Fundamentals prove effective for Dragoon boxing champ

Photo By Capt. Ellen Brabo | Sgt. Branden Manibusan, Quickstrike Troop, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment has been training in jui jitsu, taekwondo, Muay Thai, judo and boxing for nearly a decade. His dedication to honing his skills paid off when Manibusan was named the Light Heavyweight Champion during a three-round bout, winning with a technical knockout in the third round during the St. Patrick’s Day Boxing Invitational hosted by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program at the Memorial Fitness Center at Rose Barracks, Germany, March 17, 2018.  

VILSECK, BY, GERMANY

05.07.2018

Story by 1st Lt. Ellen Brabo 

2d Cavalry Regiment

For nearly a decade, Sgt. Branden Manibusan, Quickstrike Troop, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, has been training in jiu jitsu, taekwondo, Muay Thai, judo and boxing. After spending numerous hours in the gym, working to better his technique and endurance, Manibusan found an opportunity to put his skills to the test during the St. Patrick’s Day Boxing Invitational hosted by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program at the Memorial Fitness Center at Rose Barracks, Germany, March 17, 2018.

With less than 90 days in the European theater under his belt, Manibusan was eager for the opportunity to participate in a boxing tournament at his new duty station. Having enlisted in the U.S. Army with the ambition of earning a spot on the All-Army Boxing team, he was sure to seize the chance to secure a spot in the ring.

Typically a competitor weighing in at 163-pounds would compete in the middleweight class. However, due to the need to increase the number of participants in the light heavyweight division, Manibusan was bumped up during registration. Regardless of the change, he was not nervous walking into the ring for his first recorded fight since joining the U.S. Army.

“I have the mind set of always winning the fight no matter who it is,” said Manibusan. “I will go against guys that are 200 [pounds] and always think that I am going to win. I never prepare for a fight thinking that there’s anything that is going to make me lose.”

Manibusan’s nose began to bleed and the fatigue began to set in as he moved into the second round. His opponent continued to throw numerous punches, but Manibusan was determined to only throw a punch if he was sure it would be a clean shot.

Regardless of the challenges, Manibusan maintained his composure, relying on his footwork and his knowledge of the fundamentals of boxing.

“His skills and his fundamentals really came through in that fight,” shared Sgt. Eric Creamer, Quickstrike TRP, 4/2CR.

His dedication to honing his skills paid off when Manibusan was named the Light Heavyweight Champion during a three-round bout, winning with a technical knockout in the third round.

“There was a moment when I had shouldered him and his back hit the ropes,” said Manibusan. “Once his back hit the ropes, I saw his hands go out. At that moment I threw a perfect straight [punch] and that’s what wobbled his legs and stopped the fight.”

Soldiers from Quickstrike Troop maintained a strong, vocal presence throughout the invitational.

“It honestly blew my mind how many people showed up just because they knew I was boxing,” shared Manibusan.

Many of these Soldiers, having been inspired by Manibusan’s dedication to training, have begun joining him during training sessions after work.

“When someone has such a drive for something they want, it just sucks other people in to it,” explained Creamer.

Over the coming months, Manibusan, plans to train with a coach he was introduced to during the invitational in order to continue to improve his skillset and expand his knowledge regarding the fundamentals of boxing.

“I always tell my [Soldiers] if there’s something that you want to do and you have dreams or goals, no matter how in the clouds it seems, if you go for it and really try, there’s no stopping you,” said Manibusan.

• Date Taken: 05.07.2018
• Date Posted: 05.07.2018 14:13
• Story ID: 275993
• Location: VILSECK, BY, DE