Learn and explore

Army careers

Support and training

News and events

Visit Army Jobs
  • News
  • 23 Feb 2026
  • North
  • Health
  • People
  • Sport
  • What We Do
  • Who We Are

Kingsmen roar into the Lion’s Den

Two men are boxing in a ring. The furthest away wears a black t-shirt and red hat, the closest wears a red top with 'Eng' written on the back, and a green hat.

The British Army’s 1st Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (1 LANCS) Kingsmen had an unforgettable day when they stepped into the ring at The Lion’s Den in Sheffield for a special visit and training session with Team GB.

A sign reads: welcome to the Lion's Den home of GB Olympic boxing.
A red boxing bag shows a white lion and text that reads 'GB Boxing'.
A group of men wearing black t-shirts and shorts sit on the edge of a boxing mat.
A close up of a bronze lion printed onto black shorts.
A man wearing a black top and silver hat and gloves punches a man wearing a black top and red hat.
A group of men in black tshirts and shorts pose for a group photo with a man in a white shirt and shorts.
Two men are boxing in a ring. The furthest away wears a black t-shirt and red hat, the closest wears a red top with 'Eng' written on the back, and a green hat.
A man in a black t-shirt sits looking into a boxing ring, smiling.
A sign reads: welcome to the Lion's Den home of GB Olympic boxing.

The Lions Den at English Institute of Sport, Sheffield.

A red boxing bag shows a white lion and text that reads 'GB Boxing'.

Team GB punch bag during, 1st Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Boxers training session.

A group of men wearing black t-shirts and shorts sit on the edge of a boxing mat.

1st Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Boxers watching sparring sessions during training.

A close up of a bronze lion printed onto black shorts.

1st Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment boxers watching sparring session.

A man wearing a black top and silver hat and gloves punches a man wearing a black top and red hat.

1st Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Boxers in the ring during training.

A group of men in black tshirts and shorts pose for a group photo with a man in a white shirt and shorts.

Group photo of 1st Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Boxing team with England boxing coach John Hoskinson.

Two men are boxing in a ring. The furthest away wears a black t-shirt and red hat, the closest wears a red top with 'Eng' written on the back, and a green hat.

Kingsman Speight, 1st Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Boxer in the ring with a Team GB boxer during training.

A man in a black t-shirt sits looking into a boxing ring, smiling.

Kingsman Boyce, 1st Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Boxer watching a sparring session during training.

A sign reads: welcome to the Lion's Den home of GB Olympic boxing.
A red boxing bag shows a white lion and text that reads 'GB Boxing'.
A group of men wearing black t-shirts and shorts sit on the edge of a boxing mat.
A close up of a bronze lion printed onto black shorts.
A man wearing a black top and silver hat and gloves punches a man wearing a black top and red hat.
A group of men in black tshirts and shorts pose for a group photo with a man in a white shirt and shorts.
Two men are boxing in a ring. The furthest away wears a black t-shirt and red hat, the closest wears a red top with 'Eng' written on the back, and a green hat.
A man in a black t-shirt sits looking into a boxing ring, smiling.

The Lion’s Den, home to Team GB Olympic boxing, has seen some of the best amateur boxers rise to greatness, and the Kingsmen are proving they’re no different. Known for being fierce, strong and courageous, 1 LANCS are The Lions of England.

Learning in the home of legends

Kingsman Louis James, who’s new to the team, shared his excitement: “I’m new to the team, training is really intense, but I’ve gained a lot from it.

“Training at Team GB was amazing, sparring in the ring that Anthony Joshua won his Olympic gold medal was phenomenal.

“All the photos around the place (Amir Khan, Tony Jeffers, Robin Reid and James DeGale) make you feel special and a sense of privilege.”

A day full of action

The day was packed with action, including joint training, skill-building, and the chance to learn from some of the best boxers and coaches in the country.

Major Paul Skelton explained how important this experience is for the team: “1 LANCS have a good relationship with the current England senior team.

“The training conducted is a professional standard, this will provide confidence, technical improvement and, most of all, valuable training for the upcoming Army boxing events.

“Boxing in the Army is massive, it demonstrates ‘Esprit de Corps’ and all the core values expected for the British Army.”

Partnership matters

The partnership between Team GB and 1 LANCS has been a game-changer, not just for the Kingsmen’s boxing skills but also for their soldiering abilities.

Lance Corporal Alfie Evans said: “The training is really technical; it allows you to improve straightaway and instils confidence.”

England boxing coach John Hodkinson praised the Kingsmen for their hard work and dedication, saying: “The Army boxers are really aggressive, fit as fire, fight to the last bell and welcomed into places like this because of that reputation.

“They also recently helped with the international preparation for our current boxers and allowed the England seniors to win multiple golds in the recent European competitions.

“It’s a real privilege to have the 1 LANCS at GB, the team are always welcome. We have a special bond that is respected by all. It’s great to see the ‘Lions of England’ in the Lion’s Den.”