Media Man Dan's Bid for Boxing Glory
An Epsom boxer is on the hunt for titles while winning accolades outside the ring as one of the UK’s best social media stars. Dan Morley’s boxing videos have become must-watch for his near half a million strong following of sports fans and A-list celebrities.
Ironically, the unbeaten 27-year-old built his impressive boxing profile after taking a two-year hiatus from competing. The stylish welterweight returned with a bang in July, stopping his opponent in less than a minute of round one. He’s now determined to get the big fights, while continuing his expanding media portfolio.
“I need two or three fights and then I’m into title fights,” Dan explained. “I’m eyeing the English title soon – certainly in the next year to 18 months. I’d like to pick up the Southern Area title first.
“A couple of years ago, I was burned out with fights falling through. I was training non-stop for three years, so I ended up taking a break. Then I turned my attention to learning more about the history of the sport and creating videos online. In turn, that built my social media following which has given me a large platform for my returning fights.
“Opportunities have come from it now – different boxing projects, punditry, journalism so I’m fully integrated in the boxing world in many ways.”
Those opportunities have included Dan travelling several times to resorts in the Maldives and Switzerland to train the rich and famous in the noble art. He hosts his own podcast, writes for boxing publications, and continues to create unique content.
“It’s incredible really. I started making videos in my bedroom because I’m such a boxing fan and it was a way of learning more about the history of the sport and different boxing styles. It’s a genuine passion and in turn it’s drawn eyes to me. It’s just kind of happened naturally. It’s just a great way to build on the knowledge I already had.
“It’s also been unbelievable the amount of top fighters who follow my page. I’ve just had Antonio Tarver slag me off! James Toney telling me I’m a mug! Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leanard follow me, and Roy Jones Jr gave me a shoutout ahead of my last fight. It’s crazy really.
“Snoop Dog follows me and I’ve also become friendly with Jackass star Johnny Knoxville who jumped on my podcast. We send messages to each other a couple of times a month. It’s all about boxing because he loves boxing.”
Whilst Dan’s media work is booming, it isn’t distracting from his main goal – winning titles. A minor arm injury prevented him from fighting in September, but with a record of nine fights and nine wins, he plans to box at least once before Christmas and then step things up next year.
Dan is also keen to raise the boxing profile of his hometown. Speaking exclusively to Freebets.com, he said. “Epsom is the perfect boxing base. I live right next to Epsom Downs Racecourse. I’d love to fight there, it’s a great venue. “It’s a boxing town now. There are great hills for training – Box Hill is just on the doorstep - and there are four amateur gyms coming though with so many kids boxing. And Jimmy White lives here, what more do you want!”
The ‘Whirlwind’ of snooker may have little to do with boxing, but he’s certainly not the only sporting star Epsom can be proud of.