Sergeant Ben Baily – RAF Boxing Association Media Officer, RAF Referee/Judge and RAF Wittering Boxing OIC and Coach.
With almost 20 years of experience in boxing, Sgt Ben Baily attributes the swift advancement in his RAF career to the development of key transferable skills gained directly from his time in the boxing ring and being a member of the RAF Boxing Association.
Ben spoke to us about his journey, describing how he faced and overcame a challenging health diagnosis to remain in the ring and further his career, as well as the positive impact the Fund’s support has had on him.
“Having boxed since the age of twelve, I naturally gravitated towards the RAF Boxing Association (RAFBA) when I joined the RAF in 2012. After a couple of years competing with mixed success, I was diagnosed with a health condition that prevents my ability to pass a boxing medical test. However, I wasn’t ready to step away from the sport, so I threw myself into every other aspect I could, including coaching and officiating.
The organisational skills and attention to detail required in the world of officiating have translated directly into my primary role within the RAF, and I am certain I would not have advanced through the ranks this fast without RAF Boxing.
My greatest achievement to date is receiving a Chairman’s Commendation at the 2025 RAFBA Awards for my combined efforts with involvement in the association and my input as their Media Officer.
Earlier this month, I represented RAFBA as an official at the King of the Ring Box Cup in Sweden. On top of representing the RAF, I am also heavily involved in supporting my civilian region, East Midlands.
I am now hoping to progress within England Boxing Officiating, aiming towards national and international events while continuing to further my career in the RAF. I have also passed my Level 2 England Boxing Coaching Qualification and aim to earn my A Grades in judging and refereeing so I can represent England nationally as an official.
As well as having benefitted from Individual Sports Grants for new kit and the imminent gym renovation at RAF Wittering, funding from the RAF Central Fund has supported multiple RAF-hosted events and championships over the years, allowing me to officiate up to UKAF level.
The charity has also provided financial assistance to support national-level tournaments and numerous trips around the UK and overseas to further my ability.
I show my support by playing the Sports Lottery, which I have done since I joined the RAF. I very much appreciate the funding that my tickets help provide for myself and for the RAF Boxing Association as a whole, and I encourage anyone playing sport to consider supporting the lottery too.”
Sgt Baily’s story epitomises the power of RAF Sport in supporting and overcoming challenges. It demonstrates how developing skills in the arena of sport can lead to both personal and professional successes.
If you would like to get involved in boxing, please reach out to the RAF Boxing Association via Instagram @raf_boxing.
Read the second episode of this series to find about Cpl Arran Devine’s incredible journey: Cpl Arran Devine – Grassroots Grit to Glory – RAF Central Fund
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