Holloman boxing club rumbles with Army Soldiers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class DeAndre Curtiss
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Four members of Holloman AFB's boxing team recently fought against Army Soldiers from Fort Bliss Army Post, during the Border Rumble boxing match held in El Paso, Texas. 

In anticipation of the Border Rumble, the fighters trained as a group sparring, shadow boxing, and performing strength and conditioning exercises to get them ready. 

The team received most of their coaching from Senior Airman Thomas McConnell, 49th Maintenance Group, and felt that thanks to his help, they were ready for the challenge.
The team competed in one exhibition and three official bouts walking away with two victories. 

Though the team wasn't able to bring home all four victories they still walked away with a feeling of accomplishment and were both satisfied and impressed with each other's performances. 

"I believe we all did a great job! Showing up and accepting the challenge in it self is outstanding," said Tech. Sgt. Genese Williams, 49th Materiel Maintenance Support Squadron. 

The team's performance especially impressed Staff. Sgt. Marcellues Hall, co-founder of the boxing club and trainer, who was in the corner for every one of the team member's fight. 

"Personally I feel they did a beautiful job," he said. "They fought with all their heart and were nothing less than sensational." 

Sergeant Hall also attributed some of the team's success to good coaching saying Airman McConnell is one of the best coaches he's ever met. 

"Coach McConnell did an outstanding job with each individual I think," he said. 

The boxing team was founded January of this year by head coach Airman McConnell, Sergeant Hall, and Mr. Benton Gordon 49th Force Support Squadron. 

Since January, the team has competed in two fighting events, the Raptor Rumble which was held here on March 7 and the Border Rumble recently held at Fort Bliss. 

Currently Holloman AFB's boxing team has five members. The team members are 2nd Lt. Brandon Saunders, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron, Sergeant Williams, Airman 1st Class Willy Bivins, 49th Maintenance Squadron, Airman 1st Class Daniel Garcia, 49th Materiel Maintenance Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Daniel Monroe, 49th Operations Support Squadron. 

The next match is scheduled to take place here in September.