Full Blues for the CUABC team

Cambridge University Amateur Boxing Club

By Jenny Ridge 3min read

As one of the original nine Full Blue Sports at Cambridge, the return of Varsity boxing (post covid) has been highly anticipated at both universities. This year, Cambridge University Amateur Boxing Club had a ‘massive win’ in the 114th Varsity held in their Dark Blue rival’s home turf of Oxford on Friday 10 March and were all awarded their full Blues.

The Cambridge University Amateur Boxing Club (CUABC) is one of the toughest and most prestigious sports teams in Cambridge. Each season, around 250 men and women compete for one of the coveted 12 places on the Varsity Team. The annual Varsity Match against Oxford University Amateur Boxing Club (OUABC) is the longest-running inter-club amateur boxing fixture in the world, and the inaugural Women's Varsity Match took place in the Oxford Town Hall in 2016.

The foundations of the modern rules of boxing were created at Cambridge University, and CUABC is one of the world's oldest amateur boxing clubs. Its alumni include world leaders, professional athletes, artists and academics.

We spoke to Emil Ares, Homerton student and part of the winning squad on the day, to find out a bit more about the sport.

How long have you been boxing and how did you get into the sport?

I've been passionately pursuing boxing for over four exhilarating years. My journey began the summer before arriving at Cambridge when I was learning BJJ but had never tried boxing. At the freshers fair, I encountered CUABC, a team filled with warm, driven individuals who immediately felt like family. I had never sparred before trials, making it quite an adventure! The coaches recognised my raw, aggressive potential, and I was honoured to become the only fresher to make the blues squad that year.

What are the benefits of boxing and the boxing community?

Boxing offers more than just physical fitness; it's a journey of self-discovery. Initially, you'll see rapid improvements in your cardiovascular health, but soon, you'll realise the true challenge lies in the mental aspect. How far can you push yourself during training? Can you maintain a strict diet and come back stronger after a tough session? Are you committed to showing up 6-7 days a week? Your love for the team and the supportive community will keep you coming back for more.

Does it have a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing?

Absolutely! There's nothing more invigorating than transitioning from a long day in the library to an intense training session. It's an incredible stress-reliever and confidence-builder.

Does it have a positive impact on your studies? Has it taught you any valuable life lessons?

Boxing has taught me that excelling in multiple areas simultaneously can be challenging. If your sole aim is to top tripos, competitive boxing might not be the best fit. However, if you're looking to build character, boxing is unparalleled. As they say, you can play other sports, but you can't play boxing.

What would be your advice to someone who wanted to give boxing a go?

Take the leap and step into the ring! We want to see your heart and passion—boxing technique can be refined over time. If you're ready to become part of the greatest team at Cambridge, don't hesitate to give it a shot. Please feel free to email me at eja65@cam.ac.uk if you have any questions, I’d be my pleasure to help you. 

Your journey awaits!

You can also find out more on the Cambridge University Amateur Boxing Club website here

Photo credit: Anthony Sajdler capture the victorious CUABC team on 10 March