Chez Nihell, a Lance Corporal in 27 Regiment RLC in the British Army and Army Sportsman of the Year 2018, won his professional boxing debut 39-37 on points against opponent Kent Kauppinen (2-8) over four three-minute rounds at the cruiserweight limit at the o2 Arena
The Army Sportsman of the Year 2018 from Aldershot had his wife Alanna in the corner, also a serving soldier and multiple amateur champion, as the winning team outpointed ‘The Hammerhorn’ three rounds to one on the DeGale – Eubank Jr undercard.
Ahead of his professional debut, LCpl Nihell has said it is “what dreams are made of”.
During the fight, his wife Corporal Alanna Nihell was in the boxer’s corner and LCpl Nihell says he is amazed at the opportunity he has.
He said: “To be honest, I thought it would take a couple of years to build up to a show like this.
“My coaching manager and my advisor have pulled out an absolute blinder getting me on this show. The O2. My debut.
In regards to his wife’s involvement in his team, it’s a move that LCpl Nihell believes is the right call.
He said: “It makes sense 100% for me and Alanna. We’re both boxers. We both box for the Army team.
“For me to do the pro thing, I wanted her to do that as well.
“She got her pro coaching license when I got mine and she did her coaching courses. She has a lanyard now and will be hanging up in my corner on the night.”
