Dai Gardner was born 28th February 1941. As a child he lived with his parents in Gelligaer. Dai Gardner went to Derwendeg Primary school where his grandchildren go today. He then went to the Secondary Modern school in Ystrad Mynach, now Lewis Girls School.
Dai always liked playing sports. He loved football. When he was 11 he began boxing.
Ganed Dai Gardner ar 28 Chwefror 1941. Yn blentyn roedd yn byw gyda'i rieni yng Ngelligaer. Aeth Dai Gardner i Ysgol Gynradd Derwendeg lle mae ei wyrion yn mynd heddiw. Yna aeth i'r Ysgol Uwchradd Fodern yn Ystrad Mynach, sydd bellach yn Ysgol Lewis i Ferched.
Roedd Dai bob amser yn hoffi chwarae chwaraeon. Roedd yn hoff iawn o bêl-droed. Pan oedd yn 11 oed dechreuodd baffio.
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
How old were you when you started boxing?
11
What age did you start coaching?
23
What countries have you visited for boxing competitions?
America, Russia, Africa, South Africa, Australia, all over Europe
Which professional boxers have you trained?
Lauren Price, Steve Robson
Did you have a special diet?
Very strict about what was eaten when training
What are your favourite foods?
Chips
What is your favourite colour?
Red for Man United or Blue
Which football team do you support?
Man u & Cardiff City
What rugby team do you support?
Wales