Boxing Punchlines: Danny Costello

Danny Costello. From Nuneaton, aged 23. Record 2-1

When and why did you start boxing?

I was always on and off as a child, but properly started when I was 14. Originally, I started with MMA but quickly realised I was a lot stronger with my hands. I went to Boxing Clever Academy where I met Lee Spare and have never looked back.

Tell me about your amateur debut?

Like anyone would say, having your first bout in the ring is a very nerve-racking experience, but it was at that point I realised this is all I want to do. Today, I still remember the words my coach said to me on my debut: “This is just the start of your boxing career.”

What was your amateur highlight and most memorable bout?

My highlight has to be a bout from the championships. I came up against former national champ Nick Leahy. Nick had three times as many bouts as me at the time and was the previous year’s national champion, so beating him was a good way of getting recognised for the talent I had at such an early stage in my boxing career. Me and Nick put on a highly skilled bout, which everyone who was there will tell you. They said that’s something you would expect in a national final.

How did you find the transition from amateur to pro?

I prefer the pro ranks, they’re a lot calmer, there’s no rushing around. Sometimes in the amateurs, there’s you and 10 others from the club. As a pro, it’s nice to be able to just relax without all the madness going on around you pre-fight.

Tell me about your professional debut?

I just went out and enjoyed it. You only get one pro debut, so I made the most of it. I had a tough opponent for my first fight, but I showed skill and class to win every round and show boxing fans what I’m about and that I have a big, exciting future ahead of me in the sport.

Professional highlight

My highlight so far is competing in the Top Boxer tournament (at Planet Ice, Solihull). Coming up against undefeated boxers so early in a career is very risky, but, again, I proved in that tournament I’m definitely a name people need to keep an eye on. (Danny reached the semis, losing on points to eventual tournament winner Kirk Stevens).

What’s next?

I’m a stylish, skilful boxer who sells tickets and brings the atmosphere to a show. I’m sure, sooner rather than later, the big TV contracts will be coming my way.

What’s the best advice you can give a young boxer?

Consistency, hard-work and discipline. Those three will lead to success in anything you want to achieve, not just boxing. Work hard and the results will come. You only get out of things what you put in.

Interview by DEREK FITZPATRICK

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