Each boxer had their own game plan throughout the night. Private First Class
Charles Blackwell representing the All-Army team, says his game plan was to just go
into the match and earn as many points possible which changed after gauging his
opponent’s aggression. “My opponent was a hard nose guy. After seeing that he was
coming into the match full power I knew I had to match it” he said. The game plan
worked winning the bout by landing a hard right hook on the chin of Seaman Tyron
Hunter knocking him to the canvas in the first round.
Although the Army team took the Gold Medal; they were not the only ones who
performed impressively. Seaman Justin “Diamond Hands” Diaz representing the All-
Navy team earned his second gold medal Friday night and his place to represent the
United States Armed Forces in the 2010 CISM World Military Boxing Championship.
“When I go into a match I pay attention to my opponent. I see what he has and how he
acts”, he said “If they come out with power and speed I match and counter.”
The event held at Naval Base Ventura county was coordinated by MWR
Coordinator Kent Blankenship, and had a very impressive turnout with over three
hundred Spectators who came to see the championship. The gold medalist will now
move on to Camp Lejeune, NC to compete in the CISM 53rdWorld Military Boxing
Championship scheduled for 8-17 held. They will all participate in a special training
camp 23 September- 7 October 2010 at Camp Lejeune to prepare for CISM.
Lance Corporal Tommy Roque a member of the All-Marine team will be going
to the CISM Championship. “It feels great to not only have the chance to represent my
service but also my country as well”, he said “Although it will be my first time I hope to
bring home a medal.” He and the rest of the U.S. team will face Twenty-two other
Countries that are expected to send their boxers to the competition.
The Army team took home the gold medal with an overall score of fifteen points,
the Marines took the silver with seven points, the Navy earned five points, and the Air
Force received zero points. The gold medalist have proven themselves through countless
hours of training and competing, and have shown that they have what it takes to represent
the United States in the Military World Championship Boxing Tournament.
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