Oxford University’s boxers were on the receiving in their first match against some of the Army’s best boxers.

The 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, the current Army amateur champions, proved they were strong fighting men when they defeated the students 8-1 in the contest held at the Wellington Barracks, St James Park, London.

Dark Blues’ only win came from light-heavyweight Borna Guevel.

The unusual match-up came about as ‘3 Para’ were holding a fundraising boxing night to raise money for Airborne Forces Charities and Oxford University took up the challenge.

Oxford captain, Richard Pickering, 20, said: “Each season is about fighting Cambridge in March so it was a good experience to fight a team with the fitness and technique of the Paras.

“The preparation we got was invaluable.”