challenge or the environment. Those characteristics are often seen in competitive sportspeople, with boxers expected to maintain the highest standards of physical and mental fitness.
Boxing in the RAF
The RAF Boxing Association (RAFBA) embodies the ethos and core values of the RAF, promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, teamwork, morale, and inclusiveness across our Service. Boxing teaches self-discipline, determination and resilience while fostering a sense of camaraderie and community. The RAFBA provides opportunities for boxers, coaches, and officials of all abilities to represent their station, the RAF, and even the UK Armed Forces on national platforms.
Currently the RAFBA has around 200 active members and supports more than 12 active station clubs, with members representing regulars, reserves, civil servants and veterans. The Association has boxers, coaches and officials participating in the sport at every level from grass roots to international.
RAF boxing champions
Corporal Brad Axe, who made his professional boxing debut earlier this year, just won his third professional fight at York Hall, the home of British boxing. An instructor at the Fire Service College on the Defence Fire Training Unit (DFTU), Corporal Axe, the ‘Axe Man’, started boxing when he was 16 and joined the RAF at 18, based at RAF Odiham.
Another RAF Corporal has recently been crowned champion at England Boxing National Development Championships – the first national title by a RAF service-person in nine years. Corporal Sabine, an RAF Police Non-Commissioned Officer based at RAF Lossiemouth, won the under-50kg title defeating opponents from boxing clubs across the UK.
The success is remarkable seeing as she only took up the sport in November 2022 and had her first competitive bout in 2023. Here she talks about her journey with sport in the RAF:
What made you take up the sport?
I saw an advertisement for the boxing club on station. I had never boxed before and wanted to try something new and meet some new people. The club held two sessions a week which I went to.
Tell us about your first bout in October 2023.
In July 2023 the opportunity to have my first bout came up. I started training with Elgin Amateur Boxing Club in addition to RAF Lossiemouth Boxing Club to get ready for the bout. On 28 October 23, I stepped in the ring for the first time and had my first bout in Guernsey, winning by Knock Out. My passion for the sport developed from here.
What has been the key to your success?
Training hard and staying focused. Boxing is a disciplined sport, and you get out what you put in. Staying consistent with training, keeping fit and following a training plan has been pivotal to improving my performance in the ring. The key to my success has also been the coaches who train me. Providing me with guidance and ensuring that I am mentally prepared to step into the ring with confidence and skill.
How do you manage balancing your job as a RAF Police Corporal and your boxing commitments?
I follow a training plan. This allows me to organise my training for the week around my shift pattern. Often this means early mornings and late evenings to get the sessions in, but training hard and staying disciplined is the key to producing good results.
How popular is female Boxing in the RAF?
It’s getting more popular in the RAF and in the Armed Forces as a whole. On 30th Novemver 2024 – 1st December 2024, two RAF female boxers (including myself) represented UKAF at the 2024 Women’s Winter Box Cup. UKAF had 10 female boxers in total and the team achieved five gold medals, three silvers and two bronze medals. Two of these gold medals were won by RAF boxers. UKAF was also awarded best team for the box cup.
RAFBA Reunion
The RAF Boxing Association recently held a reunion for past and present members at the Tower of London, showcasing the enduring legacy and camaraderie among its alumni. The event, hosted by Yeoman Warden Paul ‘Fraggle’ Langley, emphasised the strong bonds forged through service boxing.
Guests enjoyed an exclusive tour of the Tower of London, including the world-famous Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient military ritual marking the closing of the Tower’s gates for the night.
The RAFBA is a community with a rich history, represented in the lives of all those who have been part of it, from boxers and coaches to officials and supporters. The event was a testament to the strong ties that boxing has created over the years within the RAF community.
The RAF currently recognises 55 Sports Associations, which include 88 individual disciplines. Find out more about getting involved via the RAF Central Fund.
