DUNOON Amateur Boxing Club’s Dani Bancks has been crowned the 2026 Under-17 Featherweight Robert Burns Box Cup champion.
The young boxer claimed the title by unanimous decision after a strong performance in the final against Dundee boxer Holly.
The Robert Burns Box Cup, held in Dumfries, welcomed more than 250 young boxers from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a weekend of grassroots amateur boxing.
The event is relatively new and is run by Anne Armstrong of Doonhammers, with the support of Boxing Scotland. Profits from the competition go towards the Armstrong Angel Foundation charity.
The box cup features both development and open categories, with Bancks competing in the open category.
It was the first time anyone from Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club had entered the event, and Bancks was determined to make the most of the opportunity.
Speaking about her preparations, she said she was ‘really excited’ to get back in the ring and felt ready for the challenge.
However, she was also recovering from a chest infection and had concerns about whether she would be able to maintain her energy throughout the bout.
She said: “I was worried about gassing out as I was getting over a chest infection but I had been training hard with Jordan and he finally got me running, albeit on the treadmill.
“I knew who I was facing in the final. I hadn’t ever fought her before but I had seen Holly fight and I knew she came from a good club in Dundee.
“I really wanted to do well and was determined to give it my best as my last box cup left me feeling rubbish as the whole trip didn’t go to plan.”
After warming up with coach Jordan, Bancks entered the ring feeling slightly nervous but relaxed.
She started strongly, landing a powerful jab before following it up with another jab and a three-punch combination.
The club said she remained focused throughout the opening round and returned to her corner knowing she had done enough to take it.
Bancks began to worry about her fitness as the contest progressed, but following a motivational talk from Jordan she returned to the ring and continued to use her jab and strong left hook to good effect.
The third round saw Bancks dig deep despite tiring, landing a series of clean punches and giving her opponent a count.
After the final bell, the two boxers exchanged a hug before waiting for the judges’ decision.
The decision was unanimous, with Bancks announced as the new 2026 Under-17 Featherweight Robert Burns Box Cup champion.
Bancks said: “The pause before they announce it seems like forever. I had my fingers crossed just hoping I had done it.
“I was delighted and so excited. I really wanted to win the belt and I couldn’t wait to tell people.”
Her next challenge will be an exhibition show in a couple of weeks, while she is also hoping to compete in another box cup before the end of the year.
A spokesperson for Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club said they were ‘just delighted’ with Bancks’ victory.
They added: “We are proud of our champ and she is a great example of continuously learning and getting back up and back in.”
The club is now preparing for a busy period, with five boxers entered for the development championships and no spare weekends over the next five weeks.
The club also thanked the local community, its members and sponsors for their continued support.
Its next boxer in action will be Connor Ramage, who travels to Aberdeen this weekend for the Cain Boxing home show.
