 For three nights running, Goettge Memorial Field House was transformed into a paradise for fight fans who came to take in the inaugural Marine Corps Boxing Invitational.
In an atmosphere harkening back to the days when units competed against one another in intramural boxing, the all-Marine team took on amateur fighters in 11 weight and gender divisions.
The competition, featuring more than 50 fighters from across the U.S. and Nova Scotia, Canada, took place Aug. 28 through 30 and drew hundreds of spectators.
“I was impressed with the execution of the Marine boxers,” said Ronald Simms, the all-Marine Corps Boxing coach. “Most of them have not boxed more than two months and executed as if they were seasoned veterans.”
 The action was nearly nonstop, with as many as nine fights per night. The boxers competed in novice or open categories depending on their prior experience. All of the fighters and fans benefited from the ringside computerized scoring system and topflight officiating.
Among the pugilists participating, the contingent from Nova Scotia traveled farthest to Camp Lejeune.
“The atmosphere is different here than in Canada,” said Joe Laviolette, who outpointed Patrick Moody, an all-Marine boxer. “Boxing is a lot bigger in North Carolina.”
Although Laviolette overtook Moody, he spoke highly of him.
“He was hard to hit and fought well for only having seven bouts under his belt,” said Laviolette. “Every time you fight, you get better. Unfortunately for him, I’ve had more bouts.”
Simms said the three-day event went off without a hitch and has plans to make the Marine Corps Boxing Invitational an annual event.
After the bouts, Simms arranged for the Marine boxers to ask the officials questions.
“The session went well,” said Simms. “The Marine boxers learned a lot concerning Olympic-style boxing judged with computerized scoring. They exceeded my expectations. It will only get better.”
The next annual Marine Corps Boxing Invitational Tournament is scheduled for June 2009. The team is also scheduled to host a dual meet against British boxers during October.
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