Boxing Career

Dai Gardner began boxing in 1953. He was noticed for his talent and was trained by Eddie Thomas in Merthyr. He was very committed and it would take him 3 bus journeys to get to Merthyr for his training sessions. 

Dai Gardner took part in 5 fights in 1963 and won 4 of them. 

At the age of 22 Dai lost his first Boxing fight. He suffered an injury when his opponents thumb hit his eye and gave him a detached retina. He spent a tough 6 weeks in hospital where he was not allowed to move. 

After recovering from his injury he began his career as a boxing coach. He still coaches today in the gym in Gellygaer.

Dai Gardner has trained many professional boxers. His training career was very affected by the death of one of the boxers he trained. In 1980 Jonny Owen, also known as the 'The Matchstick Man' fought a final, fatal fight against Lupe Pintor. "I carry Johnny in my heart all the time, I always think of that fight," said Gardiner. "Every year at the time of the anniversary I go to his grave."

Here is some information about Dai Gardner's fights:

https://www.johnnyowen.com/Recs/We/dai_gardner.html