DUNOON boxer Dani Bancks is set to represent Scotland at the upcoming Four Nations Championships after a remarkable week that saw her earn a surprise national team call-up before claiming gold at the King of the North Box Cup in Aberdeen.
The talented youngster had previously seen her hopes of a Scotland place disrupted when illness forced her to withdraw from the national trials. However, that disappointment has now been put firmly behind her after Boxing Scotland invited her to a special assessment at the national Performance Centre in Glasgow.
The call came as a surprise at the start of last week, with Boxing Scotland keen to take a closer look at the Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club prospect after she thought she missed her chance with illness earlier in the year.
Dani underwent a series of assessments including sparring, bag work and fitness testing, impressing coaches throughout the day.
She said: “I was so excited to be asked and couldn’t believe I was invited.
“I thought that opportunity had passed after missing the official trials.
“On the day I was very nervous but determined to give it everything I had.”
The hard work paid off when Dani learned she had been selected to join the Scotland squad and represent her country at the Four Nations Championships.
She added: “I couldn’t stop smiling, I just wanted to tell everyone who was important to me and all my friends.
“I am excited to be part of it and wear the Scotland strip, but also nervous as the girls I will be fighting will be the best each nation has. I will try my best and hope to bring a medal home to Dunoon.”
The celebrations didn’t stop there as Dani travelled to Aberdeen at the weekend to compete in the King of the North Box Cup, where she faced the reigning champion in the final – the same boxer who had denied her gold earlier this year at the Golden Gloves Championships.
Carrying the confidence of her Scotland selection, Dani stepped into the ring determined to reverse the result.
The pair produced three exciting rounds of high-quality boxing. Dani used her jab and movement effectively in the opening round before both boxers showcased their skills in a closely contested second. As temperatures rose inside the venue, the third round became a test of determination and fitness, with both competitors continuing to exchange punches right to the final bell.
When the decision was announced, Dani’s arm was raised in victory.
The relief and joy was clear to see as she celebrated with coach Jordan before collecting her gold medal and being crowned Junior Featherweight King of the North Box Cup Open Champion.
On her win, she said: “I was just so relieved I did it.
“I knew last time I had more to give and was so disappointed. I felt the pressure more than normal for this fight as I wanted to win so bad. Jordan and I had been working so hard for this and I wanted the win for us. He does so much for me and sacrifices so much.
“I am so excited and delighted to have won.
“Now I have to focus on the Four Nations, so it will be non-stop training. I am away training with Boxing Scotland this weekend, which means I have to miss the Global Box Cup in Bolton, but to be part of the Scottish team it is so worth it.”
Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club has hailed Dani’s achievements and believe her success highlights the progress being made both by the boxer and the club.
A spokesperson said: “We are just so proud of everything Jordan, Dani and the club have achieved and are overwhelmed by the support we have received.
“Dani’s first fight was in October 2024, just 19 months ago, and already she has achieved so much.”
Among her achievements are two Scottish novice titles, three Box Cup championships, two Scottish National Championship silver medals, two Box Cup silver medals and numerous victories on the show circuit.
Her Scotland call-up is another significant milestone, making her the first female boxer from Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club to represent Scotland.
The club added: “Dani is the club’s first female boxer, first female champion, the club’s first ever Box Cup champion and now the first to make the Scottish team. We hope she is the first of many.
“Proud is an understatement of how we all feel about her at the club.
“We have our hard work cut out now [to be] ready for the Four Nations. However, as always, win or lose, we are proud of her. This is an amazing achievement and opportunity.
“We have many talented boxers and are going from strength to strength.”
Dani also thanked those who have helped her along the way, including everyone at DABC and the wider Dunoon community.
She gave special thanks to Argyll Botany for a gift which helped her relax and get some much-needed rest, her personal sponsors Ferguslie Garage and Josimo Studios, club sponsors C&S Contractors and Fyne Raja Restaurant, and the Observer for its continued support of the club.
She concluded: “Without everyone’s support, opportunities like this would not be available to the boxers.”
