Local boxer Danny Knee travelled across the Pennines for the Manchester Box Cup and returned with a gold medal from the tournament which had all the ingredients of a spectacular amateur boxing event. Boxers from home and abroad showed grit, determination and courage as they competed in 200 exhilarating amateur bouts. Many of the boxers will go on to join the professional ranks as Knee himself hopes to do.
Knee still lives in Havercroft, Wakefield, but trains at Golden Team gym in Hunslet. He’s now a qualified lawyer working in central Leeds having successfully completed his chartered legal executive apprenticeship. “The Manchester Box Cup is one of the most prestigious events on the amateur circuit. This was a proper challenge with the odds a bit stacked against me as I’d entered at under 75kg which is a class above my optimal weight.”
Knee made the trip to Leigh Leisure Centre with coach Paul Howard and on the first day delivered a composed, disciplined performance, blending sharp footwork with the kind of pressure that forces mistakes. “I felt confident that I belonged in that ring on that stage and was happy to get a clear win which earnt my place in the following day’s final.”
Returning less than 24 hours later, accompanied by coach Noel Wilders and Golden Team’s head trainer Padraic McDonagh, Knee looked even sharper. “The final demanded a different kind of fight. It was more physically demanding and more tactical,” explained McDonagh. “Danny boxed at a pace that tested both lungs and resolve. But the Golden Team boxer rose to it, showing his usual stubborn refusal to be bullied by naturally bigger men in the division. As the final bell rang, there was little doubt. Danny Knee had done it. Winner of the 75kg Manchester Box Cup.”
“I’m proud of the statement I’ve made,” said Knee. “For a boxer stepping up in weight in one of the toughest amateur tournaments, and coming out with gold, this is my best achievement yet. People commended me on performances showing maturity, ambition. I’ve improved in confidence since I’ve been training at Golden Team and I’ll hopefully get better known on the national amateur stage. This is a moment to savour.”
“I appreciate the ongoing support from Lync Boxing Academy and Able K9. Other potential sponsors can email me at Dannyknee123@gmail.com or message me on 07312 031782.
Golden Team is at 36 Whitehouse Street, LS10 1AD. Contact number is 07535 270306.
This post was written by James Bovington
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