AFTER a spate of comments on Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club’s (DABC) social media which were deemed to have been misogynistic in nature, the club took action – banning the person from their page.
Since then, the club has moved to put forward a positive message for women’s boxing and sport, as the Cowal club continues to thrive.
Speaking to this newspaper, a spokesperson for DABC said: “Unfortunately there’s still a stigma attached and as a club we are here to promote and support that change – everyone should be able to box and take part.”
Some of the comments appeared to aimed at teenager, Dani Bancks, who has been making waves nationally and representing the club with aplomb.
The club added: “We are proud of Dani and she will continue to progress, motivate and inspire other girls in the sport.
“We were shocked and disappointed as such a negative comments, then comments became insulting to all females and we had no choice but to ban the individual from the page.
“Dani came to us as a very shy 13-year-old who had little to no confidence and look at her now. What a confident lovely young lady and you wont find anyone that says anything different, she was even awarded the Young Persons Community Champion Award.
“Not only is she a great example for women in the sport, she was our first female boxer and that will remain in club history. Dani has achieved so much in the last year: two-time Scottish champion, two-time box cup champion, a silver medal Championship, two-time Silver Box Cup medallist and many show wins. “She is our most accomplished boxer, proving that females do belong in the sport.
“As a female in sport she has helped put Dunoon ABC in the spotlight in the community, and with Boxing Scotland.”
Females are involved in many aspects of boxing at the club, not just as fighters but coaching, officials, judges and referees, offering great variation in opportunities for women.
On the comments, Dani Bancks added: “The positives I have gotten from boxing outweigh the odd negative comment.
“It’s important as females that we promote women in the sport so they know that we can do what we want, we have that choice and we are made to feel welcome and comfortable.
“I am aware boxing is unpopular with girls, but they should really give it a go – it’s great for protection, fitness, confidence and it is so much fun.”
