Marc West gets a ringside seat for a punchy Oxford tradition, which has some murky roots

On this day in 1355, Oxford was licking its wounds following a heated skirmish on the corner of St Aldate’s.

Two undergraduates Walter Spryngeheuse and Roger de Chesterfield assaulted the landlord of the Swindlestock Tavern and sparked a two-day riot between citizens and students.

Over 650 years later the events of The Battle of St Scholastica Day still resonate in the annuls of the city’s civic history, but thankfully that kind of tension between Town and Gown has waned. However, once a year the fittest from each community challenge each other once more for a head-to-head bout – in the ring.

Founded in 1881, Oxford University Amateur Boxing Club is steeped in a proud and illustrious history – one it’s prepared to fiercely defend against us townies.

The annual sold-out spectacle sees each side vying for victory – both on home turf. Despite the sub-zero temperatures inside the Union’s world-famous debating chamber, the heat was rising, tension mounting and adrenalin pumping. The noble art has always fascinated yet frightened me in equal measure, but as the evening’s contenders walked-on to the sound of the Rocky theme tune I got the eye of the tiger.

In the blue corner is the dark hue of the University’s finest, while our home-grown underdogs square up by the opposing red half of the ropes.

A ding of the bell and we’re under way for the toughest three minutes of action I’ve ever seen – by the fairer sex, no less. Their furious flurry of fists set the tone for an evening of serious sporting endeavour.

Floating like butterflies and stinging like bees they slug it out round after round to defend their honour. In this bastion of free speech it’s not (often) encouraged to let your fists do the talking. On this particular occasion, ayes and noes don’t count – it’s points that mean prizes.

Heading the bill was this year’s OUABC men’s captain Matthew McFahn, from Jesus College, who looked to close the show in style against visitor Leo Swinfen. The skipper had to give away a noticeable disadvantage – despite being taller, it was clear he had much less weight on him. Not to be discouraged he managed to pick up a split decision, but it wasn’t enough.

The end result was a 2-4 victory for the Town, leaving the Dark Blues drowning their sorrows in the Union bar well into the small hours and no doubt nursing sore heads – in more ways than one – at their following morning’s lectures. Needless to say, a form of rivalry between scholars and townsfolk will almost certainly continue to rage for centuries to come.

If you fancy catching some of the action be sure to get your tickets in advance for this year’s Varsity match on March 5. Contenders from England’s two oldest academic institutions will come together for the 109th time to compete in the oldest inter-club event in the world.

Taking place at Oxford Town Hall, both Blues will lock horns once more – with the local lads and ladies looking to resume their previous winning streak of five in a row. Visit ouabc.com