Royal Marines trounce US Navy 11-1 in 'special relationship' boxing blowout

Dan McDonald
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:38:30 +0000

The Royal Marines have trounced the US Navy 11-1 in a "special relationship" boxing blowout.

On April 16, a dozen fights were held between the two military boxing associations at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

But the young Britons came out on top on the night, cruising to victory in all but one fight.

Lee Drinkwater of the Royal Marines Boxing Association took to social media to celebrate the team's victorious night in the ring.

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He hailed a "strong result for the Royals... but, as ever, the scoreboard only tells part of the story".

"What sat behind it was weeks and months of disciplined preparation, quiet graft, and a commitment to standards.

"Every bout demanded composure, skill, and determination - nothing given, everything earned."

The Marines have fought in America before, and regularly compete against their direct counterparts in the US Marine Corps for the Zeebrugge Trophy.

And this year, the crack team of Commandos had travelled Stateside a few weeks ago to train for the crunch match against the US Naval Academy, backed by the Royal Marines Charity.

On social media, they shared clips of their preparation for their showdown - including 5k runs on the beach in Maryland, training in the ring and more.

Mr Drinkwater also praised the team's American opponents, as he hailed the hosts for putting on a "first-class event".

He said the Naval Academy side proved to be "outstanding opposition" in a "superb environment" - and a reminder of the "shared professionalism and fighting spirit that exists across our services".

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"Moments like these go beyond competition - they strengthen relationships, build mutual respect, and reinforce what it means to represent something bigger than ourselves," he said.

"Proud to represent. Proud of the team. Proud of the standard set."

Speaking after his victory, Marine Tommy Caulfield said he was "absolutely buzzing".

"What a privilege to be out in America and boxing on a tour like this," he added.

Marine Kennedy - on his debut for the association - said: "Being given the opportunity to come here to America to represent the corps is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Meanwhile Marine Kyle Shaw-Tullin said: "It's been an absolute privilege and an hour to wearing the Royal Marines boxing vest.

"I closed the show tonight, I'm glad I could do it in good fashion with a KO win."

On social media, commenters hailed the boxers as "great ambassadors" for the Royal Marines and the UK - despite dents to the "special relationship" in recent months.