First ever boxing match between SAS and US Special Forces hailed a ‘success’

THE first ever Remembrance Rumble boxing match between former SAS and US Special Forces fighters was last night hailed a “triumph.”

A squad of six Who Dares Wins SAS battlers – who have spent decades on covert missions – clashed with US Navy SEALs, snipers and Delta Force soldiers on Armistice Day in a boxing clash like no other.

The Sun backed charity fight night on Friday was a sell-out at the world-famous York Hall 1,200 seater boxing venue, in London’s Bethnal Green.

While a legion of over 150,000 watched the bouts live-streamed on The Sun’s Facebook page.

The Remembrance Rumble was the brainchild of former D Squadron fighter ‘Big’ Phil Campion, 47, who took part in Operation Barrass, the SAS raid in Sierra Leone in 2000 to liberate Brit soldiers held by brutal militia the West Side Boys.

He capped the night by proposing to partner of 10 years Wendy, 45, moments after his bout with Ex US Marine Jon Schneider.

He said: “Tonight’s been a triumph. I’m ecstatic and humbled.

“People have come here in their droves, they have watched in their droves. We had this idea over a pint in the pub – I can’t believe how far it’s come.

“The US team fought bravely, they fought hard, it was ferocious in the ring, but everyone has been a gentleman outside it.

“I can’t thank the US team enough for coming over here and making this such a special night.”

Star of Channel 4 hit show SAS Who Dares Wins Billy Billingham also took to the ring for a tough clash.

He said: “That was hard. It's one hell of a way to spend Armistice Day but it's been a great."

Billy was roared on ringside by co-stars Ant Middleton and Ollie Ollerton plus hero Ben Parkinson MBE, the most seriously injured soldier to survive the Afghan battlefield.

The Remembrance Rumble comprised six bouts of three, two minute rounds – with Sun Page 3 beauties Nicola, Hollie and Sabine on ring duties.

Each fighter was raising money for a nominated charity and proceeds from the night also poured into the coffers of noble causes.

In keeping with the spirit of the night there was no winners declared – but the fighting was vicious – with 22 SAS veteran Matt Charles breaking his nose in his scrap with Jason Delgado, formerly of the Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

Matt said: "Another broken nose! It was worth it. Tonight is all about raising money and raising awareness for our veterans, not just in Britain or the States but around the world. It's a big deal."

Jason, who flew in from Afghanistan for the fight, said: "Man, he nearly had me in that second round. It's been an amazing night; an amazing fight.

"I've never been to London before but the camaraderie between our two nations is incredible and the support for our veterans is what it should be.

“That's why we put our bodies on the line and spill a bit more blood for them."

The night kicked off with a lone trumpeter blasting out the last post and the playing of both national anthems before the fighting began in earnest.

Former Navy Seal Eric Davis said: "Tough? Of course it was, you're talking SAS."

Ex SAS Rob 'The Spartan' Paxman said: "It's a hell of a way to spend Armistice Day but we've done a bit of everything today.

“We've been remembering the guys, our fallen comrades, the guys who were lost along the way and tonight is about charity, raising money to help so many others.”

Former US Special Boat Team operative Alex Hartley had his first boxing lesson earlier this week, and he had his second in the ring from ex-SAS man Jim Walker.

Jim said: "Train Hard, fight easy. It's great when you have good guys training you, as I have done. The important thing is that it's all for charity."

SAS man Floyd 'Woody' Woodrow had a reach advantage over ex-Delta Force fighter Travis Krauss but he said: "What I love about tonight is the camaraderie between Special Forces.

"I'm the oldest man here at 53 so I had to come back and do a bit of training but it's not about knock-outs it's about putting on a good bout for the audience and raising money for charity."

Travis Krauss said: "He had about 11 inches advantage on me, but it's good fun. I'd rather get beaten up by an SAS guy than take on some lesser opponent."

Ex Marine Jon Schneider had a tough job to match the exploits of fight organiser and SAS man Big Phil 'The Hampshire Hammer' Campion who was led into the ring by his daughter Emma wearing his SAS beret.

After their bout, Phil paid tribute to all the supporters, organisers and The Sun, but saved his knockout announcement for girlfriend Wendy in the audience.

He even produced a single red rose and a diamond ring and went down on one knee in the ring to asked her to take it and make him the “happiest man alive."

Wendy – who was stood in the balcony - said: “I’m so overwhelmed.

“It’s about time he made an honest woman of me.”

The fighters are already considering hosting a Remembrance Rumble rematch stateside next year.