FORMER Torbay boxer Shaun Mullen won his bout to help his battalion into the final of the British Army Championships in Germany.

Rifleman Mullen, 22 helped his team from 5th Battalion The Rifles defeat The 1st Battalion the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment with a points decision over Private Jack Thompson.

For 5 Rifles, who will now compete in the final in February next year, there was extra spice to the match as both they and 1PWRR are based with 20th Armoured Brigade in the north German town of Paderborn.

Shaun, who joined the Army in 2008 has served in Denmark and Canada training for a potential deployment to Afghanistan.

He said: "Winning proves that all the hard training you put in works out in the end. The more you put in, the more you get out."

Mullen, who comes from Brixham, started boxing as a youngster with Paignton ABC in 2006 then moved to Torbay ABC before joining the Army in 2008.

Boxing is one of the most popular sports for soldiers because it helps them maintain high fitness levels and promotes discipline.

The amateur contest, with each bout consisting of three two-minute rounds, took place under international rules and was overseen by a fully trained referee and additional judges, medical and support staff.

Shaun's fight was part of a great night of boxing which included mostly novice fighters ranging from featherweight to heavyweight, with 5 Rifles narrowly winning the match 5-4. They will now go on to fight against 7 Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps in the final.