TWO MEMBERS of Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club (DABC) are preparing to take on some of the world’s toughest competition as they head to Bolton for the inaugural Global Glove Box Cup next weekend.
The new international tournament, held on November 29 and 30, has already attracted more than 400 entries from across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Jersey and America, among others, making it one of the most competitive multi-nation events on the amateur boxing calendar.
Winners in each division will walk away with a special prize – a pair of exclusive golden world champion gloves.
For Dunoon’s own Dani Bancks and Ryan Barbour, the challenge is as exciting as it is unpredictable.
As the event is fully open, the pair could face any opponent of any experience level, and organisers are keeping match-ups secret until after weigh-ins to prevent late withdrawals – something Dani has already faced three times in recent months.
Dani, who only turned 15 in September, will compete in the Junior Featherweight (under-17) division, meaning she may come up against older and more seasoned boxers.
Ryan, meanwhile, enters the Senior Bantamweight category for fighters aged 19 and over.
Despite the uncertainty, both athletes have been training relentlessly at the DABC gym.
Ryan has continued his daily 5k runs, while Dani has been balancing an intense schedule of volunteering with Poppy Scotland, taking part in remembrance parades and poppy collections with the cadets – all while studying for school exams.
Even with this workload, she has not missed a single training session.
Preparation has been full-on for both fighters: high-protein meals, strict weight management, and three training sessions a week at the club, combined with regular travel for sparring.
Head coach Jordan has been providing one-to- one pad work, monitoring their weight, and checking in regularly to ensure both boxers are physically sharp and mentally ready.
Regardless of the outcome, both fighters are already eyeing their next major test – the Scottish Intermediate Championships in January.
Dani will take some time off in December to sit her exams before shifting focus to that event.
Everyone at Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club sends their best wishes to both competitors as they head
south to represent Dunoon on the global stage.
The club added: “All at DABC wish them well in the global glove box cup and would be delighted if they came home with the golden world champion gloves! However every fight gives worth and value and if not this time there is always next year
