Boxers from Golden Team gym in Hunslet are well known for putting on exciting, entertaining shows well attended by enthusiastic local spectators and the latest event held at Belle Isle WMC was no exception.
Danny Knee has trained with Golden Team for three years and continues to build an amateur fight record which could possibly propel him into the professional ranks. “I was delighted to get the win over an experienced boxer from Leicester and especially so as it was by unanimous decision in what was clearly a closely fought and well-matched bout.”
Twenty-four-year-old Knee commutes from his Wakefield home to Leeds where he works as a fully qualified legal executive. Those attending saw him consistently dominate from the centre throughout and answer everything that his skilled and experienced opponent threw at him. “Boxing’s about showcasing skills and avoiding getting hit. IT’s now brawling although supporters like to see that their man can be tough and knows how to fight. The best boxers develop a high boxing IQ leading them to adapt to an opponent’s style and avoid his shots while placing effective shots of their own. This is above all what I’m keen to prove I can do.”
Rothwell’s Jack Dawson has been training at Golden Team for 18 months and was proud to win his first bout of three two-minute rounds. “I got the win by split decision. I had to work for it. I found the fight intense,” explained Jack, 23, who studies at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. “I started boxing as a hobby and it’s grown from there and now I have the confidence to show what I can do in front of over 200 people. I’ll see where it takes me but yes, I’m excited to fight again.”
Golden Team led by chief coach Padraic McDonagh introduces children to the competitive sport through exhibition bouts allowing boxers to display techniques learnt without anxiety about the result. William Littlewood, 12, and Kevin Twomey, 13, hope that their next match will be for a decision. “William is ready to step up,” said dad Stuart. “He’s been training for two years at Golden Team for two years and we’re proud of how well he boxes and his respect for opponents.” Kevin is “keen to win bouts like my older brother Sean.”
Amayah-Rose Walters, 12, won her bout and was awarded the boxer of the show trophy.
This post was written by James Bovington
Main photo: Danny Knee (centre) with Coaches Paul Howard and Noel Wilders (right).
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