The Golden Gloves is widely regarded as the most prestigious and premier boxing event in Scotland – an unrestricted open class competition where only the very best in the country step through the ropes. Winners are crowned the undisputed Scottish champions.
For Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club’s rising star Dani Bancks, just reaching the final in the featherweight Junior Under-17 category was a huge achievement. Standing in the opposite corner was a confident and talented opponent – and a previous Golden Gloves champion.
What followed was three fiercely contested rounds.
Dani said: “It was a great three rounds.
“I felt I started good and finished well but feel there was more I could have done. I could feel my arms tiring which was frustrating as I have trained a lot harder and sparred longer than the fight so I don’t know why. Despite this I thought I had done enough.
“I was landing my jab, listening to Jordan in the corner. I knew it was close, I knew I could have done better but I thought I took it. I really wanted to win this for the club and for Jordan as winning would mean competing in the British Championships for Boxing Scotland.”
When the result was announced as a 3-2 split decision – the closest margin possible – the tension was palpable.
“When they first announced it, I knew it could go either way,” Dani said. “But when they announced the red corner won I was so gutted that I was so, so close to getting it and I didn’t – especially as I thought I could have done better.
“I felt so disappointed in myself. I felt I had let so many people down. However, Jordan quickly assured me he was so proud of me.”
If there was heartbreak in the immediate aftermath, it was quickly softened by a remarkable show of faith from Boxing Scotland.
Dani continued: “At the medal presentation Boxing Scotland issued me with an invite to come along and try out with them to be on the Scottish team and fight in the British Championships. I am delighted they still invited me – although I didn’t win and I am excited to go in April.”
On her achievement, a spokesperson for Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club added: “We are beyond proud of Dani – she will always be our champ.
“She has worked really hard, training up to five nights a week including travelling for sparring twice a week. She is a talented and determined girl and will go far in the sport.
“The community has really got behind the club and we are thrilled with the support Dani and our other boxers receive. Dani has become a little celebrity in Dunoon and we have had a few more girls sign up just because of Dani – they come wanting to meet her.
“We are delighted, amazed and proud of what Dani has achieved so far in her 18 months of fighting and this year we know there will be a lot more medals and achievements to come so keep an eye out for her.
“We are overjoyed she has been given this opportunity with Boxing Scotland and know she would be a great representative.”
At just 15, and with two and a half years in the sport by the time she moves up, Dani is already looking ahead. Next year she will step into the Under-19 Youth category – another step up in class and experience.
“I am determined to win the Golden Gloves one day, so fingers crossed.
“I just need to work even harder and do more. I miss the pool and the PT sessions at Hunters Quay so need to find an alternative to increase my explosive power and cardio. Jordan quite rightly is telling me to do roadwork but to be honest I just hate running – but know I am going to have to.”
Despite the narrow defeat, Dani’s maturity and determination shine through – along with her gratitude: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Jordan for all he does for me and to everyone at the club and community for all their support.
“A big thank you to my sponsors Ferguslie Garage and Josimo Studio and the club sponsors C&S Contractors and Fyne Raja Restaurant.”
She may have missed out on the Golden Gloves title by the finest of margins, but Dani Bancks has already proven she belongs among Scotland’s elite.
